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WATCH: Lightning in Central Illinois spotted from miles away
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Lightning was visible late Tuesday night as storms swept through Illinois, and viewers in several areas shared some videos with WCIA of what they saw. Video from Champaign around 9:50 p.m. WCIA Chief Meteorologist Kevin Lighty said the lightning was from Chicago-area storms more than 100 miles away. If you captured […]
Red Lobster to Potentially Close Three Illinois Locations Amid Nationwide Retreat During Bankruptcy Proceedings
As Red Lobster navigates choppy waters in its ongoing bankruptcy saga, court documents reveal that the seafood chain is shuttering a slew of restaurants across the nation, including three eateries in Illinois. As per NBC Chicago, if a judge approves the latest court filing, the state will see the closure of its Geneva and Bourbonnais locations as well as a Peoria establishment. The last days for these restaurants are not set in stone, but Red Lobster is pushing for lease rejections by Aug. 31.
Illinois bill would create board to tackle high prescription drug prices; doctors, patients weigh in
People had plenty to say at a third town hall about the cost of prescription drugs in Illinois on Tuesday."It was insulting. It was insulting to me as an individual. You can't respect my need for those medications, and just think of all this people who don't have that advocacy," said Mary Rothschild, a patient with allergies.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch"I went through a series of talking to my physician, talking to my insurance company, trying figure out how can I get the medication that's the better medication that I needed," said Lequita Michelle Mathew,...
As IL deals with non-citizen migrants, TX judge blocks Biden’s citizenship plan
(The Center Square) – As Illinois grapples with the influx of non-citizen migrants, a Texas federal judge has blocked the Biden administration’s latest immigration policy. President Joe Biden announced in June a policy that allowed undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to apply for green cards without leaving the country. The White House estimated that 500,000 people were eligible for the program. Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, recently attended...
Illinois election integrity advocate raises concerns
(The Center Square) – With elections coming down the pike, an Illinois election integrity advocate is raising concerns. In Illinois, you can request permanent mail-in voting to where the local election official sends out a mail-in ballot for every election. Carol Davis is with the Illinois Election Integrity Program. She said mail-in voting has greater potential for fraud. Davis suggested voters request a mail-in ballot, not a permanent one, and...
Chatham asking utility customers to conserve energy
CHATHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Chatham residents and business owners who are customers of the village’s utility services are asked to reduce their electric usage Tuesday evening. Village officials said the overload of electricity used Monday evening caused equipment failure and an outage, and they are trying to prevent another outage. Some of their suggestions on […]
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.
From Blue Man Group to filmmaking, Galassi brothers Adam and Boomer share their creativity
Petersburg’s Adam and Boomer Galassi are brothers and filmmakers. They spoke to Community Voices about their creative processes, their films, and their experiences as a part of the Blue Man Group. To watch "Salt Creek County" visit: https://youtu.be/KZ5d0hymXC4. To watch "The Know" visit: https://youtu.be/0Dfq5LnvqOY.
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.
Phase 1 Of Zaydin Dudra Skateboard Park In Taylorville Complete
When local skateboard resident Zaydin Dudra passed away in a tragic vehicle accident, Zaydin’s mother gave a compelling speech about Zaydin and his love for skateboarding. Taylorville did not have a skateboard park and Dudra wouldn’t get to witness the completed project, but the message hit home for Evan Mitchell. He wanted a skateboard park too. In fact, Mitchell has wanted a skateboard park since he was a teenager.
Casey construction accident leaves two workers seriously hurt
CASEY, Ill. (WCIA) — Two construction workers were seriously hurt when the unfinished wooden building frame they were working on collapsed Wednesday morning. The collapse happened at Westside Church of Christ, which has been under renovation all summer long. Upgrades include a 4,500-square-foot addition to the building; the frame of the addition collapsed around 11:30 […]
‘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 […]
Springfield Police make arrest in hit and run
A Springfield man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon in connection with an early morning hit and run on the city's north side. Evan Hutson, 22, was arrested for aggravated battery and aggravated assault with a vehicle. Police said at 12:39 a.m. Thursday, they responded to the area of Fifth Street and North Grand Avenue for a report of multiple people struck by a vehicle.
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...
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