After a lengthy battle with cancer, OSF HealthCare announced their president of 18 years, Sister Diane Marie McGrew, died Sunday.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Man reportedly shot on Bloomington’s west side Sunday
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – A person was shot late Sunday afternoon on Bloomington’s west side, according to local authorities. The Bloomington Police Department dispatched officers to the 300 block of Erickson Avenue for a report of shots fired around 5:20 p.m. Officers began their investigation once on the scene, and located a 26 year…… MORE
Local non-profits joining forces to better care for community
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Lifelong Access announced a partnership on Monday with Chestnut Health Systems and the Regional Office of Education. The partnership would provide a coordinated, one-stop support service in a revitalized space in greater downtown Bloomington. Brian Wipperman is the CEO of Lifelong Access, and he broke the news to WJBC’s Scott…… MORE
McLean County Health Department’s mobile unit is on the move
The McLean County Health Department’s mobile unit made a stop in Lexington last week.… MORE
Special Olympics to begin Summer Games this weekend
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The chase for the gold begins at Hancock Stadium this weekend. The Special Olympics start their Summer Games off Friday with more than 3,000 athletes and Unified partners participating in the the three-day event at Illinois State University. Athletes will compete in a variety of events including athletics, traditional and unified bocce, powerlifting,…… MORE
Miller Park Zoo celebrating 133 years with birthday bash this Saturday
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – On Saturday, join the Miller Park Zoo for its 133rd birthday celebration. The birthday party also lands on World Oceans Day. In conjunction with the ocean’s theme, the Illinois MerPod will be present to talk about ocean conservation. Silvia Schuh, the zoo’s events and volunteer coordinator, said it’s an honor for the zoo…… MORE
Over a hundred libraries across the state receive a total of $2M to expand technology
More than one hundred libraries in Illinois are in for a total of $2 million in grants to enhance and expand their technology.… MORE
Bloomington man accused of possessing hundreds of grams of cocaine
A Bloomington man stands accused of multiple Class X felonies for allegedly having a large amount of cocaine.… MORE
Rivian introduces the second generation of its flagship vehicles
By WMBD-TV and Jake Fogal NORMAL – Rivian Automotive introduced the second generation of its R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck on Thursday. According to Rivian, the vehicles have been completely reengineered through hardware improvements and performance upgrades. The vehicles maintain their iconic design but will have new motor configurations, design elements, and trim and…… MORE
Police investigating shots fired incident in Bloomington Wednesday
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Police received several calls Wednesday night for shots fired west of the downtown area. BPD officers responded to the 1000 block of West Front Street, and confirmed that gunshots had occurred in the area. There were no injuries or property damage reported as a result of this incident. The…… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…