Space heaters are most often responsible for home-heating fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Illinois’ statewide 1% grocery tax will go away on Jan. 1, though many people will continue to pay it at the local level.

Scam texts typically claim that the recipient’s vehicle registration or driving privileges are at risk of suspension and prompt immediate action through a link.

The Salvation Army encourages Illinoisans to consider post-holiday giving. “As the year comes to a close, the need in our communities does not,” said Lt. Colonel Jonathan Rich,

Launch snowballs, test a blubber glove in icy water, explore the northern lights and warm up with hot chocolate at the Illinois State Museum.

Expect some slick roads late Tuesday afternoon and again on New Year's Eve as periods of light snow move in

The biggest increase in hospital admissions for the flu in Illinois is in children ages 5 to 17. Only 1 in 5 Illinois residents has received the flu vaccine

Strong winds, with gusts ranging from 45 to 55 mph, will usher in a cold front Sunday night that could result in snow showers in some areas, the National Weather Service said.

After more than a decade of whole milk being absent from school cafeterias, legislation allowing for more milk options awaits the president’s signature.

Planned Parenthood provided services for nearly 35,000 Illinois Medicaid customers across the state in 2024, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services said.

It is important to know how credit can change your spending power as well as know how you can recognize the danger signs of credit misuse.

After the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Congress appropriated $1 billion to permanently bring 14,000 mental health professionals into the schools that needed it the most.

Although this Christmas will be warmer than usual, it is far from the record set on Christmas Day in 1982, when the temperature hit 64 degrees.

Before you run out the door this Christmas — whether it’s to buy last-minute gifts or simply get out of the house — it’s wise to double-check operating hours, which can differ depending on their location.

The law created funding to support small farmers and food distributors — those with fewer than 50 employees — in producing locally grown food for Illinois communities.

“These times can be difficult, but also finding a way to help others can help us, too. Accepting the loss can be the most difficult," says hospital chaplain Darla Fernandez Draus.

Eligible seniors may defer up to $7,500 per year, including interest and fees, or as much as 80 percent of the equity in their home, whichever is lower.

Sen. Dick Durbin acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding trade and tariffs, noting their impact on farm income and market stability.

“This report provides the most detailed picture to date of how alcohol use and misuse affect the health and safety of Illinois residents,” Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said.

Starting Monday, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal –clerkofthecourt.ilsos.gov.

U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 832 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, excluding Christmas trees.

While wanting to help is commendable, it’s important to prioritize food safety. Those relying on food pantries often face higher risks of severe illness due to chronic health conditions, age or other factors.

Saturday will start with temperatures in the mid-20s but then see those slowly fall throughout the day. By Sunday, wind chills as low as 20 to 25 below zero are expected.

Chips Giovanine's Western Rams won the first three Colmone Classic championships (then known as the Red Devils Invitational) on the way to undefeated runs to the IHSA State Tournament in 1974 and 1975. Here's look at each year’s winners.

The Illinois winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers in who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating

Rock Falls defeated Putnam County 62-43 during the Colmone Classic tournament on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 at Hall High School in Spring Valley.

For the better part of three quarters Monday night, Putnam County went toe to toe with the bigger Rock Falls team, but as the fourth quarter came around the Rockets size began to wear the Panthers down, coming away with the 62-43 victory on Day 2 of the Colmone Classic

Only one in five Illinois residents has received the flu vaccine, and far fewer have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine as of the end of November, according to the state Department of Public Health

The Putnam County fifth grade basketball team finished second at the Joe Kudrick Tournament at Streator St. Michael's, defeating Academy of St. Carlo Acutis 27-4 and Dwight 17-14 before falling to Cornell 40-29 in Saturday's championship game.

Although we always have to be prepared for our safety, experts urge pet owners to take precautions for the furry members of their families, too.

Henry-Senachwine defeated Putnam County 61-56 on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 at Putnam County High School.

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction in an ongoing lawsuit to block the Trump administration from enforcing the Defund Provision in the federal budget reconciliation law intended for the federal government to end Medicaid payments for one year to abortion providers

Lifting heavy snow quickly increases your heart rate. For people who have heart disease—or don’t know they have it—this can trigger a heart attack, the Silver Cross Medical Group said.

Frozen water pipes aren’t life threatening, however frozen or broken water pipes do cause damage to homes each winter.

To avoid scammers or donating to fraudulent organizations Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul offered the following tips to potential donors.

Snow and ice can create hazardous driving conditions, and extreme cold can make things even more dangerous if your car gets stranded.

Advocates of the SAFE-T Act say the law is not to blame for the arson attack of a Chicago train passenger and the arrest record of the man charged with the attack shows cash bail system didn’t work.

Ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reminding residents to use caution when shopping online or in stores.

Illinois’ seven-day firearm deer season will conclude Dec. 4-7.

The 2025 Putnam County High School volleyball awards night was held on Wednesday, Nov. 19

The donated turkeys will be prepared by the Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois and delivered through the Meals on Wheels program to about 200 residents across DeKalb County.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and other attorneys general are asking the federal court to vacate the new SNAP guidance and block its implementation “to ensure that families do not lose critical food assistance,” Raoul's office said

AgriGold agronomist Kevin Gale said yields were fairly good for the northern half of Illinois, but fell short of early season potential.

The Putnam County eighth-grade basketball team defeated host Academy of St. Carlo Acutis 41-22 to capture the Fall Class at JA Happ Gymnasium in Peru on Saturday, Nov. 22. T

State Sen. Sue Rezin. R-Morris, traveled to Washington, D.C. to lead a two-day series of discussions with lawmakers, utility leaders, grid operators, and energy experts from across the country.

Farmers are rebuilding turkey flocks hit hard by avian flu, and overall demand has declined. That combination is helping keep turkey costs down for families this Thanksgiving.

Here are Shannon Jenkins' photos of Tuesday's Putnam County Junior High eighth-grade night.

The Putnam County eighth-grade girls basketball team repeated as Tri-County Conference tournament champions defeating Midland (45-11), El Paso-Gridley (26-19) and Roanoke-Benson (28-10).

The Putnam County seventh-grade boys basketball team won the Academy of Saint Carlo Acutis tournament champions by defeating by defeating Spring Valley JFK (34-16), Marquette (55-21) and Mendota Northbrook in the championship (30-14)

About 1.9 million Illinois residents are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program this year.