Category Archives: Local News
Sean Grayson receives maximum sentence for murder of Sonya Massey
Former Sangamon County deputy was convicted of second-degree murder Editor's note: This story was originally published by the Illinois Times and republished with permission. By DEAN OLSEN Illinois Tim...
Jan 29, 2026 Supporters of the Massey family gather outside the Sangamon County courthouse the morning of Jan. 29 as the sentencing hearing for Sean Grayson begins. Credit: photo by Zach Adams, Illinois Times)
Group challenges Illinois' restrictions on using 'Democrat,' 'Republican' in org names
The law requires nonprofits to get party's permission to use names Article Summary The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression filed a lawsuit on Tuesday to overturn a 1986 Illinois law that b...
Jan 29, 2026 Alexi Giannoulias, now the Illinois secretary of state, speaks at a Democratic Party event in 2021. He’s being sued over a 40-year-old law governing which companies can use the word “Democrat” or “Republican” in their name. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Peoria leaders address ICE concerns, cite Illinois Trust Act
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) - Peoria city leaders addressed concerns about possible Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity during Tuesday night's City Council meeting, despite no confirmed ICE sighti...
Jan 29, 2026 Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria spoke Tuesday night at the City Council meeting, addressing concerns about ICE in Central Illinois. (WEEK-TV)
Peoria Co. coroner identifies man killed in double shooting
PEORIA, Ill. - The Peoria County Coroner's Office has identified the man killed in a double shooting in Peoria early Wednesday morning. Coroner Jamie Harwood says 44-year-old Davelle Wilder was taken ...
Jan 29, 2026 (Midwest Communications)
Man found guilty of aggravated battery to child
PEORIA, Ill. - A Peoria County Judge found Carl Rogers Jr., 31, guilty Wednesday of Aggravated Battery to a child after causing a traumatic brain injury to a five-year-old boy left in his care. The in...
Jan 28, 2026 AY_PHOTO / Depositphotos.com
Peoria Police arrest man on multiple gun charges
PEORIA, Ill. - A Peoria man is facing multiple charges after police say he was arrested following a foot chase, and found in possession of a stolen, loaded gun on Tuesday. Peoria Police say the incide...
Jan 28, 2026
Peoria Public Schools' new superintendent has big plans for the district
PEORIA, Ill. - Peoria Public Schools' next superintendent, Dr. Jerry Bell, takes over for the retiring Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat on July 1st. Bell previously spent eight years at P-P-S as Academic I...
Jan 28, 2026 Dr. Jerry Bell takes the podium to speak to the Peoria Public Schools Board after being hired as the next district superintendent, on January 26th, 2026. (Peoria Public Schools YouTube)
New SNAP work requirements go into effect Feb. 1, threatening recipient eligibility
Article Summary H.R. 1, or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law last July, changes the work requirements for the federal food assistance program known as SNAP. Starting Feb. 1, adults aged ...
Jan 28, 2026 Fruits and vegetables are pictured at a County Market grocery store in Springfield. The items are eligible for purchase under the federal SNAP program. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Campbell)
Peoria council approves rezoning plans for a home on SW Adams for former prisoners
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) - Tuesday night, the Peoria City Council approved a re-zoning to pave the way for a home for former prisoners. It's the third time the issue has come up before the horseshoe. Co...
Jan 28, 2026 Gro Community, a nonprofit, wants to create a new halfway house for men released from prison on SW Adams in Peoria. (25 News)
Double shooting and homicide overnight in Peoria under investigation
PEORIA, Ill. - The Peoria County Sheriff's Office is investigating a double shooting and homicide that occurred early Wednesday morning on Harmon Highway in Peoria. Sheriff Chris Watkins says deputies...
Jan 28, 2026 (Midwest Communications)
