Wjbc Interviews

Happy Tolkien Reading Day! This week on Off the Cuff History, Host Sean Copeland talks to Dr. Karen Coats about famed 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings' author J.R.R. Tolkien, and his influence on the fantasy genre post-WWII.  Dr. Coats is a Professor of English at Illinois State University and is also the author of 'Bloomsbury Introduction to Children's and Youth Adult Literature.  She also happens to consider herself a hobbit occasionally.

Bloomington Interim City Manager Steve Rasmussen recaps Monday's city council meeting.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood discusses tariffs and the federal spending bill he voted against.

Dr. Julie Webber, Youth Politics expert at Illinois State University and author of "Beyond Columbine: School Violence and the Virtual" came on Saturday's edition of Light, Live and Local to discuss recent youth protests and their implications.

Students from the ISU Dept of Ag brought home a pair of third-place finishes at the National Landscape Competition. They visited with WJBC's Marc Strauss.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis discusses the $1.3 trillion spending bill the U.S. House approved Thursday plus increasing concerns about a potential trade war with China.

Talked about deleting Facebook, garage doors, and computers for college students.  deantechtalk.com for more info.

District 87 Superintendent Barry Reilly and Director of Safety and Security Brian Evans discuss school safety and the district's planned renovations.

Principal Bryan Kendall and two members of the school's Alt Action group student group tell WJBC's Marc Strauss about their community projects.

Chad Ritchie from the Ritchie Law Office explains the benefits of using a TODI (Transfer on Death Instrument) to transfer ownership of your home when you die.

Retired Illinois State University professor Bob Bradley recaps Tuesday's election results.

Former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady discusses the primary election results.

U.S. Se. Dick Durbin discusses President Trump's proposal to combat the opioid epidemic, a potential government shutdown and the Russia investigation.

McLean County Sheriff Jon Sandage discusses President Trump's proposal to fight the opioid epidemic, the status of McLean County Jail construction and an increase in underage drinking parties.

Unit 5 Superintedent Mark Daniel discusses gun violence walkouts led by students at Normal Community and Normal West high schools and the district's early warning designation by the Illinois State Board of Education.

This week on Off the Cuff History, Host Sean Copeland talks to Michael VanCalbergh a former lecturerer from Rutgers University, in Newark, NJ on the history and role of comics, its alleged ties to criminality and communism, how the two big companies emerged (DC and Marvel), and the impact of Underground comix and their diverse followings. Mr. VanCalbergh is also half of the comedy etymology podcast duo "Words for Dinner" which is available for download on iTunes.

State Rep. Jeanne Ives discusses her challenge to Governor Bruce Rauner with WJBC's Greg Halbleib.

In this month's McLean County Ag History segment Don Meyer discusses the origins and evolution of soil conservation.

Former Illinois Republican Party chairman Pat Brady previews Tuesday's primary election.

Tony Andracki covers sports for NBCSports.com/Chicago and is product of The Vidette, the Illinois State University campus newspaper. He recently visited with WJBC's Marc Strauss about the Chicago Cubs and his assignment during the Olympics.