Local leaders are speaking out after a variety of shootings in the twin cities this summer.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Fall pumpkin harvest “surprisingly good” after wet summer
In the pumpkin capital of the world, the pumpkin crop is “surprisingly good” after a wet summer.… MORE
New report details the economic impact of community colleges in Illinois
A new report looks at the economic impact of community colleges in Illinois.… MORE
Mayor Koos on his test drive at Rivian
By Neil Doyle NORMAL – Normal Mayor Chris Koos was one of several local leaders who got to test drive Rivian’s R1T pickup truck earlier this week. The vehicles are starting to roll off the production line, and Koos says he is very impressed with Rivian’s growth since coming to town. “When they talked to…… MORE
Several Bloomington flood victims threaten lawsuit if city does not pay up
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s city government faces a possible lawsuit from several homeowners who want compensation for cleaning up sewage that contaminated their property during last June’s storms. Local attorney Will Mahrt told our news partner Heart of Illinois ABC he represents 10 homeowners in the Eastgate neighborhood, and in an area west…… MORE
IDPH reports the first human case of rabies in Illinois since 1954
By WJBC Staff SPRINGFIELD – The State Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first human case of rabies in Illinois since 1954. A Lake County man in his 80’s woke up back in Aug. to find a bat on his neck. The bat was captured and tested positive for rabies. The man refused…… MORE
Lawmakers hear testimony from a U of I professor about social media disinformation
The power of social media can take the “shout fire in a movie theatre” cliche and send it worldwide in an instant.… MORE
Sen. Durbin blaming Republicans for blocking debt ceiling measure
With a three-week deadline looming to address the nation’s debt ceiling, Illinois’ Senior Senator is pointing his finger at Republicans after a vote to pass the measure failed on Monday night.… MORE
Frontier announces new nonstop service from Bloomington to Tampa
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Frontier Airlines on Tuesday announced new nonstop flights from Central Illinois Regional Airport to Tampa starting this December. “Central Illinois travelers love to visit Florida and we welcome this new, nonstop service to Tampa International Airport (TPA) on Frontier.”, said Alan Sender, Chairman of the Bloomington Normal Airport Authority. “With…… MORE
WJBC gets a look inside Rivian and the R1T pickup truck
By WJBC Staff NORMAL – As customer vehicles start to roll off the production line at Rivian, WJBC got to test drive the R1T pickup truck and we got a look inside the manufacturing facility in Normal. WJBC’s Scott Miller checked out the R1T and got a tour of the plant. Many local leaders were…… 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…