By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A current city employee will be the next executive director of Bloomington’s two marquee entertainment venues. Anthony Nelson has been selected for the job and will oversee the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts and the arena in downtown Bloomington, according to a city news release Monday. “We are going…… MORE
A 29-year-old Normal man is facing multiple weapon charges after a shooting over the weekend.… MORE
Harvest season is full force in McLean County, and large machinery is hitting the roadways.… MORE
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – An administrator at Illinois State University died Friday morning after being struck by a bicycle last week. 49-year-old Adam Peck, an Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at ISU, was the pedestrian hit by the bicycle last Monday around 5:30 p.m. The crash happened on the ISU campus near South…… MORE
By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – It was a night to forget for the University High Pioneers as Sacred Heart Griffin came to the Twin Cities and picked up a 49-7 win. The number one team in Class 4A shutout the Pioneers 41-0 through the third quarter, before U-High was able to strike for it’s first…… MORE
Florida residents are beginning to see the storm damage from category 4 Hurricane Ian.… MORE
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – Heartland Community College on Thursday broke ground on its new 45,000 square foot facility to support advanced manufacturing technology training. Heartland staff were joined by members from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Affairs, local officials, and industry leaders for the ceremony. The $17 million facility will include new…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The speaker of the Illinois House said Wednesday his political opponents want to sow fear and spread misinformation. Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) told the City Club of Chicago that the elimination of cash bail, effective Jan. 1, is a good thing. “Those who want to repeat the Safe-T Act, ask…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Former Gov. Jim Edgar rarely endorses candidates anymore. The Republican lawmaker going for another of Edgar’s old jobs – secretary of state – is an exception. “Realistically,” Edgar told a crowded room at a Republican campaign office near the Capitol Thursday, State Rep. “Dan Brady (R-Bloomington) has the best chance…… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Early voting for the November 8 election is underway across the state of Illinois. Here in McLean County, early voting is being offered for all residents at Eastland Mall. Bloomington residents can also early vote at the Bloomington Election Commission office at 121 N. Main Street in Downtown Bloomington. All…… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…