Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

First frost of the season could arrive early next week

First frost of the season could arrive early next week

Posted on October 10, 2024

By WMBD-TV CENTRAL ILLINOIS – October has been off to a warm start but that may not stop our first frost from reaching Central Illinois early next week. A cold front will work it’s way through the region from Friday night through Saturday night. As the front pushes through, a few showers and storms will…… MORE

Red Cross says blood donations are “Critically Needed”

Red Cross says blood donations are “Critically Needed”

Posted on October 9, 2024

By WMBD-TV PEORIA – The American Red Cross is asking for people to help donate blood, platelets and plasma to those affected by recent hurricanes. The Red Cross said in a news release that blood and platelet donations are “critically needed” to help restore their supplies. The recent storms and their aftermath have forced more…… 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…