Local News

Boil Order that was in place for a large area of Vandalia has been lifted
Boil Order that was in place for a large area of Vandalia has been lifted
19h ago

Extreme Heat & Humidity Today---Chance of a Strong to Severe Storm this evening/tonight
The extreme heat and humidity makes a return to the area today. We do have a chance of a shower or storm late today, but it will otherwise be sunny and hot today with a high of 98 and heat index values as high as 105. Then, showers and storms are likely for tonight with a low of 71. We will be back in the mid 90's on...
22h ago

St. Elmo Woman charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery in Fayette Co Court
A St. Elmo woman has been charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery in Fayette County Court. 30 year old Taylor Dial is charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery, which is a Class 2 Felony. Information on the charge states that Dial is alleged to have strangled an individual that was a family or household member of the ...
22h ago
Study says union growth brings taxpayer savings
A new study says union membership is rising and helping taxpayers along the way. The State of the Unions study from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign said Illinois added 24,000 union members last year. ILEPI economist Frank Man...
22h ago
$25 million proposed for voter engagement at salons, barber shops
Under a new proposal, $25 million in state taxpayer-funded grants would be used for barbers, cosmetologists and nail technicians to promote voter registration and civic engagement. State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, filed House Bill 5812 on Thursday. The grants would apply to licensees under the Barber, Cosmetology, ...
22h ago
Pres Trump again endorses Illinois GOP Gubernatorial candidate Bailey
(Chicago, IL) -- President Trump is standing behind Darren Bailey. The president gave his endorsement yesterday to the Republican candidate in the Illinois governor's race this fall, calling him a good man. Trump also labeled Governor Pritzker a "disaster as a Governor." The president previously endorsed Bail...
22h ago
Illinois Awarding Grants To Train Illinois' Next Generation of Manufacturers
(Springfield, IL) -- Illinois is expanding access to advanced manufacturing training at downstate community colleges. The state is awarding more than 20-million-dollars in capital grants to establish five new Manufacturing Training Academies at Illinois Central College, Kaskaskia College, Lake Land College, Lewis and C...
22h ago

ICYMI-Latest Update for Boil Order to large area of Vandalia
From the City of Vandalia Water Department---- Due to the labs not being open on weekends, the required samples will be taken to the lab for testing on Monday morning. With the time required for the labs to be tested, it will most likely be Tuesday before the Boil Order can potentially be lifted. The City of Vandalia...
Sep 14, 2026
Vandalia American Legion to meet on Tuesday
Vandalia American Legion Post 95 will meet on Tuesday, September 15th at 6 pm at Evans Public Library.
Sep 14, 2026

Sunny & Mild Today---Summertime Heat to make a return on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
We will be sunny and mild today, but it will be our last such day for the week. We will see sunny skies today and a high of 85. Then, mostly clear skies for tonight with a low of 67. Then, the summertime heat and humidity makes at least one more return to the area. Tuesday we have a chance of showers and thunderstorm...
Sep 14, 2026
A look at Gas Prices Around the Area
It's been just about a week now since gas prices shot up all around the area. At this time, Vandalia is in line or just a bit cheaper than neighboring communities---other than Effingham. According to www.gasbuddy.com, Vandalia gas prices this morning range from $4.39 per gallon to $4.47 per gallon. As for neighboring ...
Sep 14, 2026
Expert says Illinois, Midwest to feel major impact of Canada trade escalation
As a trade war between the United States and its neighbor to the north continues in escalation, Illinois is likely to be one of the most impacted states from new tariffs on goods. New tariffs the Trump administration recently imposed are part of an effort to rebuild tariff revenue after the U.S. Supreme Court struck do...
Sep 14, 2026
Illinois gets an F for college free speech
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has released its 2027 College Free Speech Rankings, and Illinois received a failing grade. The report gave Illinois an F, while states bordering Illinois received D and D- grades. The foundation's chief researcher, Sean Stevens, said enrollment has increased at large ...
Sep 14, 2026
Paris Union School District Employee Recovering After Bat Incident
(Paris, IL) -- A Paris Union School District employee is recovering following an incident with a bat at the district office building. Officials say the incident happened on Friday, leaving the building closed. The Edgar County Public Health Department collected the bat for testing, and the district is working with pest...
Sep 14, 2026
Shooting Near EIU Campus
(Charleston, IL) -- An investigation is underway after a shooting near the Eastern Illinois University campus over the weekend. Charleston Police say shots were fired on Saturday morning near 11th Street and Arthur Avenue. No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made. TR) Colin McIntyre/acc Copyright &c...
Sep 14, 2026














