101.9 The Wolf Presents The Chicks at the Illinois State Fair

IL State Fair Guide 2026

WIN Route 66 Drive-in tickets with MOVIE MANIA!

Win The Wolf Workplace Lunch with Papa John's

Central Illinois Community Calender

Upcoming Events

Thursday, August 13th- Sunday, August 23rd- Illinois State Fair
Saturday, September 5th- Springfield Oyster and Beer Feztival

National News

14 hours ago in National

Trump threatened to bomb Oman because he’s unhappy with country’s deal with Iran, officials say

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman because he is unhappy the country is close to a deal with Iran to manage ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, two regional officials said Tuesday, a day after Trump leveled the threat.

14 hours ago in National

Penn State frat pledges were made to cut and bag cocaine for college drug ring, authorities say

Penn State fraternity pledges were made to cut and package cocaine for a drug ring that was run out of two off-campus frat houses, authorities said.

6 days ago in National

Kennedy Center votes to restore Trump’s name and close for 2 years, challenging a judge’s order

The battle over the Kennedy Center's future escalated Thursday as President Donald Trump's allies on the board took new steps to commemorate him with physical changes to the iconic performing arts institution that could defy a federal court order.

7 days ago in National, Trending

Looking to see the solar eclipse from North America? Here’s where and when to catch a sliver

Sorry, North America. After winning the cosmic lottery with a pair of coast-to-coast total solar eclipses, now it's Europe's turn. But look skyward anyway Wednesday and, if you're far enough north in the U.S. and Canada, you might savor a partial eclipse as the moon nibbles away at the sun.

1 week ago in National, Trending

How to spot the Perseid meteor shower, a summer light show that promises to dazzle

The Perseid summer light show is back — and viewing conditions are especially promising for the Northern Hemisphere. The meteor shower's peak Wednesday night into Thursday morning coincides with a total solar eclipse across Spain, Iceland and Greenland and a six-planet parade — though the best time to view the fireballs will come after totality.

1 week ago in National

Taylor Farms recalls jalapeno products over salmonella concerns

Taylor Fresh Foods, parent company of Taylor Farms, is voluntarily recalling some products that include jalapenos because of worries about a possible salmonella contamination.

2 weeks ago in National

Senate committee votes to hold Fauci in contempt for refusing to answer COVID questions

A Senate committee on Thursday voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress and refer him to the Justice Department for potential prosecution over his refusal to answer questions at a hearing last week focused on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 weeks ago in National

Takeaways from Tuesday’s elections: El-Sayed pulls off narrow victory over Democratic establishment

Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary is the latest and perhaps most significant evidence that the party's voters are looking to turn the page on establishment-backed politicians — even in must-win battlegrounds.

Sports

20 hours ago in Sports

LIV Golf to end season early and cancel the Michigan team event

LIV Golf is ending its season one week earlier than planned, announcing Monday it will not hold the team championship in Michigan next week and instead crown the team champion this week 20 miles north of Indianapolis.

20 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Serena and Venus Williams return to doubles and lose close match in Cincinnati

Serena and Venus Williams played their first doubles match together since the 2022 U.S. Open and lost a thriller, 2-6, 6-1 (10-8) to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns on Monday night at the Cincinnati Open.

21 hours ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson will miss about a month with left oblique strain

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, left, walks back to the dugout with Dansby Swanson (7) during the third inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)

Chicago placed the two-time All-Star on the 10-day injured list Monday with a left oblique strain he suffered during Sunday’s loss to St. Louis.

22 hours ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Bears sign veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport, defensive back Deantre Prince

FILE - Detroit Lions defensive end Marcus Davenport walks to the locker room before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sept. 8, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)

Davenport played the last two seasons with Detroit, but was limited to 10 combined games due to chest and triceps injuries.

22 hours ago in IL State News, Local, National, Sports

Illinois turns to new QB to keep unprecedented run going

FILE - Illinois head coach Bret Bielema looks on before an NCAA college football game against Washington, Oct. 25, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)

About half the players on the Illinois roster are new to the team, which makes the Illini vulnerable to a regression.

22 hours ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Northwestern turns to Chip Kelly to help spark offense, Chiles steps in at QB for Wildcats

FILE - Northwestern's new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly attends an NCAA college football press conference, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, file)

QB Aidan Chiles (transfer from Michigan State), LB Kobie McKinzie (transfer from Oklahoma), DL Jamaal Johnson (transfer from UCF), TE Alex Honig (transfer from UConn) and DB Montae Pate (transfer from Weber State).

2 days ago in Sports

‘This is probably my last year in football,’ says Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo says this Saudi Pro League season is likely to be the last of his professional career. The 41-year-old superstar's contract with Riyadh club Al-Nassr, signed in December 2022, expires next June, and he has told Vogue magazine that another is unlikely.

3 days ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, National, Sports

Tommy John, namesake for a pioneering elbow surgery that saved his career, dead at 83

FILE - Los Angeles Dodgers former pitcher Tommy John praises his late friend, Dr. Frank Jobe during a memorial service at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, April 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

He pitched for Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees, the California Angels and the Oakland Athletics.

Lifestyle

19 hours ago in IL State News, Illinois State Fair Guide, Lifestyle, Local, Music, National

Matchbox Twenty mishap at Illinois State Fair

Swinging microphone stand hits a band member in the head.

20 hours ago in Lifestyle

The best fabric for extreme heat? It’s more complicated than you think

When it's really hot out, getting dressed seems pretty simple: Wear something light, loose and made for summer. But textile researchers say it's actually a little more complicated than that.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Music

‘The Lion King, Jr.’ a big deal for The Muni, director

"Disney's The Lion King, Jr." from The Muni

It's the first fifth show of the season for The Muni, and more.

2 days ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Illinois State Fair Guide, Lifestyle, Local, Music

Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade winners announced

One of the marching bands in the Illinois State Fair "Miles of Smiles" Parade Thursday, August 13.

Awards were handed out in a number of categories.

2 days ago in Business, History, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Japan comes to Springfield this summer

Japanese visit is just one of 10-15 "familiarization tours" a year.

2 days ago in Agriculture, Entertainment, Farm, Food Scene, History, IL State News, Illinois State Fair Guide, Lifestyle, Local, Music, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

The year of the Cozy Dog at the Illinois State Fair

This nearly 25-foot-tall Cozy Dog has been installed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

"We are going to try and break the record for the most Cozy Dogs eaten simultaneously," said Rebecca Clark, State Fair Manager.

3 days ago in Lifestyle, Local, Pet of the Week

Meet Bunny — Friends of SCAC Dog of the Week

Bunnie -- Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control Dog of the Week

Irresistible, outgoing, and "a wonderful companion."

4 days ago in IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

Kids keep getting hurt and killed on e-bikes. Should parents be held responsible?

A boy rides an e-bike in Santa Monica, Calif., Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

New Jersey and Illinois are among the states that have enacted statewide regulations recently, and Massachusetts is weighing measures.

Local News from Capitol City Now

18 hours ago in IL State News, Local, National

Durbin: Trump is playing politics with disaster aid

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) speaks to reporters Monday, August 17, at ImpactLife blood center in Springfield.

Illinois has had more tornado warnings this year than any other state with more than 200.

19 hours ago in IL State News, Illinois State Fair Guide, Lifestyle, Local, Music, National

Matchbox Twenty mishap at Illinois State Fair

Swinging microphone stand hits a band member in the head.

21 hours ago in Business, IL State News, Local, National

Data centers emerging as key issue in Illinois governor’s race

The T5@Chicago II hyperscale data center sits at 200 Innovation Drive in Elk Grove Village, nicknamed the ‘data center capital of the Midwest’ for its high per-capita concentration of data centers. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Maggie Dougherty)

State lawmakers could tackle new regulations in fall veto session after the election.

22 hours ago in IL State News, Local, National, Sports

Illinois turns to new QB to keep unprecedented run going

About half the players on the Illinois roster are new to the team, which makes the Illini vulnerable to a regression.

23 hours ago in IL State News, Local, National

Area first responders pay tribute to longtime New Berlin police chief

Local law enforcement gather in Sherman Monday to honor late New Berlin Police Chief Terry Nydegger.

"He was just so meticulous and patient and really knew what he was doing all around. He was an incredible individual, and I can't express how much we're going to miss him," Ray said.

24 hours ago in Education, Local

District 186 board reviews AI guidelines

Superintendent: "Technology is not going anywhere. If we just say no to technology, no to screen time, no to AI, then we are doing a disservice to our kids and to our community."

Entertainment News

14 hours ago in Entertainment

Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend was at apartment where she died, police report says

Hayden Panettiere's on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickersonand his brother Zach Hickerson were at the South Carolina apartment where the actor died over the weekend, according to a police report released Tuesday.

14 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Frank Beard, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer of boogie-rock trio ZZ Top, dies at 77

Frank Beard, the drummer for the Texas boogie-rock trio ZZ Top who kept the tempo for the band's biggest hits like "Sharp Dressed Man," "Legs" and "Gimme All Your Lovin,'" has died. He was 77.

19 hours ago in IL State News, Illinois State Fair Guide, Lifestyle, Local, Music, National

Matchbox Twenty mishap at Illinois State Fair

Swinging microphone stand hits a band member in the head.

20 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Madonna leads 2026 MTV Video Music Awards nominations, followed by Taylor Swift

Madonna leads the 2026 MTV Video Music Award nominations, the network announced Tuesday. The pop superstar has been nominated in every decade of her musical career. She has 19 competitive MTV VMA wins and in 1986 became the first solo female artist to receive the Video Vanguard Award.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Music