News

The Illinois Gaming Board is backing a new consumer protection push aimed at online bettors. The board has joined the International Association of Gaming Regulators in launching an awareness campaign and website tool to help people spot illegal and unregulated gambling sites. The site, checkbeforeyouplay.org, lets user...

An investigation continues after a weekend shooting in Decatur. Police say a man was shot Sunday inside a home in the 13-hundred block of East William Street. He was taken to a local hospital, where authorities say his injuries were not considered life-threatening. Investigators have not announced any arrests, and deta...

The Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office is reminding drivers to use extra caution on bridges and overpasses as winter weather approaches. Bridges and elevated roadways can become icy faster than regular roads because cold air circulates both above and below the surface. Shaded areas can also remain icy longer because ...

Ever wanted to try improvisational comedy? The Decatur Public Library is giving adults a chance to give it a shot. The library is hosting "Improv 101: Musical Improv" tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the J. Elizabeth Madden Auditorium. The introductory workshop is open to adults and seniors, and no previous imp...

Communities across Central Illinois will hold ceremonies and events Wednesday, November 11, to recognize and honor military veterans. In Decatur, the day's events begin with the Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce's annual Veterans Day breakfast at 7 a.m. at Antioch Christian Church. The breakfast is free for veterans and one...

Children's Scholarship Fund President and CEO Darla Romfo is urging governors to act now on the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, including in states that have not yet opted in. With Election Day over, Romfo says leaders should move quickly to expand scholarship opportunities for families. She argues the program ...

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is pausing public appearances as he undergoes an outpatient urology procedure scheduled for Monday. His deputy chief of staff for communications, Matt Hill, says the procedure is the standard and final follow-up to one Pritzker completed in May 2026. Later that month, the governor said h...

Federal prosecutors are pushing back against a bid to dismiss charges against state Representative Carol Ammons of Urbana. Ammons' attorneys argued the case should be thrown out, saying the indictment was flawed in connection with an alleged kickback scheme involving taxpayer funds directed to nonprofits in her distric...

The Decatur Family YMCA is offering several programs designed to give children and families opportunities to learn, play and spend time together. The YMCA's Youth and Family Program Guide includes three activities for families with young children. On the Move Y-Tots takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. u...

Community members will have an opportunity to learn more about hunger and homelessness in Macon County during an upcoming event in Decatur. The Macon County Continuum of Care is inviting residents to take part in its "Walk the Walk" event on Friday, November 20, from noon until 1:30 p.m. The event will begin ...