Local News
Sunny & Mild Today--Next Chance of Rain comes in Wed Night & Thurs
We will be sunny and mild today and that will begin a few dry days in a row to start off this work week. We are looking at sunny skies today with a high of 83. Then, mostly clear skies for tonight with a low of 62. Meanwhile, we will stay much the same during the day on Tuesday and Wednesday--although temps may creep ...
11h ago
Vandalia Mayor praises all those involved in the budget process and says he's proud the City maintains a balanced budget
At the Vandalia City Council's second meeting in July, they approved their appropriations for Fiscal Year 2027. And, that new budget will once again be a balanced one. Speaking on our podcast "Talking about Vandalia," Mayor Doug Knebel says the balanced budget for the city is something that was going on yea...
11h ago
Sean Grayson Denied Medical Release From Prison
(Peoria Co, IL) -- A former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey will remain in prison. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied a medical release for Sean Grayson on Friday. Grayson was sentenced to 20-years in prison after he was found guilty last October of second-degree murder. Author...
11h ago
Illinois Federal Judge Rejects DOJ Lawsuit To Get Access To Voter Database
(Springfield, IL) -- An Illinois federal judge is tossing a lawsuit by the Trump administration to obtain full access to Illinois' voter registration database. The Justice Department requested access to assure Illinois' compliance with federal law. The judge said the request isn't a legitimate reason for demanding the ...
11h ago
Giannoulias Joins Chicago Mayor's Race
(Chicago, IL) -- Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is joining the crowded Chicago mayor's race. Giannoulias announced his candidacy yesterday, confirming months of rumors. The Chicago native has served as Secretary of State since January 2023. He joins a list of other candidates running for mayor, including...
11h ago
Schedule Change--Charter's Patio concert for tonight moved to Moose Lodge
Due to the threat of rain tonight, the Johnny Cash Tribute--scheduled to be at Charter's Patio--will be moved inside at the Vandalia Moose Lodge. The concert will be from 7 pm to 10 pm.
Aug 01, 2026
Child dies after drowning incident in rural Fayette Co-Determined to be accidental
A young child has died after a drowning incident at a rural Fayette County residence. In a report from the Fayette County Coroner's Office it states that on Friday evening, July 31st, Fayette County Coroner Dave Harris was contacted by Sheriff Ronnie Stevens in regards to a possible drowning of a young child. The repo...
Aug 01, 2026
FCSO made aware of allegations of sexual misconduct involving correctional deputy and inmate--ISP will investigate matter
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office has released a statement on a matter brought to their attention earlier this week. On the Fayette County Sheriff's Office's App, it states On July 29th, the Fayette County Sheriff's Office was made aware of allegations of sexual misconduct involving a correctional deputy and an inmat...
Jul 31, 2026
Showers & Storms Today---Severe Storm Potential for this evening/tonight
We will see storms moving into the area tonight and there is the possibility of a severe storm moving through the area. Our forecast for today calls for showers and thunderstorms with a high of 81. Then, showers and storms for tonight--we could see heavy rain at times tonight--with a low of 68. Meanwhile, we do have t...
Jul 31, 2026
Fayette Co Coroner called to death of man on Wed night---Man was said to be suspect in murders in Harvey, IL
A northern Illinois man died in Fayette County on Wednesday evening from what is believed to have been a self inflicted gunshot wound. And, that same man was reportedly a suspect in two murders in Harvey, Illinois. In his report on the incident, Fayette County Coroner Dave Harris says he was called out to 140 John Dee...
Jul 31, 2026
Vandalia Mayor talks more on possibility of establishing a Residential TIF District in the community
We hear again today from Vandalia Mayor Doug Knebel on the subject of housing and trying to generate improvements in the housing market in the community. Speaking on our podcast "Talking about Vandalia," Mayor Knebel says one strong possibility to help with some home improvement would be a Residential TIF Di...
Jul 31, 2026
Privately-funded program launched to address asset poverty
A new program funded by private philanthropy is aimed at asset-building for people receiving Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Build Your Nest is a three-year pilot that allows residents at three affordable housing properties in Chicago to earn up to $1,200 per year in savings. Julianna Stuart-Lomax, vice president of co...
Jul 31, 2026
Data Centers warn of national security threat if centers don't develop
The Executive Vice President of a coalition advocating for data center development says reversing course on incentives in Illinois could have "detrimental" economic consequences. Last week, Governor J.B. Pritzker told the Aspen Climate Summit he reversed course on offering tax exemptions to data centers to se...
Jul 31, 2026
Lincoln Woman Found Guilty In Death Of Infant
(Lincoln, IL) -- A jury is convicting a Lincoln woman of killing her boyfriend's infant daughter in 2022. Cierra Coker was found guilty of murder charges. She was charged in the killing of 19-month-old Sophia Davis in February 2022. An autopsy showed the child's death was the result of a traumatic brain injury due to b...
Jul 31, 2026
ISP Release Video Of Deadly Police Shooting On I-88 In DeKalb Co
DeKalb Co., IL) -- The Illinois State Police is releasing video of a deadly officer-involved shooting in April on I-88 in DeKalb County. Authorities say Warrenville Police officers located a vehicle on April 27th near Route 59 and North Aurora Road connected with a missing person reportedly experiencing a mental health...
Jul 31, 2026
