Category Archives: Headlines
Illinois elections board refuses to give DOJ sensitive voter data
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Board of Elections said this week it will not hand over to the Trump administration a copy of the state's complete, unredacted voter registration database, citing stat...
Sep 04, 2025 A letter from the Illinois State Board of Elections to the U.S. Department of Justice outlines the state’s concerns with the department’s efforts to collect sensitive voter data. (Capitol News Illinois illustration by Andrew Adams)
Illinois' tourism push includes millions for NASCAR events
NASCAR will not be returning to Chicago streets next summer as the racing series takes its road act to likely sunnier weather in San Diego following two rain-plagued races out of its three years in Ch...
Sep 03, 2025 Grant Park in Chicago hosted three NASCAR Cup Series races that were partially funded by grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Ben Szalinski)
Bloomington man dies while on pretrial release in trafficking case
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) - A Bloomington man arrested for traveling to meet a minor and solicitation of a child has died while on pretrial release. 58-year-old Thad E. Olson was arrested on Aug. 22 in...
Sep 03, 2025 (Photo courtesy: File)
As Trump declares 'we're going in,' Pritzker says 'terror and cruelty is the point'
Gov. JB Pritzker said Tuesday he expects Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to employ the same aggressive strategies they used in Los Angeles earlier this summer after President Donald Trump s...
Sep 03, 2025 Gov. JB Pritzker, left, speaks at a Sept. 2 news conference to reporters ahead of potential military deployments in Chicago. Pictured behind him, from left to right: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Attorney General Kwame Raoul. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
Bloomington's O'Neil Aquatics Center expands summer programs
BLOOMINGTON, Ill (WMBD) - As summer comes to an unofficial close, O'Neil Aquatics Center had its last day of operation on Labor Day. Bloomington parks and recreation program manager for aquatics and y...
Sep 02, 2025 (Photo courtesy: File)
Record attendance at Sweet Corn Circus boosts Normal's economy
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - The annual Sweet Corn Circus Festival brings people from around the state to celebrate the town's rich arts and farming history. Over 24,000 people attended last weekend, 6,000 m...
Aug 30, 2025 Attendees enjoyed freshly made sweet corn. (Photo courtesy: File)
Daley, LaHood discuss rebooted 'fair maps' campaign in Illinois
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD - Two veteran federal officials from Illinois are relaunching an effort to amend the Illinois Constitution and end p...
Aug 29, 2025 Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined former Commerce Secretary Bill Daley on the latest episode of the Capitol Cast podcast to discuss their renewed “fair maps” push. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
Bloomington mayor urges residents to volunteer this Labor Day
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) - Bloomington City Mayor Dan Brady is encouraging residents to give back to the community in honor of Labor Day. As part of a new initiative, the mayor is challenging those in...
Aug 29, 2025 Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady. (Photo courtesy: WJBC)
Normal museum names new education director
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - The Children's Discovery Museum announced that a McLean County native will be taking over as its director of education next month. Katie Keller will take the role starting on Sep...
Aug 29, 2025 (Photo courtesy: File)
Illinois State University changes tailgating rules for 2025 season
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD) - Illinois State University has announced changes to its tailgating rules with football season starting this weekend. Now, tailgating will end at kickoff of the game, instead of 90...
Aug 29, 2025 (Photo courtesy: File)
