By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The Mega Millions jackpot is now more than $600 million. No one has been lucky enough to match all Mega Millions numbers since mid-April says Illinois Lottery spokesperson Lorrel Lynch. That’s caused the jackpot for Friday night’s drawing to swell to $630 million. “One of the biggest jackpots we’ve seen…… MORE
By WJBC Staff SPRINGFIELD – Highway mowing is underway, and the Illinois Department of Transportation is urging drivers to slow down when approaching crews. During the summer, IDOT conducts two primary types of mowing. Safety mowing occurs directly adjacent to the road as needed. Maintenance mowing, which lasts for approximately six weeks starting July 1,…… MORE
By WJBC Staff CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker received a positive test result during his routine COVID-19 testing regimen after being notified of several close contacts testing positive, according to a news release Tuesday. “The Governor is experiencing mild symptoms and has been prescribed the anti-viral medication, Paxlovid. He will follow CDC guidelines by working…… MORE
By WJBC Staff BLOOMINGTON – Average gasoline prices in Illinois have fallen 14.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $5.00 a gallon, according to GasBuddy. Prices in Illinois are 52.8 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand $1.67 higher than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has…… MORE
By USDA SPRINGFIELD – There were 5.1 days suitable for field work during the week ending July 17, 2022. Statewide, the average temperature was 75.3 degrees, 0.9 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 0.68 inches, 0.01 inches below normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated 11 percent very short, 17 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 5…… MORE
By IIS Radio SPRINGFIELD – The state is expanding health care coverage for adult immigrants. Starting next summer, undocumented immigrants aged 42 and up can apply for the health benefits. Currently adults have to be 55 or older. Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services assistant director Jenny Aguirre says the program is similar to…… MORE
A Central Illinois congressman, who fell in the primary, is detailing his next career path.… MORE
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
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
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
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…