Headlines
Peoria man sentenced to life for August 2024 double murder
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) - The life sentence for Stevie Linwood, Jr. was a foregone conclusion as it's required by state law. Linwood, 44, apologized to the families of Jakaiden Rynearson and Zaneta Winters, saying he didn't really mean to harm anyone on that fateful Aug. 11, 2024, day when the two women were killed. "...
23h ago
Children's Discovery Museum unveils 'From Farm to a Healthy Me' exhibit
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - The Children's Discovery Museum in Normal celebrated the opening of their new exhibit, "From Farm to a Healthy Me," with a ribbon-cutting Thursday afternoon. "Kids are going to come and enjoy a brand new experience at the Children's Discovery Museum," said Beth Whisman, executi...
Apr 10, 2026
Illinois House approves ban on junk fees, Pritzker's abortion fund proposal
By BEN SZALINSKI, BRENDEN MOORE, NIKOEL HYTREK, & JENNA SCHWEIKERT Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - For the second time in three years, the Illinois House voted to ban hidden "junk fees" that are often added to the total cost of ticketed events, hotel rooms and other good...
Apr 10, 2026
Unit 5 reveals enrollment plan, keeps Carlock and Glenn open
By WMBD TV NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - McLean County Unit School District 5 held a virtual enrollment plan presentation for families on Thursday. Superintendent Kristen Weikle presented the plan. The recommendation includes reassigning students to different schools. The proposed plan keeps Carlock and Glenn Elementary School...
Apr 10, 2026
State education officials present $10.9B budget request to fund public schools
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com Story Summary The Illinois State Board of Education presented its budget request for $10.9 billion to fund public schools in the upcoming fiscal year. The request includes $300 million in new spending for schools, plus $50 million for property tax ...
Apr 10, 2026
Madigan's high-powered appeals team urges 7th Circuit to overturn speaker's conviction
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Article Summary An attorney for ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan argued to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday that the former Democratic power broker's conviction on bribery and other corruption charges should be overturned. The...
Apr 10, 2026
Rental fee limits, detention center regulations among bills to pass House
By JENNA SCHWEIKERT, BRENDEN MOORE & BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois House on Wednesday approved legislation that would prohibit the federal government from operating a new immigration detention center within 1,500 feet of any home, school, day care cent...
Apr 09, 2026
Robert Bee's alleged killer arrested more than 9 years after the 13-year-old's death
PEKIN, Ill. (WMBD) - When he ran away from home and skipped school in November 2016, Robert "Bonzai" Bee, Jr. went to the home of the man who would kill him. That's the allegations against Keith A. Brackett, 46, who was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with strangling and then hiding the 13-year-old's b...
Apr 09, 2026
