Two new state laws require health insurers to cover more cancer screenings.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Planning for the annual Bed Blitz is underway
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – After a year off due to COVID, volunteers with the West Bloomington Revitalization Project and YouthBuild McLean County are gearing up to host the annual Bed Blitz next month. For the past six years, the event has provided over 450 beds to children from low-income families. Bed Blitz chair Robert Bosquez…… MORE
Gas prices remain unchanged across the state
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – Illinois gas prices are unchanged in the past week, averaging $3.28 a gallon. According to GasBuddy, prices in Illinois are five cents lower than a month ago but still a $1.03 more expensive compared to this time last year. GasBuddy price reports show the cheapest station in Illinois is priced at…… MORE
Search for missing ISU student continues after unidentified body is found
By HOI ABC BLOOMINGTON – ISU graduate student Jelani Day was reported missing under unknown circumstances on Aug 25. A few days after Day was reported missing his car was found in a wooded area south of the Illinois Valley YMCA. The white 2010 Chrysler 300 contained clothing Day wore the day before he was reported…… MORE
Clinton Supt.: “I’ve had enough” with Gov. Pritzker new rules without providing support
The top leader of Clinton’s school district says he’s “fed up” with Governor Pritzker’s new rules on school districts without providing any support.… MORE
Threshermen’s Parade this weekend in Pontiac
By WJBC Staff PONTIAC – The Director of the Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce says the Threshermen’s Parade is ready to make its way through downtown Pontiac on Sunday. The annual tradition was in doubt for a time, but Cathi Coppinger says 150 entries have signed up. That includes floats and tractors, and she says marching…… MORE
State, local fire safety experts push new 10 year battery smoke detector law
By HOI ABC NORMAL – State and local fire safety experts hope a new smoke detector design along with a new law will help prevent residential fires. Normal Fire Department along with State Fire Marshals, Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) and Illinois State University are encouraging residents to trade in their removable battery smoke alarms with…… MORE
WJBC Laborer of the Year: Ronn Morehead
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – This year’s WJBC Laborer of the Year is Ronn Morehead. Morehead passed away earlier this year but left behind a legacy of giving back to the community. Ronn was the Trades & Labor President for over 40 years, annually helped organize the Labor Day Parade, the Children’s Christmas Party for…… MORE
IDOT: “We have to continue to remind people” not to drink and drive
The message has always been the same – don’t drink and drive. However, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) says it’s still a problem, especially over longer holidays.… MORE
Gov. Pritzker “very concerned” about new abortion law in Texas
Gov. JB Pritzker says he’s deeply concerned about the abortion law passed in Texas.… 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…