Category Archives: Local News
Police Beat for Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
Salem Police arrested 44-year-old Jason Tatum of Elm Street in Salem for alleged aggravated domestic battery on Saturday morning. He is accused of getting into an altercation with another family membe...
10h ago
St. Mary's Hospital nurse wins this year's High Fly Cup
As Balloon Fest weekend began to wind down Sunday morning, organizers took the opportunity to say "thank you" to the pilots, crew members, and event volunteers who make the festival possible year afte...
10h ago This year's High Fly Cup Winner Susie Robbins with past winners at Annual Balloon Fest Awards Banquet. Photo by Garrett Ford.
Few balloons fly but many glow on Balloon Fest Saturday; Sunday morning flight goes off without a hitch
The third day of Balloon Fest started with a successful flight from Kaskaskia College. Balloon enthusiasts made it out to the college to photograph the launch. Centralia Chamber of Commerce Executive ...
14h ago Balloons glow in Fairview Park during Saturday nigh glow. Photo by Pat Hodges.
First Night of Centralia Balloon Fest held in Fairview Park; Saturday morning flight cancelled due to weather
A line of early-morning severe thunderstorms and some trailing lighter rain caused the Saturday morning Balloon Fest balloon flight over Centralia to be canceled. The cancellation came after a success...
Aug 22, 2026 Three special shape balloons glow together Friday night in Fairview Park. Photo by Austin Williams.
Police Beat for Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
Salem Police arrested 47-year-old Robert Dailey of North Illinois Street in Salem for alleged aggravated domestic battery. He is accused of excessive discipline to his child that resulted in marks on ...
Aug 22, 2026
With Trump barely mentioned, Illinois Republicans focus on common enemy: Pritzker
by Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois August 20, 2026 Article Summary President Donald Trump has been the dominant political force within the Republican Party for more than a decade, but he was bare...
Aug 21, 2026 Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar, the Republican ticket for governor in 2026, greet fairgoers on Aug. 20, 2026, during Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Amid Democratic scandals, Illinois Republicans hoping to flip legislative seats
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois August 20, 2026 Article Summary Republican legislative leaders are hoping to flip several seats this fall and protect others they currently hold. Democrats are ...
Aug 21, 2026 Illinois Senate Republican Leader John Curran shakes hands with new state Party Chair Bob Grogan at a meeting of the Republican State Central Committee in Springfield on Aug. 20, 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Salem Grade School Board sees positive tentative budget after $1.5-million deficit last year
Salem Grade School Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe was excited to announce at Thursday night's school board meeting that the tentative budget for the coming school year is in the black. Foppe says tha...
Aug 21, 2026
Both drivers injured in crash at Green Street and Odin Roads
Marion County Sheriff's Deputies say both drivers were injured in a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon at the Green Street and Odin Road intersection. Preliminary information indicates a pickup driv...
Aug 21, 2026
Both drivers injured when small school bus and SUV collide south of Mt. Vernon
Illinois State Police say both the driver of an SUV and a small school bus were injured in a crash on Route 37 near the Game Farm Road in the Bakersville area south of Mt. Vernon Thursday afternoon. M...
Aug 21, 2026 Flashing lights are pictured on an Illinois State Police car. (Capitol News Illinois file photo)
