IL News Watch
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Your news connection for Illinois.
Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Dixon’s Jack Ragan
Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Dixon’s Jack Ragan
Dixon wrestler Jack Ragan is the Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week, presented by Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning. He eclipsed 100 career wins this season and hopes to place at state.
www.shawlocal.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week: Dixon’s Jack Ragan
Photos: Newman at Princeton girls/boys basketball
Photos: Newman at Princeton girls/boys basketball
Here are Mike Vaughn's photos of Saturday's Newman at Princeton girls/boys doubleheader
www.shawlocal.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Photos: Newman at Princeton girls/boys basketball
2025 Chicago Bears position review: Running backs
2025 Chicago Bears position review: Running backs
Over the next few weeks, Shaw Local will evaluate how each position group did over the past season and start looking toward the offseason. Here’s a look at the running back room.
www.shawlocal.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:04 PM
2025 Chicago Bears position review: Running backs
Paducah PD: I-24 eastbound Exit 7 on-ramp blocked by tractor-trailer
Paducah PD: I-24 eastbound Exit 7 on-ramp blocked by tractor-trailer
A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the I-24 eastbound Exit 7 on-ramp, completely blocking the roadway, the Paducah Police Department said Monday evening.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:49 AM
Paducah PD: I-24 eastbound Exit 7 on-ramp blocked by tractor-trailer
Football coaches believe all cards should have been on the table for the expansion proposal
Football coaches believe all cards should have been on the table for the expansion proposal
IHSA member schools voted in favor of expansion for the state football playoffs, adding 128 teams to the postseason this fall by a statewide vote of member schools in December by a tally of 377-252, But...
www.shawlocal.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Football coaches believe all cards should have been on the table for the expansion proposal
OSF Saint Katharine – Optometry encourages community to prioritize annual eye exams
OSF Saint Katharine – Optometry encourages community to prioritize annual eye exams
Dixon's OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center – Optometry is reminding the Sauk Valley community about the importance of scheduling an annual eye exam as part of maintaining overall health and...
www.shawlocal.com
January 27, 2026 at 12:19 AM
OSF Saint Katharine – Optometry encourages community to prioritize annual eye exams
Neil Diamond, Eagles tributes among headliners this winter at the Egyptian Theatre
Neil Diamond, Eagles tributes among headliners this winter at the Egyptian Theatre
The Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb has some hot shows coming up this winter.
www.shawlocal.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Neil Diamond, Eagles tributes among headliners this winter at the Egyptian Theatre
Chicago Bears’ Nahshon Wright added to NFL Pro Bowl Games
Chicago Bears’ Nahshon Wright added to NFL Pro Bowl Games
Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright will head to the Pro Bowl Games after an impressive season after all. The NFL announced Monday that Wright will participate in the games set for Feb. 3 in San Francisco.
www.shawlocal.com
January 26, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Chicago Bears’ Nahshon Wright added to NFL Pro Bowl Games
Sterling Park District helps residents remain active during cold months
Sterling Park District helps residents remain active during cold months
While winter weather can limit outdoor activity, the Sterling Park District offers a wide variety of indoor programs and recreational opportunities that keep residents active, social and engaged throughout...
www.shawlocal.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:34 PM
Sterling Park District helps residents remain active during cold months
Prophetstown-Lyndon food pantry open every Tuesday
Prophetstown-Lyndon food pantry open every Tuesday
The food pantry is located at the American Legion Hall at 215 Washington St., Prophetstown.
www.shawlocal.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:19 PM
Prophetstown-Lyndon food pantry open every Tuesday
Massive winter storm dumps sleet, freezing rain and snow around much of US
Massive winter storm dumps sleet, freezing rain and snow around much of US
Tree branches and power lines snapped under the weight of ice, and hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in the Southeast were left without electricity.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:49 AM
Massive winter storm dumps sleet, freezing rain and snow around much of US
Metropolis warming center offers refuge to one or many
Metropolis warming center offers refuge to one or many
As freezing temperatures continue, a Metropolis warming center is keeping its doors open for those most vulnerable to the cold, regardless of turnout.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Metropolis warming center offers refuge to one or many
ISP: Seven car pileup blocks I-57 southbound near Mount Vernon
ISP: Seven car pileup blocks I-57 southbound near Mount Vernon
A collision involving seven vehicles — including a jackknifed truck-tractor semi-tailer — blocked I-57 southbound Sunday afternoon, the Illinois State Police said.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:19 AM
ISP: Seven car pileup blocks I-57 southbound near Mount Vernon
Lots of snow causing major accidents in Marion, Illinois
Lots of snow causing major accidents in Marion, Illinois
The City of Marion, Illinois, received about 12 inches of snow over the weekend. Sheriff Jeff Diederich warned traveling on Monday could be risky.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 26, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Lots of snow causing major accidents in Marion, Illinois
Illinois higher education board seeks 4.6% budget increase for next fiscal year
Illinois higher education board seeks 4.6% budget increase for next fiscal year
From Capitol News Illinois: The board that governs higher education in Illinois voted Wednesday to request $2.7 billion in general revenue funding next year, an increase of $121.6 million
www.shawlocal.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:04 AM
Illinois higher education board seeks 4.6% budget increase for next fiscal year
WCSO: Deputies assist over 80 drivers stuck in winter storm, extra patrols added
WCSO: Deputies assist over 80 drivers stuck in winter storm, extra patrols added
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office is providing a Facebook update on its winter storm response as the storm continues to move through the region.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 25, 2026 at 10:38 PM
WCSO: Deputies assist over 80 drivers stuck in winter storm, extra patrols added
Carbondale temporarily suspends water, sewer disconnects amid low temps
Carbondale temporarily suspends water, sewer disconnects amid low temps
The City of Carbondale will suspend nonemergency water and sewer disconnects until temperatures stabilize, the city announced Sunday.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 25, 2026 at 10:34 PM
Carbondale temporarily suspends water, sewer disconnects amid low temps
IDOT faces snow plow collisions
IDOT faces snow plow collisions
The Illinois Department of Transportation has faced eight collisions involving snow plows amid a widespread winter storm this weekend that blanketed Southern Illinois with snow and sleet.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 25, 2026 at 10:19 PM
IDOT faces snow plow collisions
NWS interactive map shows snow totals
NWS interactive map shows snow totals
Curious about how deep the snow is but don't want to brave the cold yourself? The National Weather Service has just the solution.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 25, 2026 at 10:04 PM
NWS interactive map shows snow totals
Winter beer festivals in northern Illinois in 2026
Winter beer festivals in northern Illinois in 2026
Check out these beer festivals happening in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin this winter.
www.shawlocal.com
January 25, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Winter beer festivals in northern Illinois in 2026
SIH announces closures amid winter weather
SIH announces closures amid winter weather
Southern Illinois Healthcare announced the closure of several locations following significant snowfall and harsh roadway conditions.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 25, 2026 at 4:04 PM
SIH announces closures amid winter weather
Emergency travel order in place, Alexander County Sheriff says
Emergency travel order in place, Alexander County Sheriff says
An emergency travel order is in place for Alexander County, Sheriff Tim Brown announced.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Emergency travel order in place, Alexander County Sheriff says
Las Vegas sensation Annika Starr brings ‘The Ultimate Cher Show’ to Raue Center in February
Las Vegas sensation Annika Starr brings ‘The Ultimate Cher Show’ to Raue Center in February
Get ready for a dazzling night of music, glamour, and powerhouse vocals as Annika Starr pays tribute to one of the most iconic performers in pop culture history.
www.shawlocal.com
January 25, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Las Vegas sensation Annika Starr brings ‘The Ultimate Cher Show’ to Raue Center in February
Accidents reported, emergency response teams mobilized in Marion, Illinois
Accidents reported, emergency response teams mobilized in Marion, Illinois
Illinois saw snow start to fall on Saturday, but some Marion residents were still visiting grocery stores like Sam’s Club and Walmart to get last minute items.
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 25, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Accidents reported, emergency response teams mobilized in Marion, Illinois
Grid operator, power companies encourage energy conservation
Grid operator, power companies encourage energy conservation
Midcontinent Independent System Operator — the grid operator for Ameren and Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative — asked residents Saturday to conserve electricity amid Winter Storm Fern to help...
www.wpsdlocal6.com
January 25, 2026 at 1:49 AM
Grid operator, power companies encourage energy conservation