Category Archives: WJBC’s Top Stories

Georgia man ordered held in custody for deadly shooting of Peoria teen

Georgia man ordered held in custody for deadly shooting of Peoria teen

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – A Georgia man was ordered held pending the outcome of charges that allege he shot a Richwoods High School student almost two years ago. Tomiyale M. Anderson, 20, of Hampton, Ga., was deemed to be a risk of flight as well as a “clear and present threat” to the community. Both are…MORE

Rivian production up, deliveries slightly down

Rivian production up, deliveries slightly down

By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Rivian Automotive ended 2023 by producing far more of its electric trucks and S-U-Vs at its manufacturing center in Normal than it said it would back in November.  But deliveries were less than expected, causing a drop in its stock price.  Rivian said three months ago it was increasing production, and it made more than…MORE

Indoor vaping ban starts in Illinois next year

Indoor vaping ban starts in Illinois next year

By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, vaping or e-cigarette use will be illegal in public indoor spaces due to a new state law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker. With the support of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), HB1540 hopes to improve public health across Illinois. Sponsored by Rep. Camille Lilly and Sen.…MORE

Normal Police make multiple firearm arrests

Normal Police make multiple firearm arrests

By WMBD-TV NORMAL – Normal Police announced five different firearm arrests since November via news release. The arrests were part of the department’s effort to get illegal guns off the streets. Those arrested include: Bloomington police make arrest for 2022 murder All of them were charged with various firearm-related charges including, aggravated unlawful use of…MORE

Terrence Shannon Jr. suspended, charged with rape in Kansas

Terrence Shannon Jr. suspended, charged with rape in Kansas

By WMBD-TV CHAMPAIGN – Illinois basketball player Terrence Shannon Jr. is suspended from all team activities after the senior All-American candidate was charged with rape in Kansas. The alleged incident occurred back in September when Shannon Jr. was visiting Lawrence for the Illinois football game. A warrant for his arrest was issued on Wednesday by…MORE

New law guarantees paid leave for workers in Illinois on Jan. 1

New law guarantees paid leave for workers in Illinois on Jan. 1

By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – A new law will guarantee workers in Illinois will be earning paid time off in 2024. According to an Illinois State news release, Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Paid Leave for All Workers Act in March, which allows workers in Illinois to earn 40 hours of paid leave a year. Workers…MORE

Bloomington’s Livingston’s Department Store 14-foot Santas to be restored

Bloomington’s Livingston’s Department Store 14-foot Santas to be restored

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL – A local artist has been chosen to restore two 14-foot Santa statues that have been a focal point at Bloomington’s Livingston’s Department Store for several decades. The statues have been in the possession of the Jeffery Alans store in Bloomington, which recently donated them to the McLean County Museum of History.…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…