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Terrence Shannon Jr.’s attorneys file motion to exclude state’s DNA testing in criminal case
WCIA — A motion has been filed by Terrence Shannon Jr.’s attorneys to exclude the testimony and reports of Kansas Bureau of Investigation DNA findings by Jennifer Hewitt in his criminal rape case, per a public court document obtained by WCIA 3. Shannon Jr.’s legal team filed the motion on Wednesday in Douglas County (KS) […]
U of I union workers rally for better wages in new protest on quad
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A second group is now protesting and rallying at the University of Illinois’ Main Quad, along with the continuation of the pro-Palestine encampment. The latest rally is being conducted by members of several U of I unions as the unions continue to negotiate new contracts with the university, which have been […]
UPDATE: I-74 reopens after emergency work in Vermilion Co.
Update at 2:45 p.m. Illinois State Police said part of I-74 in Vermilion County has now reopened as emergency work in the area has completed. They advise motorists to remain vigilant as backed up traffic recovers. TILTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Interstate 74 in Vermilion County will be closed temporarily as officials re-string powerlines. The emergency […]
Movie extras wanted at Thursday booking event in Rantoul
RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — People in Central Illinois are getting a chance to be on the silver screen without going to Hollywood. A local film studio and booking agency are holding an event on Thursday to find extras. From 6-7 p.m., Flyover Film Studios — along with Bokeh Background Casting — are having an open […]
Decatur man arrested in Chatham after gun found during traffic stop
CHATHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — A Decatur man has been arrested in Chatham after police said they caught him with a gun he was not allowed to have. Officials with the Chatham Police Department said officers pulled over 21-year-old David Spence for speeding on April 18. They subsequently discovered Spence had a warrant for his arrest […]
Decatur crash leaves SUV dangling off overpass
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Part of Garfield Avenue in Decatur was closed on Wednesday after a crash left an SUV dangling off an overpass. The crash happened at Garfield Avenue and 21st Street. The Decatur Police Department said a semi-truck driving eastbound on Garfield was in the left lane when it tried to make a […]
What invasive species are most concerning for Illinois?
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an invasive species is an introduced, nonnative organism, such as a disease, parasite, plant or animal, that begins to spread or expand its range from the site of its original introduction and that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, the economy or […]
ISP: 25 Illinois establishments caught in sting operation
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — Illinois State Police announced the results of a recent sting operation to determine if local stores would sell alcohol to a minor. Of the 65 establishments “surveyed” 25 were reportedly caught allowing a sale of an alcoholic beverage to someone under the legal drinking age. ISP Criminal Investigations Zone 08 Commander […]
Farmer City high school, elementary students team up, build bird houses
FARMER CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Thanks to a PNC foundation grant, Blue Ridge Elementary Students got hands-on with their bird studies with help from industrial technology students from the Blue Ridge High School. “It makes me think of how we got to make projects when I was in elementary school,” said high school student Carmen Ellis. […]
Gifford prepares for upcoming events including community celebration and Sesquicentennial
GIFFORD, Ill. (WCIA) – On this week’s Meet the Mayor segment, we invited on Gifford Village President Adam Pannbacker to talk about upcoming events. On Saturday June 29th, there will be the Community Celebration with a 5k run, parade, and other festivities going on downtown and at Emord Memorial Park. “It all brings the community […]
‘This was a very rare and catastrophic event for the state:’ NWS, ISP reflect on deadly I-55 dust storm crash one year later
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) – When drivers traveled on I-55 south of Springfield on May 1, 2023, they faced more than just typical traffic: a wall of dust blanketed the highway. “In my experience, I have seen certain instances such as this,” said Ryan Starrick, Illinois State Police (ISP) southern region command major. “That would […]
Northwestern University reaches agreement with protestors, Pritzker addresses protests
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Northwestern became the first major university to come to an agreement with pro-Palestinian protestors. The deal was reached after a over a week of protests on the campus. Protestors agreed to tear down their encampments, and in exchange, the University agreed to restart the Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility, which will […]
Capitol Connection: Gas Stations seek more regulations on vape products
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — The Illinois Fuel and Retail Merchants Association is asking the state to step in and help regulate vape products. Some vape products that are not regulated by the FDA are finding their way to gas station shelves, but gas station owners say it is not their fault. They want the state […]
Capitol Connection: Nursing homes seek help from the legislature to keep doors open
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Nursing homes across the state continue to close amid staffing and funding shortages. They are going to the legislature to try and get a funding formula updated. Ron Nunziato with the Health Care Council of Illinois joined the show to talk about how a combination of factors is leading to these […]
Capitol Connection: Stadelman discusses proposal to alleviate medical debt burdens
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Two separate proposals in the Capitol aim to help alleviate the burden of medical debt for people in Illinois. Governor J.B. Pritzker (D-Illinois) is pushing one proposal. It would have the state work with third party organizations to buy up people’s medical debt, and save the long term impacts of the […]
Champaign Fire Department works to prevent emergency calls from taking place
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Jeremy Mitchell always knew he wanted to be a firefighter. As the son of a former Champaign firefighter, he practically grew up on an engine. “He served 24 years in our fire department retired about 11 years ago,” Mitchell said. “And my uncle when the university had their own fire department, […]
Sergeant Chris Darr reflects on career in law enforcement
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Sergeant Chris Darr’s perception of his job at the sheriff’s office has changed a lot over his 21 year career. “It started off that I wanted to just catch bad guys,” Darr said. I wanted to take as many people to jail was possible.” Since then, he’s learned a lot of […]
Long-time EMT trains next generation to help fill gaps
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Les Mennenga has been an EMT for over 30 years, but now, 30 years later, he is in charge of preparing the next generation of Emergency Medical Technicians. Including helping these six prepare for their next certification. In a few weeks, they will move on from being EMT basics to EMT […]
ISP continues recruiting push, offers higher salaries
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Troopers Javier Lofton and Austin Galloway are two of the newest members of the Illinois state police force. “We’re a do-it-all agency,” Lofton said. “And we have troopers are specialized in a lot of different fields.” Lofton spent 10 years with the Adams County Sheriff’s department. He wore a lot of […]
Central IL dietician warns of added sugars in schools
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — After a decision made by the Biden administration last week, it looks like chocolate milk will be here to stay in school lunch programs. Now, one Central Illinois dietician is urging parents to monitor sugar intake. Regular milk is a great source of calcium and vitamin D. Flavored milk has several […]
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