An Auburn, Illinois, was arrested on Thursday for crimes related to the U.S. Capitol Insurrection.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Women in need benefited from the work of senators from around the state by getting free toiletries
Underprivileged women – the homeless and domestic violence victims – benefited from a giveaway of personal care products, including those for feminine hygiene, organized by women senators from around Illinois.… MORE
McLean Police encouraging people to use caution when parking at the weekend firework show
Fourth of July weekend is around the corner, and many Central Illinois cities are holding firework celebrations this weekend.… MORE
Corn dryer caused Thursday morning fire at Alto Pekin
Machines designed to dry cornmeal used for the production of ethanol was the source of a fire at Alto Pekin LLC that prompted Pekin Fire to respond around 7:30 am on Thursday.… MORE
Unit 5 schools provide free meals for local children throughout summer
Unit 5 is helping support families during the pandemic with curbside meals.… MORE
Fall leaf collection could look different in Bloomington
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington is exploring different ways to handle leaf collection in the fall. Currently, the city uses a truck with a vacuum, but a different idea was brought to the table during the city council meeting this week. Ward 1 Alderman Jamie Mathy spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.…… MORE
District 87 will require masks when school starts in August
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – At this time, the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health will require students and staff to wear masks in schools in the fall, even when fully vaccinated. District 87 Superintendent Dr. Barry Reilly released an update on Wednesday. He says the district will follow the masking…… MORE
Connect Transit trustees approve upgrades for 51 Bloomington bus stops
By HOI ABC NORMAL – Connect Transit will spend state government dollars to upgrade 51 Bloomington bus stops so they’re more accessible for passengers with disabilities. The Connect Transit Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to hire JG Stewart Contractors of Bloomington to make the improvements at a cost of $206,000. Connect Transit’s goal is for all…… MORE
Businesses facing labor shortage due to extra unemployment benefits
You have probably heard this one: places now are understaffed because people would rather rake in unemployment benefits. University of Illinois labor and employment relations professor Bob Bruno says there is nothing to it.… MORE
Clinton Police Chief explains frustration filled Facebook post
As the summer months warm up, Clinton Police is noticing a significant increase in methamphetamine and theft cases, causing the city’s top cop to turn to social media to share his frustration.… 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…