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Across the Midwest including portions of IA, IL and MO:. A mixture of precipitation is anticipated across the area, with freezing rain also being part of the risk. What will start off as rain will drastically change over to freezing rain and mixed precipitation across the area from midnight Thursday through midday Friday. Freezing rain amounts look to be around a trace to locally as high as 0.45 of an inch. The worst-affected area looks to be around southeast IA.

Illinois has set aside over $3.7 million for recreational trail development in 19 communities. This announcement came from Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The goal is to meet the growing need for better outdoor recreational facilities. The grant program will fund up to 80% of trail project costs, with local sponsors covering the rest. The funds can be used for land acquisition, trail construction and rehabilitation, equipment purchase, damaged area restoration, support facility construction, and educational programs.

• The Freeport Park District in Illinois has received a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. • The grant will be used to improve the Jane Addams Trail in Freeport.

Several retailers, including companies with stores in Illinois, sold fruit that has been linked to a Listeria outbreak that’s left one person dead and at least 10 others hospitalized. According to officials, the recalled fruit was sold at Publix, Wal-Mart and Albertsons locations in numerous states, and was also...

• Rosalynn Carter was celebrated at her funeral in Plains, Georgia, where she and Jimmy Carter were born and lived. • The former first lady was remembered for her humanitarian work and advocacy for mental health care and women's rights.

Illinois Public Media (IPM) has noticed a lack of representation of Black voices, experiences, and culture in mainstream media, especially in central Illinois. In the last twenty years, the number of Black-owned media companies has decreased. This has happened even as the Black population in the area has increased. To address this issue, IPM plans to launch a new 24/7 public audio service on February 1, 2024, during Black History Month.

Several young ladies were honored on Wednesday night at the Chicago Bears' first-ever Girls' Flag Football All-State Dinner, a prestigious event recognizing the top 56 high school girls' flag football players from Illinois.

As Independence Day approaches, the state of Illinois and its central regions are preparing to showcase their patriotic spirit through a series of vibrant celebrations. One such cherished event is the annual Freedom Celebration in Assumption, Illinois. This small town has become emblematic of the Fourth of July spirit, drawing both residents and visitors to participate in its parade and breathtaking fireworks display. The day's activities offer something for everyone, highlighting the unity and shared values of the nation.

The Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail stands as a remarkable fusion of historical significance and modern-day recreation. Once an ambitious transportation project aimed at connecting the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, the Hennepin Canal was built between 1892 and 1907 to offer an economical alternative to railroads. Its envisioned purpose was short-lived due to the rapid evolution of rail transport and river lock systems, leading to its early obsolescence. Yet, this engineering feat has been reinvented as a state park, allowing its rich legacy to thrive in a new era.

In the heart of Illinois, the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, once sprawling across the Midwest, now perseveres in pockets like Buffalo Grove. Characterized by native wildflowers and diverse wildlife, these prairies were shaped by glacial activity and a distinct climate. Despite their reduced presence, due to human encroachment, conservation initiatives by the Department of Natural Resources and local communities strive to protect and restore these biologically rich landscapes.

If it feels like there are so many holiday light displays around the Rockford region that it's hard to know which ones are worth making the drive to, we can help with that. Whether it's the over-the-top city light show extravaganzas or the cozy charm of small-town displays, the Midwest glows with a spirit all through the winter, and here are some of our favorites.

• Henry Kissinger, influential and controversial diplomat, has died at the age of 100. • Kissinger served as secretary of state and national security adviser under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

• Mercer County has started a new ambulance service. • The service is provided by Elite Industrial Services d/b/a Elite EMS. • The service consists of one ambulance staffed by a paramedic and EMT 24/7.

One of my favorite Elvis movies was "Jailhouse Rock". That was not shot in Illinois which is surprising considering that Illinois is near the top of the list for states with the most prisoners. There's an interesting angle to this new ranking by Homesnacks of the states with the most...

• Light to moderate snow is expected over the northwest wind belts on Thursday. • Lake effect snow will continue on Friday before gradually diminishing on Saturday. • A Central Plains-based system will bring mixed rain and snow on Sunday, with the possibility of wet, slushy, icy spots on Monday.

Dr. Jessica Herrmann and Angela Ferrazza have received Impact Awards from the Illinois School Counselor Association (ISCA). Dr. Herrmann is the District 214 Director for Student Services, and Ferrazza is a Student Success Coach at John Hersey High School. The ISCA gives these awards annually to recognize outstanding contributions in school counseling.

SPRINGFIELD, ILL (WICS/WRSP) — Small businesses not only across Central Illinois but right here in Springfield are getting recognition from Governor JB Pritzker for the Illinois Made program. The Illinois Office of Tourism selects hidden gems and one of a kind businesses to be recognized to help encourage Illinoisans...

Get to know Malachi Johnson, the star shooter of Guilford basketball, in this Athlete of the Week feature. Discover how leadership, hard work, and a love for the game fuel this standout athlete's pursuit of a second straight Nick 10 title.

Catch the latest update as senior bowler Charlie Hunt from Hana High School commits to Rock Valley. With a stellar career including a national championship and over 10 perfect games, anticipation builds for Hunt's contribution to the Golden Eagles team next year.