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Illinois dam fails, residents told to evacuate area
Thunderstorms with heavy rains and tornadoes rattled the Chicago area and elsewhere in the Midwest, overtopping a dam Tuesday in southern Illinois, cutting power to hundreds of thousands, and even sending weather forecasters scrambling for safety. A woman in Indiana died after a tree fell onto a home.
Southern Illinois State Parks Shut Down Due to Flash Flooding
East St. Louis, IL – Several southern Illinois state parks are experiencing total closures or road closures due to flash flooding over the past 24 hours. According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Frank Holten State Park in East St. Louis is currently closed to all visitors due to severe flooding. The closures are a precaution to ensure visitor safety as water levels continue to rise.
Empty Illinois Civil War Era House Has Hidden Underground Bunker
You never know what you'll discover when you explore a home that dates back to the Civil War era. That's what happened in Illinois not that long ago when urban explorers found that an abandoned house also included a hidden secret underground bunker. There's no exact location given other than...
Unemployment claims in Illinois increased last week
Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Illinois rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday. New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, increased to 9,475 in the week ending July 6, up from 8,906 the week before, the Labor Department said. U.S. unemployment...
Activists, lawmakers protest proposed rate hikes by water utilities
(The Center Square) – More than 1.5 million Illinois consumers may soon be paying a lot more for water. According to the Citizens Utility Board, Aqua Illinois and Illinois American Water customers are affected by proposed rate hikes, which could cost households nearly $30 a month. Illinois State Rep. Dagmara Avelar said inflation has made everyday costs burdensome, especially for lower and fixed-income households. ...
Tornado Warnings Around the Tri-Counties Illinois
A Radar indicated tornado warning has been issued for parts of Rock Island, Mercer, Whiteside and Henry Counties. The warning is currently from the Quad Cities to Atkinson but the warning is expected to extend southeast. VERY strong winds have been confirmed with these storms. Funnel clouds have been spotted but any possible spin-up may be rain-wrapped. Stay alert and keep a device with you to stay up-to-date with warnings. Update: Galva, Annawan, and Hoopole are in the extended warning area. UPDATE: 7:28 PM, huge spin-up north of Preemption, headed east towards Sherrard and Orion.
More police departments use drones and see benefits
PEORIA (25News Now) - The number of police departments in Illinois which utilize drones is growing. In 2023, the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority reported 47% use them, compared to 34% in 2020. Peoria, East Peoria and Pekin are three of the local departments using them. Peoria Police Sgt. Sherrell...
Special Airline For Dogs Now Flies Out Of Illinois
If you love traveling with your dog, there is now a new and better option flying out of Illinois. Don't get me wrong, I love animals, especially my pets. I just don't understand how people bring them on vacation and travel with the little creatures. Manly, because it's not easy. It's hard enough going through an airport with yourself let alone with a dog.
Cities impacted by severe weather implement debris collection sites
KEWANEE, Ill. (KWQC) - A storm that moved across Iowa and Illinois into Indiana and Ohio has been classified as a derecho by the Storm Prediction Center. A derecho is defined as a line of intense, widespread, and fast-moving windstorms, that sometimes include thunderstorms. The storm moves across a long distance and includes damaging winds.
Peoria police searching for suspects in McDonald’s heist
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Peoria police are looking for a person held up a fast-food restaurant in north Peoria late Monday. According to Semone Roth, a department spokeswoman, the heist occurred at a McDonald’s located in the 7000 block of North University Street, which is less than a block from the intersection with Pioneer Parkway.
Carver Arena ice plant will be replaced, civic center official says.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — News about the recent improvements to the Peoria Civic Center brought praise to some and worry to others. Those who were worried had one question on their mind: “where’s the repair to the machine that makes ice for the Peoria Rivermen hockey team?”
Widespread Power Outages and Damage Following Strong Storms
There are widespread power outages throughout the area. Thousands are without power in the immediate area. There are trees down, power lines down, roads are blocked, highways are blocked, so stay home if possible. Travel will be difficult. Parts of Kewanee got more than 70 mph winds. PLEASE stay home. Many, many roads are blocked by trees and utility lines and police and fire need room to do their jobs.
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