A new report reveals federal agents sought information about longtime Illinois House Speaker and Democratic Party of Illinois Chairman Michael Madigan as part of a broader probe into ComEd’s lobbying practices.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces $23.5 billion in road projects, bridge repairs
Gov. J.B. Pritzker unveiled Monday a multi-year plan to spend $23.5 billion on road and bridge projects that were included in Illinois’ $45 billion capital plan, which will be funded through tax and fee hikes.… MORE
Lawmakers pick up the fight against opioids in Illinois
Lawmakers are taking another crack at fighting opioids in Illinois.… MORE
Planting and growing season reaching the end
After a late, wet start, the Illinois crop numbers are catching up with the calendar.… MORE
Tentative deal reached to prevent Blue Ridge teachers strike
A strike apparently has been averted in the Blue Ridge School District, which serves students in Farmer City, Mansfield, and Bellflower.… MORE
Bloomington and Normal councils weigh in on “polarizing” pot sales proposals
Elected leaders Monday night did not rule out the possibility that they’ll allow businesses to sell marijuana in Bloomington and Normal.… MORE
Services set for local civil rights leader Kennedy
Funeral services for local civil rights leader Merlin Kennedy have been set for Nov. 7.… MORE
Illinois unemployment rate drops to lowest level on record
The unemployment rate in Illinois has dropped to a historic low, but remains slightly higher than the national unemployment rate. … MORE
Pritzker, IDOT promote multi-billion-dollar road and bridge plan
Gov. JB Pritzker couldn’t escape the irony – or the questions – of a federal investigation which just may involve the Illinois Department of Transportation … while he was standing in front of that department’s headquarters to promote a multi-billion-dollar program which also may have the feds’ attention.… MORE
Several area teachers honored by governor, ISBE
Several central Illinois teachers were honored at this year’s Those Who Excel banquet over the weekend.… 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…