Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Rivian Automotive still on track to meet 2022 production goal

Rivian Automotive still on track to meet 2022 production goal

By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Rivian Automotive has added a second shift of workers making electric vehicles, and despite supply chain challenges, the company said it still expects to meet its goal of producing 25,000 vehicles this year. Rivian, with more than 6,000 employees working at its plant in Normal, released third quarter results Wednesday…MORE

Illinois House Minority Leader not seeking another term

Illinois House Minority Leader not seeking another term

Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) announced the morning after the election he would not seek a new term as leader. A spokeswoman said Durkin has no plans to leave the House at the moment.MORE

Bloomington’s Brady defeated in his bid to become Illinois Secretary of State

Bloomington’s Brady defeated in his bid to become Illinois Secretary of State

By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) has conceded defeat in his race for Illinois Secretary of State. Democrat Alexi Giannoulias was elected to the post Tuesday night, replacing Jesse White, who’s retiring from the job he’s held since 1999. Giannoulias was Illinois’ youngest Treasurer from 2007 to 2011 during former-Gov. Rod…MORE

Voters reject tax referendum for McLean County’s largest school district

Voters reject tax referendum for McLean County’s largest school district

By 25 News NORMAL – The Unit 5 school district faces the prospect of severe budget cuts after voters on Tuesday rejected a tax referendum to offset growing deficits in the district’s education fund. The referendum asked for an 88-cent increase in the education fund’s tax rate to $3.60 per $100 of assessed property values.…MORE

2022 Election Results

2022 Election Results

Click here for election results from the McLean County Clerk’s Office. Click here for election results from the Bloomington Election Commission’s Office. Click here for other election results from our news partner 25 News. GOVERNORJB Pritzker (D) 2,075,440Darren Bailey (R) 1,638,408Scott Schluter (L) 106,900 IL SECRETARY OF STATEAlexi Giannoulias (D) 2,024,569Dan Brady (R) 1,640,128Jon Stewart…MORE

Illinois crops are ready for the big finish

Illinois crops are ready for the big finish

By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.2 days suitable for field work during the week ending November 6, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 57.9 degrees, 9.8 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.13 inches, 0.18 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 10 percent very short, 12 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 2…MORE

Polls are open across the state for Election Day

Polls are open across the state for Election Day

By WJBC Staff and IIS Radio BLOOMINGTON – The polls are open for the midterm elections as Illinoisans will be voting for statewide offices, members of the General Assembly and members of Congress. The polls are open until 7 p.m. and you can find your polling place by going to elections.il.gov. City of Bloomington residents…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…