A Central Illinois congressman, who fell in the primary, is detailing his next career path.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
July crop production report for winter wheat in Illinois
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – This may be another big year for winter wheat in Illinois. According to the July production report, harvested wheat acres are estimated at 720,000, up 110,000 from last year. Crop statistician Mark Schleusener says the yield should be strong. “NASS forecast the 2022 wheat yield to be 79 bushels per…… MORE
USDA: Illinois crop conditions improve over the week
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 4.8 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 10, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 77.5 degrees, 1.5 degrees above normal. Precipitation averaged 2.07 inches, 1.22 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 9 percent very short, 22 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 10…… MORE
Illinois 4th grader competing to win Doodle for Google contest
By Jake Fogal FREEPORT – The fourteenth annual Doodle for Google competition is down to 54 contestants, with one from each State and Territory. Fourth grader Amelia Winter of Freeport is Illinois’ winner, and she dedicated her doodle to her dog Dasher. “In art class, that was what we were assigned to do as our…… MORE
Illinois and Du Quoin State Fairs hiring seasonal workers
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Looking to make some extra money this summer? The Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair are hiring seasonal workers. Spokesperson Krista Lisser says they are short about 250 workers between the two fairs. The temporary jobs pay $14 an hour and are an important part of state fair…… MORE
Morgan: All ideas are on the table when it comes to preventing another mass shooting
By IIS Radio HIGHLAND PARK – A Highland Park area lawmaker says all ideas are being considered when it comes to preventing another mass shooting. State Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) says his office has received hundreds of calls from constituents offering suggestions about new laws and policy changes. “There is a lot of discussion about…… MORE
First African American woman sworn in to the Illinois Supreme Court
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The first Black woman to sit on the Illinois Supreme Court was sworn in Thursday. After taking the oath at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, new Justice Lisa Holder-White spoke about the historic moment. “As I see it, taking my oath in this place today recognizes…… MORE
ISP director discusses the state’s red flag laws
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The director of Illinois State Police is discussing current red flag laws. ISP director Brendan Kelly says they have carefully analyzed how they handled the review of a clear and present danger report and issuance of a FOID card to the Highland Park shooting suspect. During a media briefing, he…… MORE
USDA crop report: Winter wheat harvesting jumped by 21 points in Illinois
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 6.4 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 03, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 73.2 degrees, 1.2 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.36 inches, 0.64 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 33 percent short, 55 percent adequate, and 1…… MORE
The re-election campaign is on for the governor
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – One of the first things Gov. JB Pritzker did after defeating a nominal opponent in Tuesday’s primary was to sit for two days of interviews with statehouse reporters. He told WJBC’s Dave Dahl that “anti-corruption” Aurora mayor Richard Irvin turned out to be corrupt himself, and that Republican primary winner…… 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…