Category Archives: Local News

Illinois pursues abortion coverage for people with little or no insurance
by Nikoel Hytrek and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois April 6, 2026 Article Summary A new Illinois bill would establish a state grant program to pay for abortions for uninsure...
Austin Williams Apr 8, 2026 State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, presents her Medicaid legislation on the House floor on Saturday, May 31, 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

Representative Charlie Meier Joins Advocates to Demand Changes at DHS
State Representative Charlie Meier and disability advocates held a Tuesday news conference in Springfield to spotlight a series of reform bills aimed at addressing critical failures within the Illinoi...
Austin Williams Apr 8, 2026 File photo: State Rep. Charlie Meier speaks at a press conference.

Centralia based St. Clare Foundation Announces Over $500,000 to Accelerate Youth Behavioral Health Solutions
The St. Clare Foundation (SCF) on Tuesday announced the recipients of its inaugural grant cycle, deploying over $500,000 to high-impact programs poised to deliver systemic change in youth and adolesce...
Austin Williams Apr 8, 2026

Police Beat for Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
A 56-year-old Wamac man has been arrested by Wamac Police on an outstanding felony no bond failure to appear warrant. Roger Parker was taken to the Marion County Jail to await a court appearance. Two ...
Austin Williams Apr 8, 2026

Salem Police Chief Placed on Paid Administrative Leave During Ongoing Investigation
The City of Salem confirms that Police Chief Todd Boles has been placed on paid administrative leave effective Wednesday (today) as part of an ongoing investigation. In a news release, the city says t...
Bruce Kropp Apr 8, 2026 Salem Police Chief Todd Boles.

Deere & Co agrees to pay $99 million to settle 'right to repair' lawsuit
By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS AP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) - Deere & Co. has agreed to pay $99 million as part of a settlement that would resolve a class action lawsuit accusing the farm equipmen...
Bruce Kropp Apr 8, 2026 FILE - A person walks on an X9 1100 combine at the John Deere booth during the CES tech show, Jan. 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Balloon Fest to Seek Centralia City Council Approval to Move to Fairview Park Due to Electrical Issues
The Greater Centralia Chamber of Commerce is asking the City of Centralia to use Fairview Park to host the 37th Annual Balloon Fest on August 21st through the 23rd. The decision to move to an alternat...
Bruce Kropp Apr 7, 2026 Photo by Pat Hodges.

Salem City Council Adopts Comprehensive Plan and Budget
The Salem City Council Monday night approved a new ten-year comprehensive plan and the fiscal year budget that begins May 1st. Jim Arndt of Arndt Municipal Services presented the comprehensive plan, n...
Austin Williams Apr 7, 2026 Consultant Jim Arndt describes the completed Comprehensive Plan which will guide the city over the next ten years.

Salem City Council Approves Two TIF Improvement Projects; Delay Sale of Land Near Industrial Park
The Salem City Council has approved two downtown tax increment financing district projects. The council awarded $25,000 to Crescendo Properties, LLC owned by Tracy and Becky Timmerman to replace doors...
Austin Williams Apr 7, 2026

Cedarhurst Receives Highest National Recognition with Reaccreditation
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation's museums. Accreditation signifies excellen...
Austin Williams Apr 7, 2026 Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. (Facebook photo)
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