Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Repeal of parental notification law has rolled out of the Illinois Senate

Repeal of parental notification law has rolled out of the Illinois Senate

By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ law requiring parents to be notified if their daughter is getting an abortion may not be on the books much longer. A proposed repeal has passed the Senate and moves to the House. All Republicans joined State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) in voting against. “The parental notification, thankfully, saves…MORE

Small fire at Rivian plant in Normal

Small fire at Rivian plant in Normal

By Neil Doyle NORMAL – A small fire broke out Tuesday night at the Rivian plant in northwest Normal. The Normal Fire Department said there was minimal damage and no injuries were reported. The plant was evacuated for a short time while firefighters put out the fire. Fire crews were called around 5 p.m. after…MORE

Mayor breaks tie as council confirms Urban to fill Ward 6 Bloomington council seat

Mayor breaks tie as council confirms Urban to fill Ward 6 Bloomington council seat

By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – It took the mayor to break a tie and confirm the appointment of Bloomington business owner De Urban to fill the Ward 6 seat formerly held by Jenn Carrillo. The vote came after the city council heard from Carrillo herself and seven city residents opposing Urban’s appointment. They claimed Urban…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…