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Welcome to WTAX's Morning Newswatch, airing on weekdays from 5:30 to 9 AM. Tune in for Springfield's top local news! You can listen to us on 93.9 FM and 1240 AM.

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Fiscal turnaround?

May 19, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – Illinois is completing a financial turnaround, according to a University of Illinois report.“The pandemic, ironically, (gave the state) a large influx of money, and I think that was spent in an appropriate way,” said David Merriman, co-author of a study called Finding the Balance: State Fiscal Sustainability and Local Government Challenges. “The economy is doing much better than anyone expected coming out of the pandemic.
Come Friday … - WTAX 93.9FM/1240AM

May 19, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – State lawmakers would like to get their work done this week and get started on summer. And campaigning. Gov. JB Pritzker says finances for the fiscal year that begins July 1 will be tight. “We’ve got to balance the budget,” Pritzker said, “however that comes out, whether there are cuts that are made, revenue enhancement, whatever it is. Are there demands that are outside of what is in the budget? Of course, there always are.
PrideFest 2024 - WTAX 93.9FM/1240AM

May 18, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – “Thanks for coming out. Pun intended.”Organizers of Springfield’s PrideFest say it’s the largest such event in downstate Illinois. “It’s important to celebrate how far we as LGBTQ people have come,” said Phoenix Center volunteer Dean Mentjes, one of the organizers, “to be here to be visible, to support each other, and also to support those who are still struggling who need support.”Struggle?
“There will be protests”

May 17, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – Despite the images of 1968, Chicago is known as a frequent host of political conventions, conventions which have gone well. That was Gov JB Pritzker’s message Friday to the City Club of Chicago. “There are going to be protests,” Pritzker said of this summer’s DNC in Illinois’ largest city. “I have been to, I think, every single convention since I was able to vote, and there are protests all the time.
Culture, hair, and foster care

May 17, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – Maybe state lawmakers are ready for a couple of days off. A lengthy, heated debate in the Illinois Senate Friday was about a bill requiring Illinois foster parents to have a “hair care plan” to assist in allowing the foster child’s hair to be worn ina way reflecting the child’s culture. State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) spoke against it.
Unveil USDA summer food program

May 16, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – If life were a Nat King Cole song, the upcoming days of summer would be lazy, hazy, crazy, and be saturated in soda, pretzels, and beer. For many American children, it’s quite the opposite. “A staggering half of Illinois students qualify for free or reduced-price meals,” Illinois State Board of Education superintendent Tony Sanders (pictured) said at a news conference Thursday at Enos Elementary School in Springfield.
A postal “pause”

May 15, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Nobody’s using the word “reprieve,” but the postmaster general is pausing plans to relieve Springfield’s postal facilities of some of their responsibilities. Johnny Bishop, local president of the postal workers’ union, said during Tuesday’s city council meeting. “Hopefully, this is a good start that he can pause everything,” Bishop told aldermen Tuesday. “It does say in here, until Jan. 1, 2025.
IL House GOP: State could RISE to $82.4B in property tax relief

May 15, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – Illinois’ economic growth is not big enough, or fast enough, to keep pace with competing states, say Illinois House Republicans. “Bad public policy is squandering our potential,” said State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (pictured, left) (R-Beecher City), adding Illinois should be a “powerhouse” but instead is bereft of opportunity “for regular folks from all walks of life.”Reducing property taxes sounds good, and State Rep.
Proposal: Student teacher stipend

May 15, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – Here’s another attempt to solve Illinois’ teacher shortage: a proposed payment for student teachers. “As we all know, we have a shortage of teachers. This would help them as an incentive to continue,” said the sponsor, State Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora). “Currently, there’s no stipend program for the teachers. It’s pretty much an unpaid internship.”Concerns included the program’s absence from the state budget. State Rep.
Springfield City Council ponders $ to sponsor events

May 14, 2024 | wtax.com | Dave Dahl

Springfield, IL (WTAX) – It’s not the first time this has happened: aldermen questioning the return on investment in sponsoring community events. The city council next week will be asked to approve $25,000 for Juneteenth, $25,000 for the Mother Road festival, and $12,000 for the Springfield Mile. Ald. Shawn Gregory said it’s impossible to overstate the connection between Juneteenth and Springfield.