By WMBD-TV CHICAGO – As Illinois Lottery celebrated its 50th year of operation, it also celebrated its third straight record-setting year. They reported $3.86 billion in sales and proceeds of $883.6 million, which both beat last year’s numbers. There were also five multi-state jackpots that paid out over $1 billion, which is the first time…… MORE
Illinois education officials plan to launch a statewide initiative over the next several months aimed at boosting student performance in math.… MORE
The state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for all households beginning Friday, Nov. 1. … MORE
Coverage of Thursday’s court happenings in the trial of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.… MORE
With hate speech and hate crimes at an all-time high, according to FBI numbers cited by the Pritzker administration, a new state resource aims to connect victims with services and increase reporting of such acts.… MORE
By WMBD-TV SPRINGFIELD – Federal prosecutors will be monitoring Election Day complaints and will be in communication with the Justice Department in Washington, D.C. The program is an practice that’s been in place for at least the last 20 years of presidential elections. U.S. Attorney Gregory Harris, who is top prosecutor for the Central District…… MORE
This year in Illinois, there are no statewide elections. There are no fights over a Supreme Court seat. There are no constitutional amendments. At the Statehouse, more than half of general election races are uncontested. … MORE
In ex-speaker’s trial, former utility exec calls Madigan’s apparent involvement in contract talks ‘unusual’ … MORE
Gov. JB Pritzker has been working the battleground states to try to keep Donald Trump out of the White House.… MORE
In Mr. Lincoln’s hometown, in the museum dedicated to telling his story, 75 people from 37 countries became United States citizens.… 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…