News

As students across Central Illinois head back to school, parents are facing another annual challenge: getting children back onto a regular sleep schedule after the more relaxed routine of summer. Late nights, sleeping in and changing schedules can make the transition to early school mornings difficult. Health experts s...

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for two 2026 hunting opportunities. The free upland game hunting permit lottery offers no-cost access to hunt wild upland game, including bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants, and cottontail rabbits. Permits are assigned by lottery. Also open i...

Illinois officials are outlining new steps to strengthen behavioral health care across the state. The Chief Behavioral Health Office has released a report called The Care Compass, focusing on three main priorities: expanding access to high-quality mental health and substance use services, building up the behavioral hea...

Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed three new measures aimed at better protecting Illinois children in foster care, schools, and abuse investigations. Senate Bill 3196 requires DCFS to work with the Statewide Youth Advisory Board on transition planning rules for young people aging out of foster care. Senate Bill 3510 str...

Decatur, your next trip just got easier. Starting Wednesday, FlixBus intercity service is connecting Decatur residents to Chicago and St. Louis six days a week - giving you a convenient new way to travel without the stress of driving, parking, or planning every mile yourself. Need to get to the city for work? Heading b...

As students return to classrooms across Decatur and the surrounding area, drivers are being reminded to slow down and pay extra attention around schools, crosswalks and residential areas. The return of school brings increased traffic during the morning and afternoon commute, including school buses, parents dropping off...

The Christian County Sheriff's Office is notifying the public of an issue involving notifications being generated as part of a software update to the Christian County Correctional Facility's inmate communication system. As a result of the update, some individuals may receive notifications related to previous communicat...

Illinois is expanding protections for children with three new laws signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The measures are designed to strengthen child abuse investigations, improve support for young people leaving foster care, and add grooming to the state's definition of sexual misconduct. Supporters say the changes will ...

Decatur commercial businesses and property owners can now apply for the city's business façade program. The grant opportunity is designed to help eligible applicants complete qualified exterior improvements to their buildings. The program focuses on the façade - the front face of a building, usually facin...

Illinois is moving to strengthen protections for women and survivors of domestic violence. Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed two new measures into law. One focuses on women's health by improving menopause education for health care professionals, aiming to help providers better recognize symptoms and support patients th...