Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Purple Raiders stay undefeated after dismantling Normal West in Week 4

Purple Raiders stay undefeated after dismantling Normal West in Week 4

By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The Bloomington Purple Raiders are a secret no more. Having a chip on their shoulders heading into this rivalry matchup against Normal West, BHS hadn’t beaten their rivals since 2012. The Purple Raiders came into the matchup undefeated at 3-0, while the Wildcats were entering the game at 2-1. Bloomington…MORE

State wraps up case in challenge to assault weapons ban

State wraps up case in challenge to assault weapons ban

A federal judge invoked images from the 1917 race riots in East St. Louis, Illinois, on Thursday at the end of a trial in a case challenging the constitutionality of the state’s ban on assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines.MORE

FBI threatens consequences for those making hoax threats online

FBI threatens consequences for those making hoax threats online

By WMBD-TV SPIRNGFIELD – The Federal Bureau of Investigation Springfield Office is reminding everyone about the consequences of sending false threats against schools and other public buildings. According to a news release from the FBI, those who make hoax threats can face up to five years in federal prison, or face state or local charges.…MORE

Relive the Moments during ISU’s 2024 Homecoming

Relive the Moments during ISU’s 2024 Homecoming

By WMBD-TV NORMAL -The Illinois State University Redbirds are “reliving treasured times” during their Homecoming Week. “When we thought about this year we thought about how Homecoming is all about making memories and revisiting those memories. So, we wanted to celebrate that,” Senior Director for ISU Alumni Engagement Stephanie Duquenne said. ISU encourages anyone sharing…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…