Alex Degman
Degman (which is actually what most people call him instead of ‘Alex’) reported from Springfield professionally from 2011 to 2015, preceded by Tri States Public Radio in Macomb (2009-2011) and followed by KMOX in St. Louis (2015-2022). Even in those non statehouse specific roles, he became a go to person for many things Illinois state government related.
Degman is a native of north suburban Northbrook and graduated from Glenbrook North High School in 2004, that’s where he caught the radio bug that never really went away. He graduated from Western Illinois University in 2008, which is where he caught the news bug that didn’t go away. Degman got his Master of Arts in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2009, where he caught the “reporting on Illinois public policy bug” that… well, you know.
Outside of work, Degman enjoys slowly working on the 1864 Lincoln-era home he purchased in Springfield’s Enos Park neighborhood (no, there aren’t ghosts that knew President Lincoln, much to his disappointment), attempting to cook, exploring local places to support and raising Louie, a black lab mix that is a handful and a half. Louie formed Degman’s unintentional tradition of naming his black labs after Venezuelan White Sox players: Louie is named after Luis Aparicio, the late Ozzie was named after Ozzie Guillen.
Stories by Alex Degman
Trump nod helps Republican Bost beat Bailey downstate, Democrats Foster, Casten win in suburbs
U.S. Rep. Mike Bost declared victory at about 9:41 p.m., and Bailey conceded 15 minutes later. And Democratic U.S. Reps. Sean Casten and Bill Foster held onto their suburban congressional seats after facing progressive challengers who tried to veer them further to the left on key issues.
Thousands of immigrants in Illinois to lose health care coverage
Programs offering insurance to undocumented — and some documented — residents are undergoing cost-saving changes.
Unions target far-right Illinois state representatives
Unions representing teachers, laborers and police officers are spending big bucks to try primarying southern Illinois Republicans.
Former Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey is running to unseat Mike Bost in Illinois’ 12th District
The Republican primary in the state’s most conservative congressional district is between two candidates who were endorsed by former President Donald Trump in separate races two years ago.
What to expect as Illinois lawmakers return to work
Illinois lawmakers will be picking up where they left off on Tuesday. With an election looming, action might be slow to start.
Illinois DCFS stands on the precipice of repair after decades of systemic issues
The department’s budget is growing as new leadership is being recruited. Advocates hope those changes signal more improvements to come.
Illinois State Police says ‘clear and present danger reports’ help prevent tragedy before it happens
WBEZ’s Alex Degman talked with State Police Director Brendan Kelly about how the agency is reporting differently than it did a year ago.
Morning News: December 8, 2023
Chicago alderpersons continue pointing fingers and placing blame over the failed construction of a migrant camp in Brighton Park. Some of Alderman Ray Lopez’s constituents used Posada as a backdrop to protest Chicago’s continued sanctuary status. Jurors get a firsthand look at the FBI raid on former Alderman Ed Burke’s office.
Illinois residents can now report government corruption, online
A new Illinois State Police form lets people report corruption anonymously. But does it go far enough?
Barack Obama tells youth they have power at annual Democracy Forum
The Obama Foundation held its event at McCormick Place on the anniversary of his 2008 presidential win.