1 person is confirmed dead after a two-vehicle crash Monday morning in rural McLean County, according to Illinois State Police.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Illinois gas prices hold steady over the week
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Average gasoline prices in Illinois are unchanged over the last week, averaging $4.58 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. While gas prices remained the same over the week, GasBuddy says prices are 91 cents higher than a month ago and $1.58 more expensive than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price…… MORE
Native Americans in northern Illinois want their land back
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Native Americans in northern Illinois want their land back. “In 1849, my fourth great-grandfather, Chief Shab-eh-nay, traveled to Kansas to visit the relatives after we were removed,” Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation chairman Joseph Rupnick told a statehouse news conference. “The U.S. government illegally auctioned off 1,280 acres of his land,…… MORE
Normal Police investigating armed robbery at local smoke shop
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Police say they are still investigating after an armed robbery took place at a local smoke shop late Saturday morning. Just before noon, police responded to Indy Smoke Shop at 112 North Street for a report of an armed robbery, according to Sgt. Rob Cherry. A preliminary investigation revealed the…… MORE
New research shows early childhood education is key to a healthy economy
We are hearing again about the benefits of early childhood education. One is that it is key to a healthy economy.… MORE
Durbin: Earmarks are a good thing
The new federal budget, passed Thursday, includes “member initiatives,” also known as “earmarks.”… MORE
Bloomington shooting injures one person
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A man was injured and taken to the hospital after a shooting Friday morning on Bloomington’s southwest side. Police were called around 9:15 a.m. to a parking lot on Goose Creek Drive. When officers arrived, they learned that a shooting had occurred in the parking lot. During the shooting, a…… MORE
Illinois driver’s license and ID card expiration dates extended
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits are being extended until July 31. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits, according to a news release. Customers who must visit a facility include…… MORE
State lawmakers want higher salaries for people who help the disabled
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Some of Illinois’ home healthcare workers say they are overdue for a raise. Direct support personnel (DSP’s) who work in the homes of the disabled want another $3.50 per hour. “As a former healthcare worker,” State Rep. Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago) said at a statehouse news conference Wednesday, “I know exactly…… MORE
State Farm reaffirms Twin Cities commitment with plans for $21.5 million airport hangar at CIRA
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – State Farm is planning for a new airport hangar in the Twin Cities to accommodate its corporate traveling, costing an estimated $21.5 million dollars, according to plans filed with local airport and the City of Bloomington. State Farm’s current hangar was built in 1999, with some sections dating back to…… 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…