The Bloomington-Normal NAACP is denouncing the death of Tyre Nichols – an African-American man – at the hands of five African-American police officers in Memphis, Tennessee.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
More voices against the assault weapons ban
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A southern Illinois sheriff, who says it’s unconstitutional for him to enforce Illinois’ new assault weapons ban, says emphasis on mental health works. And if the question is whether public leaders will pony up the money needed for it, Crawford County’s William Rutan says – it’s already being done. “I…… MORE
Garage fire Thursday on Bloomington’s east side
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Crews were called for a garage fire Thursday afternoon on Bloomington’s east side. Authorities responded around 2:30 p.m. to the 1900 block of Woodbine Road. When crews arrived, they found smoke and fire coming from the garage. Authorities say the fire was contained to the garage, was quickly put out,…… MORE
Illinois State University fraternity suspended due to code of conduct violations
By 25 News NORMAL – An Illinois State University social fraternity is under disciplinary suspension through December 31, 2025, and must request to be reinstated before it will be allowed to return to campus. Illinois State University Spokesman Eric Jome says the suspension for the Kappa Sigma Fraternity is related to a vandalism last fall, violating numerous…… MORE
Illinois Republicans fear there could be another proposed graduated income tax
Remember the proposed graduated income tax in Illinois? Republicans fear there will be another try at it.… MORE
Illinois Comptroller pays off federal COVID-19 unemployment insurance loan
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is making good on a $4.5 billion federal loan used to help the state get through the pandemic. The loan helped shore up the state’s unemployment insurance fund, which was rapidly being depleted as so many people were out of work. Mendoza says this will save…… MORE
Accumulating snow expected across central Illinois Wednesday
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Central Illinoisans who like their snow heavy and wet should be in for a treat Wednesday. The National Weather Service Monday said snow accumulating 4-6 inches should begin just after midnight Wednesday, continuing in earnest until mid-morning. Meteorologist Ed Shimon said winds should not be a factor, but the accumulating…… MORE
Bloomington turns down hiring Washington lobbyist as debate includes verbal dig at Normal
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council shot down a proposal Monday night to hire a Washington lobbying firm that city staffers believe would have brought home more federal dollars from the new Congress. The council voted 5-4 against paying Thorn Run Partners $270,000 over three years. The debate that led to the vote included…… MORE
High bond for local man accused of 2021 attempted sexual assault in Normal
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington man is being held on $200,000 bond for sexual attack against a woman in July of 2021. Jayden Mitchell, 23, is charged with two counts of attempted criminal sexual assault and a less serious charge of criminal sexual abuse for an attack that happened July 17, 2021 in…… MORE
Coroner identifies victim of crash in rural McLean County
By Neil Doyle MCLEAN COUNTY – Coroner Kathy Yoder has identified the victim of a fatal crash Friday in rural McLean County. Conner McHale, 29, of Normal was pronounced dead after a two car crash on Route 24 at McLean County 2480 East, between Gridley and Chenoa. Preliminary autopsy results indicate McHale died from multiple…… 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…