It took just a few minutes, but – for those who were watching – it was a memorable sight. … MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Average gas prices fall nationwide ahead of Thanksgiving holiday
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices are trickling down, falling 16.5 cents over the past week, averaging $3.97 a gallon. “What an incredible turnaround in the last week. While a decline was expected in more states than last week, I didn’t expect every single state to hop on the bandwagon so quickly. But,…… MORE
Report: Rivian employees allege injuries and safety violations at Normal facility
By 25 News NORMAL – Rivian workers are accusing their employer of multiple safety violations at the company’s Normal manufacturing plant, according to a new report from Bloomberg that details multiple instances of neglect from the electric vehicle company. According to the report, at least a dozen employees allege the company ignored known hazards and…… MORE
U of I professor: The pandemic hit people aged 35-44 harder in its second year
The pandemic hit people aged 35-44 harder in its second year than the first.… MORE
New Logan County wind farm draws threat of lawsuit
The Logan County board has approved a proposed wind farm in a 5-4 vote, but opponents of that wind farm are considering legal action to stop the construction of dozens of wind turbines.… MORE
Early morning fire at ISU farm in Lexington
By Neil Doyle LEXINGTON – A fire broke out early Friday morning at the Illinois State University farm in Lexington. Lexington Fire Department public information officer Captain Ian Bruckner told WJBC the fire was reported around 12:40 a.m. in the large 1,000 foot long cow barn, which is recognizable from Interstate 55. The south half…… MORE
Job growth up last month across the state
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – October marked the 17th month in a row of job growth in Illinois. The state unemployment rate increased slightly last month from 4.5% to 4.6%, but 3,600 jobs were added says Illinois Department of Employment Security director Kristin Richards. “This tells us that payroll job growth has continued to instill…… MORE
Firearm deer season opens across Illinois
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Firearm deer season opens Friday in Illinois. It’s time for hunters to get out in the fields for the seven day firearm season, which is the most popular of the year says state conservation police officer Zach Williams. “We call it when the blaze orange army comes out because that…… MORE
McLean County man found guilty of child pornography
After a four-day trial, a 57-year-old Normal man has been found guilty of 10 counts of possession of child pornography.… MORE
Teenager recovering after being shot in Bloomington
A teenager is recovering in a local hospital after being shot in Bloomington late Wednesday night.… 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…