Category Archives: Local News
Secondary roads remain largely icy as cold temperatures remain in place
The Illinois Department of Transportation is reporting all state highways and Interstates in Marion County are now clear of ice and snow. Secondary roads are another story. After becoming slushy Tuesd...
Jan 28, 2026
Providers say feds' new rural health care grants to Illinois won't cover Medicaid cuts
by Nikoel Hytrek and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois January 26, 2026 Article Summary Providers say the $193 million Illinois will receive in federal rural health care grants...
Jan 27, 2026 (Capitol News Illinois graphic made via Datawrapper with KFF data)
Illinois' Democratic U.S. Senate primary heats up over ICE
by Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois January 27, 2026 Article Summary Rep. Robin Kelly of Lynwood, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton all to varying degrees calle...
Jan 27, 2026 Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi were the fundraising leaders in the Democratic Senate primary, according to quarterly finance reports. (Capitol News Illinois photos by Jerry Nowicki)
Inaugural Rock the Castle is set for Castle Ridge in July
Castle Ridge will launch a new annual rock tradition this summer with the Inaugural Rock the Castle on Saturday, July 11th. The event will feature Great White, Slaughter and Quiet Riot. Organizers say...
Jan 27, 2026 File: Castle Ridge (Facebook photo)
Salem High School sets graduation; student trip being planned to Costa Rica
The Salem Community High School Board Monday night set graduation for Sunday afternoon, May 17th. Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering doesn't expect the date to move unless there is a tremendous amount o...
Jan 27, 2026
Road conditions continue to improve; secondary roads still slick
Road conditions continue to improve on Tuesday, but you may still find some scattered slippery spots on major roads. Secondary roads in the city and rural roads are all passable, but many remain snow ...
Jan 27, 2026
Salem firemen say water line break sets off fire alarm at Americana
The Salem Fire Protection District was called out early Tuesday morning to a fire alarm sounding at Americana at Two Industrial Drive. When firemen arrived and opened the door to the paint area, water...
Jan 27, 2026
Salem Community Center's Community Garage Sale attracts 250
The Salem Community Activity Center had a good crowd for its Community Garage Sale on Saturday even with a major snowstorm about to begin. Executive Director Marcie Auvil says there was a paid attenda...
Jan 26, 2026 Visitors shop at the Salem Community Garage Sale. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Salem and Centralia record 8-inch snowfall; Salem sets new record low temperature
Both the Salem and Centralia Water Plants recorded just over eight inches of snow from the major winter storm that blew through the area Saturday and Sunday. The arctic cold air that was part of the s...
Jan 26, 2026 Snow-covered tracks near Salem. Photo by Cody Owens.
Seven vehicle pile-up occurs on icy roads on I-57/64 near Mt. Vernon
State Police report minor injuries in an approximate seven vehicle pile-up on I-57 at mile marker 92 north of the south split with I-64. A preliminary investigation indicates the crash involved one ja...
Jan 26, 2026
