Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Normal recognized for bicycle accessibility

Normal recognized for bicycle accessibility

By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The League of American Bicyclists acknowledged Normal for its continued efforts to make the town more bike-friendly. A Town of Normal news release states that they were awarded a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) award. It is one of 480 communities recognized for their bike-friendly efforts. “We appreciate this recognition honoring…MORE

House tax bill seeks to increase affordable housing

House tax bill seeks to increase affordable housing

By WMBD-TV PEORIA – Two provisions in the bipartisan American Families and Workers Act intend to address the nationwide housing crisis by creating more affordable housing opportunities. The bill will expand and strengthen low-income housing tax credits by reducing bond financing requirements and increasing the amount of credits given to states. The affordable housing provisions come from…MORE

Tazewell County cyber incident “nearly resolved”, board chairman says

Tazewell County cyber incident “nearly resolved”, board chairman says

By WMBD-TV TAZEWELL COUNTY – November’s cyber security incident in Tazewell County left the county in a dire situation internet-wise. However, they are now “95% back” according to county board chairman David Zimmerman. The county’s internal internet, used for things like requesting days off, is still down. Township assessors are also still unable to log…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…