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About Us

Your Community, Your News.

Welcome to Windmill Media! Our name was inspired by the windmills that once stood as centers of town life, harnessing a natural force to power and sustain the community. In that same spirit, we aim to harness the power of communication to inform, connect, and empower our local towns and villages.

We know it’s getting harder to find out what’s happening in our own backyards. With traditional newsrooms shrinking, many of us feel disconnected from the local decisions that affect our families, our taxes, and our quality of life.

We’re here to change that.

As an all-digital news source based in Frankfort, Illinois, we focus 100% of our energy on bringing you the news that matters most, right where you are—on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Here’s what you’ll find at Windmill Media:

  • The Full Story on Local Government: From the school board’s budget to the park district’s new project and what’s happening at the county board committees. We cover it all so you don’t have to.

  • Go Team! Complete high school sports coverage, including updated calendars so you never miss a game.

  • What’s Happening? The most complete local and regional events calendar around.

  • You’re Part of the Story: Submit your own news tips and events, post in our classifieds, and help us keep everyone in the loop!

  • Plus: Essential state and national headlines, and local weather alerts to keep you safe.

We built Windmill Media because we believe in the power of local connection. We hope you’ll make us your daily stop for everything happening in our wonderful community.

Latest News Stories

WATCH: Illinois GOP State Fair rally takes aim at Pritzker, ‘woke agenda’

WATCH: Illinois GOP State Fair rally takes aim at Pritzker, ‘woke agenda’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − Republicans took their turn at the Illinois State Fair to call out Illinois Democrats for what the...
Small business group: Pritzker-signed bills are wrong move

Small business group: Pritzker-signed bills are wrong move

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation that he says will protect workers, but a small business advocate...
Grand Canyon fire now 54% contained; 144,432 acres burned

Grand Canyon fire now 54% contained; 144,432 acres burned

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square America’s largest active wildfire is now 54% contained, according to a report on a U.S. government website. Containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona...
Report: Post-election audits in swing states insufficient

Report: Post-election audits in swing states insufficient

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square A recent report analyzed the 2024 post-election audits of seven swing states, finding that many were “inadequate” and lacking “transparency.” In Michigan, it found that...
U.S. producer prices surge in July as tariffs increase costs

U.S. producer prices surge in July as tariffs increase costs

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. wholesale inflation surged last month, a sign that President Donald Trump's tariffs are boosting costs and higher prices may be on the way. The...
Colorado sued over social media warnings for minors

Colorado sued over social media warnings for minors

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square An internet trade group filed a lawsuit against Colorado Thursday morning, challenging a new law that would require social media platforms to regularly send pop-up...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 14th, 2025

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 14th, 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares highlights from...
Chicago’s commercial property taxes spike to twice national city average

Chicago’s commercial property taxes spike to twice national city average

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago business owners are now being forced to pay some of the highest commercial property taxes...
Illinois quick hits: Court rejects lawsuit against Texas Democrats; no charges for police

Illinois quick hits: Court rejects lawsuit against Texas Democrats; no charges for police

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Court rejects lawsuit against Texas Democrats An Adams County judge has rejected a lawsuit against 33 Texas House Democrats who absconded...
Illinois judge rejects Texas legislature lawsuit over absconding Dems

Illinois judge rejects Texas legislature lawsuit over absconding Dems

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square An Illinois judge has rejected a lawsuit filed by the state of Texas against 33 House Democrats who absconded from the state to stop legislative...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for June 9, 2025

At its regular monthly meeting, the Lake Land College Board of Trustees took several actions, including approving employee pay raises, supporting a TIF district extension for the City of Mattoon,...
DOJ settles race-based admissions with military academies

DOJ settles race-based admissions with military academies

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The Department of Justice announced this week a settlement of litigation challenging the race-based admissions practices at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and...
More California voters are liking Trump's job performance

More California voters are liking Trump’s job performance

By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square President Donald Trump’s job approval rating in California is slightly higher than what it was at this time in his first term and from when...
U.S. national debt tops $37 trillion

U.S. national debt tops $37 trillion

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Congress has spent more money than it has collected for the last two decades, allowing the U.S. debt to top $37 trillion for the first...
Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

Illinois quick hits: Human trafficking law signed; Mercyhealth to pay for COVID vaccine discrimination

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Human trafficking law signed Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation requiring state agencies to develop a strategic unified plan to build...