Holly of Johnston City, Illinois, celebrates with a big smile after winning a $250,000 jackpot playing the Illinois Lottery’s Magnificent Multiplier FastPlay game online.
IL State News
1 day ago
Southern Illinois player wins $250,000 iLottery jackpot after accidental purchase

Johnston City woman’s mistake leads to life-changing win on Illinois Lottery’s Magnificent Multiplier game.

A discarded Christmas tree
Holiday Guide
1 day ago
Christmas is over, but what to do with the tree? Here’s some alternatives to the landfill

According to the Nature Conservancy, some 10 million live Christmas trees end up in landfills every year.

Chicago Bears
Sports
1 day ago
Bears defense tries to rebound after struggling against 49ers

The Bears try to avenge a 52-21 loss they had in Week 2 at Detroit against the Lions (8-8), who have lost three straight.

The path of a tornado Sunday that started near the Macon-Christian County line was nearly 24 miles.
Local
1 day ago
NWS: EF-2 tornado in Macon County traveled nearly 24 miles Sunday

It was the longest and most destructive of tornadoes reported in Central Illinois.

This home in the Long Creek area was among those damaged by a tornado Sunday.,
Local
1 day ago
Mother describes moment tornado hits Long Creek house

“It came straight towards the house, shook my whole house,” Tiffany Compagni said.

IL State News
1 day ago
The 20 most affordable cities in Illinois to buy a house

Redfin Real Estate compiled a list of the most affordable cities in Illinois.

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza's office
Local
2 days ago
Comptroller says 2025 successes include pre-paid pensions and higher credit ratings for the State of Illinois

Susana Mendoza, IL State Comptroller, spoke on pre-paid pension payments and higher credit ratings for IL.

Health & Wellness
2 days ago
Memorial Health and HSHS impose temporary visitor restrictions

Respiratory illness spikes cause HSHS and Memorial Health to restrict visitor rules for a short time.

Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) is congratulated by teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Sports
2 days ago
Bears’ heartbreaking loss to 49ers costs them chance at top seed in NFC playoffs

“It’s frustrating,” Williams said. “You don’t want to lose a game ever. And then also, in that position, having a shot at the end is all you can ask for on this moment. But we’ve got to do better job overall.”

Illinois football head coach Brett Bielema talks about Illinois' upcoming appearance in the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl prior an NCAA college basketball game between Nebraska and Illinois Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Craig Pessman)
Sports
2 days ago
Tennessee and Illinois set for Music City Bowl with each team missing starters

Illinois coach Bret Bielema said bowls still create great memories for players and their families even in this changing landscape.