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Sample pawpaw fruit in September at Allerton Public Library
DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — In September, the University of Illinois Extension office will teach you about the pawpaw tree and even let you sample its banana-like fruit. On September 17th, at 2 p.m., participants will learn about the native tropical fruit for one hour at the Allerton Public Library. They will learn the history of the pawpaw tree, how to grow the fruit at home, and even eat some pawpaw bread.
Illinois WR Zakhari Franklin Progressing During Reunion With Offensive Coordinator
Illinois WR Zakhari Franklin begins his first season with the Fighting Illini alongside his former offensive coordinator at the University of Texas at San Antonio Barry Lunney Jr.
McKinley Health Center celebrates 100th year
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The McKinley Health Center in Urbana is celebrating a big milestone this year. It’s their 100th anniversary. The facility is considered to be one of the oldest buildings on the University of Illinois campus. The health center started out as a hospital for inpatient care for about 50 years then transitioned […]
‘Just nothing but harassment’: Rankin residents arrested for dangerous behavior affecting Rt. 9 drivers
RANKIN, Ill. (WCIA) — Two people were arrested in the Village of Rankin following harassment of drivers on Route 9. Some people in town say this wasn’t a one-time instance. One adult and one juvenile were arrested Tuesday afternoon by the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office following what neighbors are calling dangerous behavior on a major […]
UIPD looking for suspects in vandalism, SJP says they were ‘not involved’
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois Police Department has released further information about an act of vandalism at Foellinger Auditorium over the weekend. Meanwhile, Students for Justice in Palestine has denied responsibility but expressed support for the message left behind. The six columns at the front of the building were painted with the […]
After Blaze in Rivian Parking Lot, Local Fire Dept Does Some EV Fire Myth-Busting
After a fire broke out at a Rivian plant over the weekend, the local fire department is taking the opportunity to dispel myths about electric vehicle fires. "There are many rumors that EV fires cannot be extinguished, or that we have to use specialized chemicals or foam to extinguish them, and that simply isn't true," Matt Swaney, public information officer for the Normal Fire Department in Illinois, tells PCMag.
Chicago-St. Louis passenger rail improvements win America’s Transportation Award for Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that transformational improvements to Chicago-to-St. Louis passenger rail, including the introduction of higher speeds, won top honors among Midwest states in the 2024 America's Transportation Awards in the “Quality of Life/Community Development, Large Project” category. Delivered in 2023 by IDOT under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker, the multi-year project on the state’s most popular rail line established 110 mph speeds for the first time in Illinois, helping to better connect communities and major institutions while improving safety, convenience and accessibility.
Rockford-area lawmakers push for early childhood investment as billions in school funding evaporates
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) - In the pool of Illinois’ education budget, the state swims toward an $8 billion drop-off. By the end of September, $122 billion in federal pandemic-era funding dries up. That leaves stateline school districts making tough decisions, including Rockford Public Schools (RPS 205) reducing preschool transportation.
CU, Vermillion County school districts receive more than $4 million in funding
Champaign Unit 4 School District and the Urbana School District, among other local districts in Vermillion County, are set to receive over $4 million in funding. The fiscal year 2025 budget invested $350 million in new funding for student success through the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula. “Our...
Hazardous Substance Found In Manner's Park
Lead has been found in Manners Park. Taylorville Park District announced that following the latest round of environmental testing done by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, levels of lead were found in a small area of Manners Park. Taylorville Park District announced that they have entered into a voluntary remediation program with the IL EPA to clean it up.
Benjamin Reed pleads insanity for murder of DCFS worker
SPRINGFIELD, IL (WAND) — Tuesday marked the second day of the bench trial for Benjamin H. Reed, who is on trial for the stabbing murder of Diedre Silas in 2022. On January 4th, 2022, Benjamin H. Reed allegedly killed Diedre Silas, a child protection specialist with DCFS. He was charged in with three counts of First-Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Battery, and unlawful restraint. Reed waived his right to trial by jury in December 2023.
Illinois Teacher Goes Viral Asking Parents Not To Bring Kid’s Birthday Cupcakes
One teacher in Illinois has a back-to-school ask of parents. Ann Brackemyer, a kindergarten teacher in Morrison, is going viral as kiddos are going back to school with what she says is an "unpopular opinion". Parents love to bring cupcakes to school on the kid's birthday for the class. It's...
Illini Open Football Season Tonight Against EIU on WJBD
UNDATED (AP) — Illinois opens the season at home Thursday night against Eastern Illinois. Illinois needs a decisive victory to get some momentum ahead of Big Ten play. Bret Bielema is 18-19 in three seasons in Champaign, with a promising 8-5 finish bookended by two 5-7 seasons. Eastern Illinois was 8-3 a year ago and ranked No. 24 in the final FCS poll. The Panthers have an opportunity to pull off a major upset against a foe just 56 miles from their campus. Listen on WJBD starting at 7pm with the pregame.
Illinois quick hits: Construction workers hurt in collapse; DUI enforcement for Labor Day
Construction workers hurt in collapse Two construction workers were seriously hurt when the unfinished wooden frame they were working on collapsed Wednesday in Casey. The collapse happened at Westside Church of Christ, which has been undergoing renovation this summer. During construction of a 4,500-square-foot addition, the wooden roof trusses came crashing to the ground. The church said both were airlifted to Champaign. ...
$9.2M Illinois Lotto ticket sold at suburban Jewel-Osco grocery store
Did you happen to buy a lotto ticket while grocery shopping at a suburban Jewel-Osco recently? If so, you may be the proud owner of a jackpot winning Lotto ticket worth more than $9 million. According to the Illinois Lottery, the ticket, worth $9.2 million, was sold as part of...
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