A former Chicago Bear will make a virtual appearance at Heartland Head Start on Monday to read to students.… MORE
Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories
Appellate court orders new trial for woman accused of sexual abuse
A Bloomington woman’s sexual orientation was irrelevant to allegations she sexually abused teenager and thus, should not have been brought forth at her trial.… MORE
Residents are buying up season tickets for the Bloomington Bison
Fans of pro hockey are eager to see the Bloomington Bison play if initial interest in season tickets is an indication.… MORE
Five programs seeing a tuition rate increase at ISU
Illinois State University Board of Trustees on Thursday approved differential tuition rates for several programs during a special meeting.… MORE
Illinois State University has narrowed presidential search to 11
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – The Illinois State University Presidential Search Committee in Normal narrowed down the candidates for the next president. Thursday morning, the committee started with 41 prospective candidates to lead Illinois’ first public institution of higher learning. After spending more than 2 hours in executive session — the number is now down to…… MORE
Normal man dies from hypothermia after falling outside
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – A Normal man has died after falling outside and freezing from hypothermia. Responders were called to the 100 block of West Shelbourne Drive in Normal on Tuesday afternoon after a body was found by a tree at approximately 3:15 p.m. A heavy police presence gathered near the apartment building as police…… MORE
Anti-violence bill languishes
The shooting death of a mother and daughter in Chicago – allegedly by the husband / father – last summer inspired “Karina’s Bill,” which would make it easier to remove guns from the home of an alleged abuser. … MORE
More than $20 million coming to Central Illinois colleges in new grant
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Board of Higher Education announced the recipients of $400 million in grants on Monday. An IBHE news release states the money comes through the Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant and will be awarded to 45 higher-education institutions. The program’s stated goal is to provide financial assistance to “private, not-for-profit,…… MORE
Man arrested for August shooting in Normal
By WMBD-TV NORMAL – A man was arrested on Wednesday for his alleged connection with an Aug. 6, 2023 shooing in Normal. According to a Normal police news release, the U.S. Marshall’s Task Force arrested 35-year-old Lawrence D. Johnson on an active warrant. The warrant was related to the August shooting that left two injured…… MORE
Normal Mayor Chris Koos confirmed to Amtrak Board of Directors
By Jake Fogal WASHINGTON – The Town of Normal’s top official is adding his name to the Amtrak Board of Directors. Normal Mayor Chris Koos was confirmed to the Board of Directors Tuesday following the recommendations of Majority Whip Dick Durbin and U.S Senator Tammy Duckworth. “Mayor Koos has a long history as a powerful,…… 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…