Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Bradley University is starting an online class in songwriting

Bradley University is starting an online class in songwriting

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – There’s no guarantee of royalties, but that’s show business. Bradley University in Peoria is offering an online course in songwriting. It’s a certificate, not-for-credit course, and Peoria troubadour Barry Cloyd is one of the instructors. “The first part (of the process) is the inspiration,” says Cloyd. “And if you are…MORE

Filing for the June primary is over

Filing for the June primary is over

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Candidates who believe being last on the list on the ballot give them an edge showed up for the final hour of filing Monday at the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield. Despite a lack of evidence that ballot position matters, it’s custom for candidates to line up early…MORE

Bloomington City Council addresses deadly violence at home and abroad

Bloomington City Council addresses deadly violence at home and abroad

By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – A war on foreign soil and deadly violence at home were addressed Monday night by Bloomington City Council members. The city’s mayor said he wants the community’s Russian sister city relationship to continue, while an alderwoman is renewing her pushing for a special commission to study gun violence. At Monday…MORE

Case of Avian influenza found in McLean County

Case of Avian influenza found in McLean County

By RFD Radio and Blake Haas MCLEAN COUNTY – A case of Avian influenza has been found in McLean County. According to the USDA, the incident was reported in a non-commercial backyard flock. State Veterinarian Dr. Mark Ernst says the Illinois Department of Agriculture has been keeping a watchful eye on the threat. “We sent…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…