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Ziggy Marley will perform at the Illinois State Fair.
Local
2 months ago
Ziggy Marley to headline Illinois State Fair Grandstand August 18

Grammy-winning reggae artist brings decades of music, positivity, and humanitarian work to Springfield.

Springfield resident Bob Croteau, in blue, stands near Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) at a news conference at the AFL-CIO headquarters in downtown Springfield Aug. 21, 2025. Crouteau was one of a number of AFSCME union members who surrounded the Congresswoman.
Local
2 months ago
House passes year-round E15 fuel bill with Budzinski as Democratic lead

The House passed legislation allowing year-round E15 ethanol fuel sales nationwide, with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski serving as a Democratic lead on the bipartisan bill.

Grocery shopping with a wallet
Local
2 months ago
Central Illinois shoppers feeling the pinch of rising costs

“There’s no way around it, and it just seems like it’s just going up and up and up,” Garecht said.

A demonstration at one of the Old Capitol Farmers Markets in 2025.
Local
2 months ago
Old Capitol Farmers Market marks 27th season with Saturday opening

The Old Capitol Farmers Market returns for its 27th season Saturday in downtown Springfield, featuring about 80 vendors, live music and family activities from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fourth and Adams streets.

Craig Norrenberns, a fourth-generation Illinois grocer, poses in one of the four independent groceries he owns in southern Illinois. Norrenberns testified before a House committee about the potential impacts SNAP cuts will have on independent grocers. (Photo courtesy Norrenberns)
Local
2 months ago
As Illinoisans lose federal food assistance, independent grocers face debt, store closure

Without SNAP benefits, recipients could lose spending power, hurting local businesses.

Winners of the 2026 Illinois State Fair postcard contest.
Local
2 months ago
Ridgely Elementary students honored in Illinois State Fair postcard contest

Students at Ridgely Elementary School were recognized during a special assembly celebrating young artists selected in the annual Illinois State Fair Postcard Contest.

Ribbon cutting kicks of first Farmers Market of the season.
Local
2 months ago
Ribbon Cutting kicks off the 2026 Illinois Product Farmers Market Thursday night

The Illinois Product Farmers Market officially opened its 2026 season Thursday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Young woman in a black suit speaks at a wooden podium, with a man behind and a smiling woman in a green top nearby in front of blue curtains.
Local
2 months ago
Plea for Black farmers

Access to capital remains a problem.

(File) 38 Special will perform this year at the Illinois State Fair.
Local
2 months ago
38 Special to perform free concert at Illinois State Fair Grandstand

38 Special has brought their signature blast of guitar-driven southern rock to audiences around the world for over five decades.

Woman with glasses and a beige blazer speaks at a podium, Illinois Senate lanyard visible in front of blue curtains.
Local
2 months ago
Senate GOP counters progressive message

Minority leader says Chicago mayor could do more.