A proposal from the Chicago Bears could put taxpayers on the hook for billions of dollars to build a new domed stadium. … MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Last of four defendants sentenced in case tied to attempted theft of guns across Central Illinois
The last of four defendants, who conspired to steal guns from stores in LeRoy, Lincoln Decatur, and Bloomington, was sentenced this week.… MORE
A Bloomington snow leopard will soon have a new home
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – One of the snow leopards from the Miller Park Zoo will soon have a new home. According to the city of Bloomington, Shree, a female snow leopard, will leave Miller Park Zoo on May 24 and arrive at Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary in Imlay, Nevada on May 25. The recommendation to move Shree…… MORE
Two charged in connection with shots fired incident in Normal nearly two years ago
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Two people appeared in court this week on weapons charges stemming from an incident nearly two years ago in Normal, the police department announced. Eric L. Clark-Phifer and Demetrius D. Moore, both 32 and both from Bloomington, stand charged in McLean County Circuit Court with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon…… MORE
Woodford County Board approves non-sanctuary status
By WMBD-TV WOODFORD COUNTY – The Woodford County Board voted to approve its non-sanctuary status at its meeting on Tuesday. The passage of the resolution means that the county will not provide taxpayer-funded services for migrants if they were to enter the county. 12 counties across Illinois have declared that status, making Woodford the 13th…… MORE
Update from Illinois farm fields in this week’s USDA crop report
There were 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending May 19, 2024.… MORE
Solar energy project coming to rural McLean County
The McLean County Board last week approved an application for a solar energy project.… MORE
State Rep. wants to make changes to Illinois’ Prisoner Review Board
Illinois’ Prisoner Review Board has been under fire – most recently for this year’s release of a Chicago convict who allegedly killed an eleven-year-old boy the day after his release.… MORE
Native American tribe could reclaim its land in DeKalb County if a bill becomes law
A long struggle by a Native American tribe to reclaim its land in DeKalb County would be resolved if a bill which has passed an Illinois House committee becomes law.… MORE
Trio indicted by McLean County grand jury in connection for Bloomington armed robbery
By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Three McLean County residents face up to 30 years in prison in connection with a November 2023 armed robbery that left a man seriously injured. Andrew McConnaughay, 28, of Hudson; Scott P. James, 30, and Brittany A. Wells, 29, both of Bloomington were indicted by a McLean County grand jury on…… 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…