Local News

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Illinois leaders have announced two major public health and economic initiatives, combining new regulations on hemp products with a multimillion-dollar funding boost for pharmacies across the state. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed legislation that strengthens oversight of hemp-derived products while also expanding access to medical cannabis for qualifying patients. In a separate announcement, state officials unveiled $24.7 million in funding to support 434 pharmacies statewide. New Hemp Law Tightens […]

(BLOOMINGTON) ILLINOIS FARMERS HAVE BEGAN THEIR WHEAT HARVEST Illinois wheat harvest is now underway, with farmers getting started earlier than usual this season. According to the latest USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report released June 8, approximately 4 percent of Illinois winter wheat has been harvested. That pace is ahead of the five-year average of 1 percent for this point in the season. In surrounding counties, combines began rolling last […]

(SPRINGFIELD) BELLEVILLE MAN ON FBI MOST WANTED SENTENCED TO PRISON A Belleville man who had been on the FBI’s Most Wanted list has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for illegal possession of a machine gun. Dontay Moore, 23, also faces separate state charges in St. Louis involving other alleged crimes, including his reported role in a drive-by shooting that left bystanders seriously injured. Prosecutors said his federal […]

(BLOOMINGTON) Health experts are warning that several tick species are expanding their range across Illinois, raising the risk of tick-borne illnesses throughout the state of Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, lone star ticks, blacklegged ticks, and dog ticks have been found in numerous counties, with some areas reporting the presence of all three. Researchers say warmer winters and longer warm seasons are helping ticks stay active […]

(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general urging international auto racing organizations to prohibit sponsorships tied to tobacco and nicotine products and end existing agreements involving those products. In a letter to FIA and Formula One leadership, Raoul and the coalition pointed to nicotine pouch advertising associated with Formula One teams and events, including products promoted by major tobacco companies. (SPRINGFIELD) A new […]

(NEWTON) The Newton City Council met in regular session on Tuesday night, The board approved the regular minutes from the month of May, took public comments and discussed old and new business including approving a $23,900 project change order for the Electric Line D Grid Resilience Grant and passed Ordinance 26-05 creating incentives for the demolition of dangerous and dilapidated buildings. The council also accepted a resignation effective June 2, 2026, appointed a new […]