There’s a new candidate on the Republican side for Illinois secretary of state.… MORE
Category Archives: State News
New manager of the Illinois State Fair
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A self-described farm girl who used to be spokeswoman for the Illinois State Fair is making a return – as fair manager. Rebecca Clark, who has been spokeswoman for two state agencies after a career in television news, succeeds the twice-retired Kevin Gordon. In an interview Monday, Clark mentioned more…… MORE
Governor asking attorney general to investigate shady COVID-19 testing sites
By IIS Radio CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker says he’s asking the Illinois Attorney General to investigate shady COVID-19 testing sites. There have been reports of pop-up testing locations, that in some cases aren’t even giving people their results says the governor. “Some of them may be fly-by-night pop-up testing where all they are doing…… MORE
Gov. Pritzker: “We are reaching all-time record numbers of cases and surging hospitalization”
For as much as the governor talks about Illinois being a leader in the pandemic fight, the numbers are still worrisome. … MORE
Illinois’ doctor-in-chief says COVID remains something to take seriously
It’s the same advice from Illinois Department of Public Health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike: get your shots, get your booster, wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance, stay home if you are sick.… MORE
$2 million from the estate of Chicago World War II vet is going to various charities
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – Several non-profit groups are getting an early Christmas present on behalf of a Chicago World War II veteran. 85-year-old Ernest Ulrich died 22 years ago, but his wishes to donate more than $2 million to various groups were never fulfilled. That is, until now says Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs. “We…… MORE
A recap of Illinois weather in 2021
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – A look back at Illinois weather this year. February 2021 was brutally cold, with many records set all over the state. Spring and summer featured plenty of rainfall in central and southern Illinois, while the northern part of the state remained dry says State Climatologist Trent Ford. “The 2021 northern…… MORE
Bennett announces re-election bid for 106th House District
By WJBC Staff GIBSON CITY – State Rep. Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) on Monday announced his re-election campaign to the 106th District. “I’m proud to work on issues important to this region, including improving roads and infrastructure, increased funding for K-12 schools, economic development, and supporting public safety,” Bennett said in a news release. In…… MORE
Baby Baphomet takes its place alongside a Christmas tree, Nativity, and menorah in Capitol Rotunda
The baby Baphomet – a goatlike creature worshipped by Satanists – has taken its place alongside a Christmas tree, Nativity, and menorah in the Capitol Rotunda.… MORE
SIU panel discusses health and housing challenges of rural Illinois
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – The problems of being needy – to the point of homelessness – expand the farther you are from a medium-sized or big city. Getting things done, says Meredith Montgomery, takes money. “We’re looking at the opportunity to ask the state to appropriate money from the emergency relief funding to improve…… 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…