By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – A new tax credit is meant to help Illinois ag-related businesses which welcome the public. This time of year, agritourism could be a pumpkin patch. In a few more weeks, it could be a cut-your-own Christmas tree farm. With liability insurance a must, the credit should help. “As you can…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – While public education’s recovery from the pandemic is not over, Gov. JB Pritzker said Thursday there are victories to celebrate. Discussing the Illinois Report Card at a suburban Chicago high school, Pritzker says things are trending up. “Nobody is suggesting that the report card is somehow perfect,” he said. “It…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – State and local police are beefing up enforcement for the Halloween weekend. More than one thousand people have died on Illinois roads so far this year and the Illinois Department of Transportation is hoping this weekend doesn’t bring about any more traffic deaths. “IDOT and ISP have a campaign drive…… MORE
By Dave Dahl SPRINGFIELD – Most Springfield aldermen seem inclined to protect local businesses by sitting out any casino sweepstakes in the near future. But after an ongoing saga of attempts to convert a 30-story hotel downtown to mostly apartments and now this, Ald. Ralph Hanauer is frustrated. “it just seems like we don’t have…… MORE
By 25 News BLOOMINGTON – A Bloomington man was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for torturing his girlfriend earlier this year. As part of a plea deal, Meontay Wheeler, 23, pled guilty to a charge of aggravated battery infliction of torture, which is a Class 1 felony. Two other aggravated battery charges were…… MORE
By Neil Doyle BLOOMINGTON – A local organization is donating 58,301 books to several school districts and non-profit groups. Toys for Tots of McLean County teamed up with its national office who worked with Scholastic to provide the donation. Toys for Tots of McLean County director Troy Zeigler told WJBC some of the books are…… MORE
Illinois State Board of Election’s top brass is dispelling any myths about election fraud ahead of the Illinois Gubernatorial election.… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – There’s at least one mountain lion roaming Illinois right now and the State Department of Natural Resources is asking the public to leave him alone. There have been two cougars here recently. One was struck and killed on I-88 over a week ago. But another, outfitted with a GPS collar…… MORE
By 25 News NORMAL – Actor and Illinois native Jane Lynch was given the highest honor from the Illinois Broadcasters Association. The former Illinois State Redbird is now in its Hall of Fame. The comedian, actor and author’s screen delivery and sharp style has made her a recognizable figure, as well as a household name.…… MORE
Just weeks before election day, a Central Illinois Congressman is touting election security at the ballot box.… 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…