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Central IL Connected
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Your news connection for Central Illinois.
"Always Students First" - Impact of Morrisonville Faculty, Community on Students
"Always Students First" - Impact of Morrisonville Faculty, Community on Students
A small group of just 70 staff members run the Morrisonville School District.  For context, in Taylorville, the high school itself has 96 staff members.  School and district administrators ...
taylorvilledailynews.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:44 PM
Ameren Says Energy Spike After Winter Storm Fern Was Avoided
Ameren Says Energy Spike After Winter Storm Fern Was Avoided
During Winter Storm Fern, Ameren Illinois’ natural gas storage system helped protect customers from extreme wholesale market price spikes that impacted other regions. The company says natu...
taylorvilledailynews.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Teen accused of Taylorville stabbing, home invasion found unfit to stand trial
Teen accused of Taylorville stabbing, home invasion found unfit to stand trial
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A 19-year-old from Taylorville who was accused of breaking into a home and stabbing someone has been found unfit to stand trial. In December, the Taylorville P…
www.wcia.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:44 PM
Edinburg Students Return to Classroom After E-Learning Day Due to Illness-Related Absences
Edinburg Students Return to Classroom After E-Learning Day Due to Illness-Related Absences
Superintendent Ashley Francis said on the district's social media that custodians and maintenance staff spent Monday cleaning and airing out buildings.
wcmspi.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Illinois kicks off Route 66 centennial celebration
Illinois kicks off Route 66 centennial celebration
GRANITE CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois leaders officially began celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Route 66, marking a century since the iconic highway first connected communities across…
www.wcia.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:39 AM
U of I students, professor weigh in after AI used in Super Bowl commercials
U of I students, professor weigh in after AI used in Super Bowl commercials
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — After nearly 100 million people watched the big game on Sunday, one thing was certain: AI dominated the commercials.  “I actually had a prediction, last …
www.wcia.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Large police presence seen on Champaign's Mattis Ave.
Large police presence seen on Champaign’s Mattis Ave.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — There is a large police presence in the area of S. Mattis Avenue and W. John Street in Champaign. Officers with the Champaign Police Department, and fire and medical …
www.wcia.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:34 AM
Paris Dairy Queen hit by water trailer, temporarily closed
Paris Dairy Queen hit by water trailer, temporarily closed
PARIS, Ill. (WCIA) — The Paris Dairy Queen will be temporarily closed after a water trailer hit the building on Monday. Paris Fire Chief Zack Janis said firefighters responded to the restaura…
www.wcia.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Supporting students with haircuts, sparking conversations in Champaign
Supporting students with haircuts, sparking conversations in Champaign
CHAMPAIGN. (WCIA) — In schools across the country, many families are celebrating National African American Parent Involvement Day. Some of those programs are unfolding at schools in Champaign-Urban…
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Driver killed in single-vehicle crash near Homer
Driver killed in single-vehicle crash near Homer
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — One person is dead after a car crashed and caught fire in Champaign County on Monday. The crash happened southwest of Homer just after noon. Lieutenant Curt Ap…
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:39 PM
IDOT beginning bridge removal project in Springfield, requiring nighttime I-55 closures
IDOT beginning bridge removal project in Springfield, requiring nighttime I-55 closures
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Interstate 55 in Springfield will start seeing closures next week as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) demolishes a railroad bridge crossing the high…
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Crime Stoppers seeking tips in $1,000 tool theft from Urbana Farm and Fleet
Crime Stoppers seeking tips in $1,000 tool theft from Urbana Farm and Fleet
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana Police Department is investigating a retail theft where a man bought a tool for lar less than its actual value. Crime Stoppers is involved in the case in the …
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:34 PM
Two houses damaged by fire in Decatur; occupants displaced
Two houses damaged by fire in Decatur; occupants displaced
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Two homes in Decatur were rendered uninhabitable by fires that started Sunday night. The first fire happened at 4:45 p.m. in the area of Grand Avenue and Woodford Stree…
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Illini fall three spots, stay in top 10 after OT loss
Illini fall three spots, stay in top 10 after OT loss
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois men’s basketball remains in the AP Poll top ten despite suffering its first loss since mid-December. The Illini check in at No. 8 in Monday’s ran…
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:34 PM
U.S. Army Corps Urges Caution on Lake Shelbyville Ice
U.S. Army Corps Urges Caution on Lake Shelbyville Ice
Even in the winter, Lake Shelbyville is still active.  Events, outside initiatives, and other general activities are happening in and around the lake.  Albeit to a reduced extent, staff are...
taylorvilledailynews.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:06 PM
WWII veteran celebrates his 100th birthday in Savoy
WWII veteran celebrates his 100th birthday in Savoy
SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — Dozens of people formed a line to greet and celebrate a 100-year-old Navy veteran on Sunday. David Anderson was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently lives in…
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Champaign American Legion members come together for Super Bowl watch party
Champaign American Legion members come together for Super Bowl watch party
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — On Sunday, people gathered across the country to watch Super Bowl 60. Here in Central Illinois, the Champaign American Legion members came together to watch the Seatt…
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Shelbyville Chamber, Members Raising Funds for Fourth of July Fireworks
Shelbyville Chamber, Members Raising Funds for Fourth of July Fireworks
Organizers of Shelbyville’s annual fireworks show for the Fourth of July are looking to put on a show fit for the United States’ 250 years of independence.  The endeavor requires ext...
taylorvilledailynews.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Devon Witherspoon leads Seahawks to Super Bowl win
Devon Witherspoon leads Seahawks to Super Bowl win
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (WCIA) — Devon Witherspoon has become the latest Illinois product to hoist a Lombardi Trophy. Witherspoon and the Seattle Seahawks beat New England 29-13 to win Super Bowl…
www.wcia.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:24 AM