Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Normal Community remains unbeaten; tops Peoria High in Week 4 shootout

Normal Community remains unbeaten; tops Peoria High in Week 4 shootout

By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Ironmen have not only survived the gauntlet through four weeks of the regular season, but instead have proven that they belong at the top after defeating Peoria High in Week 4 63-42. The Ironmen are up to 4-0 on the season and have also added wins over Sacred Heart…MORE

Sorensen, LaHood discuss budget, potential government shutdown

Sorensen, LaHood discuss budget, potential government shutdown

By WMBD-TV PEORIA – As legislators return to Capitol Hill for the new fall session, the top item on the agenda is passing the budget to avoid a government shutdown. If Congress does not pass a budget by Sept. 30, the government effectively runs out of money and will be at a standstill. This means…MORE

Lawmakers pushing to bring new IRS facility to Bloomington, bringing new jobs

Lawmakers pushing to bring new IRS facility to Bloomington, bringing new jobs

By Blake Haas BLOOMINGTON – New jobs could be coming to the twin cities with a new Internal Revenue Service facility. This week, U.S. Representatives Eric Sorensen and Jan Schakowsky joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin in a letter to the IRS supporting a new taxpayer correspondence print and mail management facility in Bloomington. According to…MORE

Illinois State partners with search firm for next University president

Illinois State partners with search firm for next University president

By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Board of Trustees at Illinois State University is teaming up with Parker Executive Search as the hiring and consulting firm to assist with a nationwide search for the University’s 21st President. The company will receive $110,000 in compensation, plus expenses, to assist the University’s search and screening committee in…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…