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Do Not Approach Illinois 10 Most Wanted, All Considered Dangerous
Everyone would like to think they're a superhero, but this is one instance where you need to understand how dangerous real life can be. Law enforcement in Illinois has issued a warning about the 10 most wanted fugitives that should not be approached as they are all to be considered armed and dangerous.
Illinois Ends Fiscal Year With Nearly $5B Cash on Hand
Illinois entered a new fiscal year Monday with a bit of a financial cushion as the prior year’s revenues exceeded final projections by about $123 million. The state ended fiscal year 2024 with about $4.7 billion cash on hand, or about 9% of the allocated spending for fiscal year 2025, which began July 1. That included a record high $2.1 billion in the state’s budget stabilization, or “rainy day” fund, which has seen its balance grow steadily over the past five years.
Illinois quick hits: High-risk lead exposure ZIP codes added
High-risk lead exposure ZIP codes added The Illinois Department of Public Health has announced an expanded list of high-risk ZIP codes, increasing mandatory testing for lead exposure of children who live within those areas. Representing parts of 60 Illinois counties, 148 new zip codes have been added to the list this year, bringing the total of high-risk ZIP codes to almost 1,200. Under Illinois law, any child residing in a...
Speech Experts Really Don’t Like How You’re Saying ‘Illinois’
There are rebels in our midst that are saying what should be an obvious word incorrectly. It's such a problem that the speech experts have issued a warning to everyone that has managed to say "Illinois" incorrectly. I'm a live and let live kind of person. If you want to...
Undocumented Illinois residents can now get standard driver's licenses
Under provisions of a new law, undocumented residents in Illinois are now eligible to receive four-year driver’s licenses. According to HB 3882, which went into effect July 1, those residents can now receive standard licenses and identification cards instead of the previously issued Temporary Visitor’s Driver’s License.
Community Spotlight: Summer Shakedown Music Fest 2
ARGENTA, Ill. (WCIA) — WCIA’s Mitch Rife sits down with Keith Gibson to talk about the Summer Shakedown Music Fest 2. Summer Shakedown Music Fest will take place at Bargenta in Argenta IL. Tickets and more information can be found on the event’s Eventbrite page.
Illinois Finally Signs Agreement to Build $1B Invasive Carp Barrier, Now That the State Isn’t on the Hook for Entire Lifelong Maintenance Tab
After months of negotiations, Illinois finally signed onto a project partnership agreement this week with the state of Michigan and the Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with construction of what’s largely viewed as the last line of defense against invasive carp entering the Great Lakes. The best...
Farmer City Pool leak could be fixed next week
FARMER CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Officials have identified the problem with the Farmer City Pool. Farmer City’s pool has a 3/4″ leak on the floor, according to city manager Sue McLaughlin. The pool floor is now being evaluated and is expected to be fixed next week. The pool closed last week after an emergency city […]
Two Blue Bloods Have Eyes Set On A Former Illinois Commit, Who Will Reclassify To 2024
Fears, a Joilet (IL) native, decommited from Illinois on July 1 and will reclassify to the class of 2024, according to Kedric Prince of IlliniGuys.com. While Illinois has an open scholarship for the 2024-25 season, the Illini backcourt is crowded with Kylan Boswell, Kasparas Jakucionis, Ty Rodgers, and Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn.
Decatur bringing childcare facility back to life, expanding to bring 24hr care
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — On Monday, the Decatur City Council approved more than $733,000 and contractor bids to bring the old Wee Folks daycare back to life. A childcare provider spoke about what she envisions for the space. Richelle Dunbar, Decatur’s Assistant Director of Economic and Community Development, said it’ll hopefully fulfill a crucial need. […]
Nick Hardy 1-on-1 pre-John Deere Classic
SILVIS, Ill. (WCIA) — Former Illinois golfer Nick Hardy has one PGA Tour win under his belt, hungry for a second as he prepares to play in the John Deere Classic. WCIA Sports Director Bret Beherns caught up with the 2018 Big Ten Player of the Year before play begins on Thursday, July 4 at […]
Freedom Fridays return to Rantoul this month
RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — Freedom Fridays are back in the Village of Rantoul. Downtown Rantoul will host the weekly event from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday in July. There will be a fun zone for kids, including bounce houses, games and balloon animals. For the adults, there will be a bags tournament with a […]
After stagnant offense, Pedon scoured portal for three-point shooters to fill ISU roster
NORMAL, Illinois (WMBD) – It’s no secret where the troubles last year were for Redbird basketball. Illinois State was dead last in the Missouri Valley in scoring. They made just 29% of their threes as a team, also at the bottom of the conference. Coach Ryan Pedon went...
Itasca Prepares for Illinois’ Biggest July 4th Fireworks Show
The suburban village of Itasca in Chicago is all set up for an impressive Independence Day celebration with what’s been called the largest July 4th fireworks show in Illinois. Work crews started early this week to make sure everything is ready for the big show. Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn...
Red Barn Golf Course reportedly suggests homeowners pay for its $187,000 driving range net
ROCKTON, Ill. (WIFR) - A yellow golf ball rests in grass a few meters from a Summit Condos home in Rockton. Ahead of it, an orange construction fence separates the backyard from the Red Barn Golf Course driving range. “It possibly could give someone a heart attack at an age...
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