Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Police investigating shots fired incident in Bloomington Wednesday

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

Heartland Community College unveils Dobski Family Plaza

Heartland Community College unveils Dobski Family Plaza

By WJBC Staff NORMAL – A new gathering space at Heartland Community College has been named for prominent community leaders and friends of the college. According to a news release, the Dobski Family Plaza is named for donors Bob and Julie Dobski, whose financial contribution to the project made the space possible. The plaza was unveiled…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…