Headlines
Will this be the year the state legislature approves a cellphone ban in schools?
By SAM FREEMAN Medill Illinois News Bureau news@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - After the Latin School of Chicago passed a cellphone ban, students, who typically would be glued to their phones on their way to class, looked up, interacted with their peers and were more immersed in school, officials said. The Lati...
1h ago
High energy prices, federal dollars turn nuke subsidies into ratepayer relief in northern Illinois
By MAGGIE DOUGHERTY Capitol News Illinois mdougherty@capitolnewsillinois.com Article Summary ComEd electricity customers will see an average of around $19 back on April energy bills, providing relief amid concerns over energy affordability. May credits could be even higher. The credits are the result of a deal negoti...
4h ago
Bloomington slates $25 million for sewer and lead projects
By WMBD TV BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) - The Bloomington City Council is spending roughly $25 million to replace lead pipes and complete its water line overhaul. The Locust Street Combined Sewer Overflow Elimination and Water Main Replacement Project will move into phase eight. It's the second-to-last phase that will cost...
4h ago
Bloomington police report 46% reduction in shootings, but overall crime is up
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) - Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington said shootings are down in the city, but overall crime within the city is up. He shared this information with the City Council on Monday night while giving his annual 2025 police report. Simington reports shootings are down 46%, burglary down 30% and a...
4h ago
For young people looking to take over Illinois farms, the costs can be steep
By REBECKA PIEDER Medill Illinois News Bureau news@capitolnewsillinois.com Article summary: Expensive equipment and high cost of land make it difficult for young farmers to start farming. The Illinois estate tax creates a heavy burden for families trying to pass down farms between generations. A bill in the legislatur...
4h ago
Faculty strike at University of Illinois Springfield continues into second week
By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Article Summary A faculty strike at University of Illinois Springfield entered a second week on Monday despite eight bargaining sessions. The union is seeking a 2.6% increase in the current fiscal year and 6% over the next two years, according t...
23h ago
Union, ISU to meet Wednesday for a bargaining session
By WMBD TV NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - The union representing some 300 Illinois State University employees will meet with school officials on Wednesday in the hopes of settling a nearly week-long strike. The meeting Wednesday morning will come one week after workers with AFSCME, Local 1110, formed picket lines across the cam...
Apr 13, 2026
Central Illinois: Severe weather threat Tuesday and Wednesday
By WMBD TV PEORIA, ILL (WMBD) - It looks like the active start to severe weather season we've experienced so far in 2026 isn't pumping the breaks anytime soon. Another week of active weather is shaping up for next week and multiple rounds of severe weather is possible. Key takeaways The stage for the upcoming stretch o...
Apr 13, 2026
