Category Archives: Local News

Senate Democrats send $53.1B spending plan to House
Representatives return next week for potential final approval By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Two days after the General Assembly was scheduled to adjourn its s...
Bruce Kropp May 27, 2024 Lawmakers in the Illinois Senate celebrate Sunday night after passing a budget. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

More details released on vacant house fire southeast of Patoka (updated 6:30 pm)
A vacant home southeast of Patoka was destroyed by fire Sunday night. Patoka Fire Chief Blake Hyde said the fire was at 3438 Berry Road. He reports the roof was caving in and the entire structure was ...
Bruce Kropp May 27, 2024 Fire destroys a home on Berry Road in rural Patoka.

At least 21 dead in Memorial Day weekend storms that devastated several US states
By BRUCE SCHREINER and JULIO CORTEZ Associated Press A series of powerful storms swept over the central and southern U.S. over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, killing at least 21 people and leaving ...
Bruce Kropp May 27, 2024 Destroyed homes are seen after a deadly tornado rolled through the previous night, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Valley View, Texas. Powerful storms left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where drivers took shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Portion of Forbes State Park near Omega closed due to storm damage
The east end of Forbes State Park near Omega is closed until further notice due to extensive storm damage. Superintendent Clint Benhoff says the most serious damage was to the horse camp barn which wa...
Bruce Kropp May 27, 2024 File photo

City of Salem accessing storm damage following Sunday night severe weather
The City of Salem has emergency management crews assessing the extent of the storm damage throughout the city on Monday. Power companies are working diligently to restore power and safely remove downe...
Bruce Kropp May 27, 2024

Chance of severe weather reduced but still possible in South Central Illinois; storms now claim 11 lives in Texas and Arkansas
VALLEY VIEW, Texas (AP) - Powerful storms killed at least 11 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck sto...
Bruce Kropp May 26, 2024 Potential for severe weather has been reduced across South Central Illinois, but is still possible.

Illinois State Police investigate officer involved death in Marion
A motorcyclist that police were pursuing in Williamson County died early Sunday morning when the cycle crashed into a stationary Williamson County Squad Car at the intersection of Illinois Route 13 an...
Bruce Kropp May 26, 2024 ISP FILE PHOTO: An Illinois State Police squad car is pictured in a file photo.(Capitol News Illinois file photo by Jerry Nowicki)

Memorial Day Services planned in Salem and Centralia; trash pickup one day late
Memorial Day Services to remember those who fell protecting our country are scheduled in Salem and Centralia on Monday. Most government offices are closed for Memorial Day, including Salem and Central...
Bruce Kropp May 26, 2024

Health insurance changes targeting 'utilization management,' more will head to governor
Pritzker first announced the initiative during his budget address By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - A package of health insurance reform measures th...
Bruce Kropp May 26, 2024 State Sen. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, speaks in favor of her bill to limit the ability of insurance companies to deny coverage or steer individuals toward lower cost, and sometimes less effective, treatments. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

Centralia Police arrest Centralia man wanted for Carbondale shooting
Centralia Police have arrested 18-year-old Kaemarius Parks of Centralia in connection with a May 18th shooting of two people on a Carbondale street. A Jackson County arrest warrant had been issued for...
Bruce Kropp May 26, 2024