First Listen

Petersburg, Blue Mound, Effingham, and Charleston among the cities hit hard by Wednesday's storms.

Hunter Pierce (Dean), JD Sonneborn (Dennis), and Natalie Jacobs (Ensemble) describe the show as full of love and fun.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the state's eighth consecutive balanced budget.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher says she is committed to a review following Wednesday's tornado where sirens weren't sounded.

Springfield Director of Public Works David Fuchs says the entire city has many downed trees and limbs to address. Limb pickup will begin next week.

Thousands without power in the state, and many planning cleanup efforts today.

Airport Executive Director Mark Hanna says the damage occurred to the airport fence lines and to four hangars damaged.

Chief Nick Zummo says the sirens weren't sounded based on the information they had at the time.

Jeff Cunningham from the Animal Protective League (APL) says all animals are safe, but APL's buildings are total losses.

The Environmental Working Group is asking the federal government to consider the health impacts of legal nitrate contamination.

Reggie Guyton and Tiffany Williams talk about the show's focus which highlights the struggles of Black women through "choreopoem."

Illinois lawmakers have passed a bill to allow parents to get a second medical opinion in cases of child abuse.

After five years of debates, proposals and statements, the Bears will be moving to Hammond.

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs oversees the state’s unclaimed assets program and met the pope Wednesday

Mendoza is considered a top contender in the upcoming race.

Illinois' two U.S. senators are calling on U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros to step down.

The legislature met into the early morning hours Monday before ending the spring session.

Monica Zanetti Reed with the Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation says this will be a free arts and entertainment event in Downtown Springfield

Each bill prohibits insurers from imposing excessive or discriminatory rates as determined by the Illinois Department of Insurance

The President says the city of Chicago should ask for his help in controlling the streets.

Meredith Crifasi (Sophie) and Matthew Woodson (Sky) talk about the show that will have audience members dancing in their seats. Tickets and more information at themuni.org.

Governor Pritzker says the state budget is the top priority.

Illinois lawmakers still have a few things to tackle in their final week.

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau's Amy Beadle discusses upcoming events and some of the impact of the Route 66 Centennial.

Republican lawmakers say the bill infringes on second amendment rights.

Rivian's CFO says they're still on track to make at least 62,000 vehicles in Normal this year.

First Listen for Friday, May 1, 2026

None of the injuries are believed to be life threatening.

First Listen for Weds. April 29, 2026

The panel of judges ruled prosecutors presented clear evidence on bribery and other corruption charges.

Bailey visited Illinois State University during a weeks-long strike by campus workers.

Department of Natural Resources' Site Superintendent Justin Blandford details the changes to the parking garage.

Illinois is trying to keep the Bears from moving to northwest Indiana.

The suit names YNOT and the driver of the SUV.

Cohen Blakeman (Oaken) and Cheyenne Humphrey (Queen Iduna) talk about the experience prepping for the show and how theater develops life skills.

UIS faculty is expected to vote soon on the tentative agreement.

David Yankee received two years probation after a seven-year-old child drowned when he left him in the care of a 10-year-old.

Formal approvals on the tentative contract will go through formal approvals in the coming weeks.

Nolan Downey with the Chicago Food Depository is part of the Save our SNAP Coalition which is pushing state to find ways to support SNAP families.

The pilot project act would provide guidelines to test the vehicles on Illinois roads.

First Listen for Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Members of the Purple Coalition are calling for change in how Black residents are treated, and want policy reform and transparency.

Governor Pritzker says the DHS Secretary threat of removing customs agents will hurt Chicago's economy.

Four council members who had supported a data center project lost their re-election bids.

First Listen for Thursday, April 9, 2026

Opponents of the project, as well as proponents, packed the BOS Center to make their voices heard.

The proposal faces opposition due to environmental concerns, but also has proponents that say it will bring jobs and revenue for the county.