By early 2019, Mike McClain had been a fixture around the Statehouse in Springfield for the better part of 50 years, first as a Democratic lawmaker in the 1970s and then for decades as a high-profile contract lobbyist.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
WATCH OUT: McLean County State’s Attorney Office warning of local scam
It seems like scammers are trying to call or text you asking for personal information and money.… MORE
ISU Athletics announces multi-year sponsorship with State Farm for on-field logo at Hancock Stadium
Illinois State Athletics on Wednesday announced a multi-year sponsorship with State Farm to include on-field logos at Hancock Stadium.… MORE
Rally at ISU urges young people to vote in the upcoming election
A Democrat-led rally on the campus of Illinois State University on Thursday was meant to energize young people to express their right to vote with Election Day less than two weeks away.… MORE
ComEd exec testifies utility prepared for bankruptcy before 2011 law threw it a lifeline
In 2006, electric utility Commonwealth Edison was riding out the last year of a decadelong state-mandated rate freeze, which had put the company in “dire” financial straits.… MORE
Ameren Illinois offers power line safety tips during National Teen Driver Safety Week
This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Ameren Illinois is reminding teen drivers of the very important, life-saving protocol when dealing with downed power lines.… MORE
Bison’s opening weekend boosting Bloomington’s economy
With the Bloomington Bison drawing in more than 4,000 spectators, Grossinger Motors Arena was almost packed to capacity at Saturday’s opening game.… MORE
Normal residents, leaders, react to Monday’s town council meeting
A potential nuisance gathering ordinance was tabled at Monday night’s Normal Town Council Meeting after a lengthy public comment portion, and now town leaders are looking to modify the ordinance.… MORE
Feds ‘turned over heaven and earth’ in Madigan probe but found no real bribes, co-defendant says
It was a day of déjà vu at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse Tuesday as veteran Statehouse lobbyist Mike McClain sat at a defense table listening to opening statements in his second corruption trial in 19 months and prosecutors called their first witnesses.… MORE
McLean County man sentenced to decades behind bars
A McLean County Judge handed down a nearly 75-year sentence earlier this week for a crime almost 20 years ago.… 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…