By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – As so often happens, the newsmakers show up at an event, and the reporters’ questions are about something different. Monday was no exception. Indiana’s solidifying abortion restrictions, causing major employers Eli Lilly and Cummins to wonder how much more business they want to do there. Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot would…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The Republicans for governor and attorney general in Illinois picked up some police union endorsements Monday. The Chicago and state Fraternal Order of Police are backing Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) for governor. “If you think crime in Illinois is bad now,” said Bailey, “what in the world is it going…… MORE
By 25 News NORMAL – Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday announced he’s naming an Illinois State University graduate to fill one of the vacant positions on the school’s governing board. The Illinois Senate has yet to confirm Anthony Byrd’s appointment to ISU’s Board of Trustees. Byrd is an adjunct criminal justice instructor for Lindenwood University…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.5 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 7, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 78.6 degrees, 4.9 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 1.50 inches, 0.60 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 8 percent very short, 16 percent short, 58 percent adequate, and 18…… MORE
By Jake Fogal CHICAGO – The Republicans for governor and attorney general in Illinois picked up some police union endorsements today (Monday). Dave Dahl reports. The Chicago and state Fraternal Order of Police are backing Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) for governor. “If you think crime in Illinois is bad now,” said Bailey, “what in the…… MORE
Chronic absenteeism and a growing teacher shortage are among the challenges to public education. … MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Your hostess for the Illinois State Fair – and, later in the month, the Du Quoin State Fair – is Addisyn Calloni, who is from Royalton, in Franklin County. Since Franklin County has no pageant – her high school does not even have an FFA chapter – she came out…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Back-to-school shopping brings mixed feelings for kids, with summer almost over and the first day of school looming closer. The state intends to make it a less painful time of year for families, rolling back the state’s portion of the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 1.25 percent for school-related…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – You’ll see and experience some new things at the Illinois State Fair this year. Illinois Department of Agriculture director Jerry Costello says the ongoing infrastructure projects – and their results – dominate. “Livestock exhibitors will definitely notice the difference on Eighth Street,” said Costello during Thursday’s fair preview for reporters.…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – “Manufacturing Matters” is the name of a tour the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is on to promote a new study which shows things are better than many people believe. IMA’s president and CEO, Mark Denzler, said, “Education workforce is probably the Number One challenge that manufacturers face. Before the covid pandemic,…… MORE
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.” …
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…
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…
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…