Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Weekly USDA crop report

Weekly USDA crop report

By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.5 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 7, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 78.6 degrees, 4.9 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.50 inches, 0.60 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 16 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 18…MORE

Average gas costs in Illinois drop for eighth consecutive week

Average gas costs in Illinois drop for eighth consecutive week

By Jake Fogal BLOOMINGTON – Gas prices are still high across Illinois, but the average price declined 22.2 cents over the week, sitting at $4.39 a gallon. According to GasBuddy, prices in Illinois are 81.7 cents lower than a month ago and $1.05 higher than a year ago. GasBuddy price reports show the cheapest station…MORE

18-year-old man injured after shooting in Normal

18-year-old man injured after shooting in Normal

By 25 News NORMAL – Normal Police say an 18-year-old man was injured after being shot when he left a party at an apartment complex. Sgt. Brad Underwood confirmed the victim was shot three times after leaving a party at 9 Traders Circle in Normal. He was shot twice in the leg and he was…MORE

Two displaced after Bloomington mobile home fire

Two displaced after Bloomington mobile home fire

By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – Two people were displaced after a mobile home caught on fire Sunday morning in Bloomington. Just after 9:00 a.m., Bloomington firefighters responded to 15 Harry Drive for a report of a mobile home fire with possible occupants still trapped. Crews quickly searched the home and determined no one was trapped.…MORE

Judge rules in local sheriffs favor regarding prisoner transfer delays

Judge rules in local sheriffs favor regarding prisoner transfer delays

By News 25 SPRINGFIELD – A win in court today for some local sheriffs in their lawsuit against the governor. A Sangamon County judge has granted a temporary restraining order invalidating two pandemic-era executive orders. They allowed the Pritzker administration to extend a 20-day deadline to assign inmates with mental health issues to the Department…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…