Dolly Parton, the beloved music and film star known for her vibrant personality and poignant songwriting, has died of cancer. She was 80 years old. Her career spanned decades, with hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” Born in Tennessee, she rose from humble beginnings to become a country music icon. Her partnership with Porter Wagoner helped launch her career, and she later became a successful actor and businesswoman. Parton was also a philanthropist, founding her Imagination Library to promote children’s literacy. Her charm and humor made her a beloved figure across generations and political divides. Read moreDolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations, dies at 80 of cancer
The Supreme Court's decision clearing one obstacle to the enactment of President Donald Trump's order on mail voting may not mean the order ultimately takes effect for November's elections. But it is increasing the risk of chaos for the midterms. That's because the decision will kick off a compressed legal fight over the constitutionality of the order. It would require states to follow uniform standards in formatting mail ballots and share information about who sends them with the federal government or those ballots wouldn't get delivered. Election officials say there's no way to implement that before November if courts don't stop it. Read moreNothing changes yet with the Supreme Court's order on elections. But it could open door to 'chaos'
According to Sangamon County officials, the plan will include a countywide 3% hotel-motel tax dedicated to the project. Read moreSangamon County leaders propose path forward for BOS Center expansion
As the trade war heats up between the United States and Canada, WAND News spoke with the two candidates vying for the 13th district congressional seat about tariffs. Read moreTariffs from US-Canada trade war impacting central Illinois families
Owner Jason Armstrong was cutting hair when the building came down, and it turned into no ordinary appointment. Read moreMattoon barbershop reopens just days after building collapse
Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said a local surgeon told him Illinois needs to allow more types of prescriptions to be electronically transferred from one pharmacy to another. Read moreNew Illinois law improves electronic prescription standards
The program, called Farm SOS, is a partnership between SIU School of Medicine, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Read moreIllinois program offers free, confidential mental health support to farm families
The Champaign County Crime Stoppers is preparing to celebrate four decades of working alongside local law enforcement and the community. Read more‘A leap of faith’: Champaign County Crime Stoppers celebrates 4 decades
Local organizations and community leaders throughout Illinois are mourning the loss of cultural icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, celebrating a legacy that reached far beyond her legendary music career. Read moreCentral Illinois reacts to death of Dolly Parton
A 13-year-old boy has died after being hit by a car in Pana Monday night. Read more13-year-old boy dies after being hit by a car in Pana
Dolly Parton, the beloved music and film star known for her vibrant personality and poignant songwriting, has died of cancer. She was 80 years old. Her career spanned decades, with hits like “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.” Born in Tennessee, she rose from humble beginnings to become a country music icon. Her partnership with Porter Wagoner helped launch her career, and she later became a successful actor and businesswoman. Parton was also a philanthropist, founding her Imagination Library to promote children’s literacy. Her charm and humor made her a beloved figure across generations and political divides. Read moreDolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations, dies at 80 of cancer
The Supreme Court's decision clearing one obstacle to the enactment of President Donald Trump's order on mail voting may not mean the order ultimately takes effect for November's elections. But it is increasing the risk of chaos for the midterms. That's because the decision will kick off a compressed legal fight over the constitutionality of the order. It would require states to follow uniform standards in formatting mail ballots and share information about who sends them with the federal government or those ballots wouldn't get delivered. Election officials say there's no way to implement that before November if courts don't stop it. Read moreNothing changes yet with the Supreme Court's order on elections. But it could open door to 'chaos'
According to Sangamon County officials, the plan will include a countywide 3% hotel-motel tax dedicated to the project. Read moreSangamon County leaders propose path forward for BOS Center expansion
As the trade war heats up between the United States and Canada, WAND News spoke with the two candidates vying for the 13th district congressional seat about tariffs. Read moreTariffs from US-Canada trade war impacting central Illinois families
Owner Jason Armstrong was cutting hair when the building came down, and it turned into no ordinary appointment. Read moreMattoon barbershop reopens just days after building collapse
Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) said a local surgeon told him Illinois needs to allow more types of prescriptions to be electronically transferred from one pharmacy to another. Read moreNew Illinois law improves electronic prescription standards
The program, called Farm SOS, is a partnership between SIU School of Medicine, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Human Services. Read moreIllinois program offers free, confidential mental health support to farm families
The Champaign County Crime Stoppers is preparing to celebrate four decades of working alongside local law enforcement and the community. Read more‘A leap of faith’: Champaign County Crime Stoppers celebrates 4 decades
Local organizations and community leaders throughout Illinois are mourning the loss of cultural icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton, celebrating a legacy that reached far beyond her legendary music career. Read moreCentral Illinois reacts to death of Dolly Parton
A 13-year-old boy has died after being hit by a car in Pana Monday night. Read more13-year-old boy dies after being hit by a car in Pana
The annual event will take place on Friday and Saturday in Downtown Lincoln. Read moreSoar over central Illinois during Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln
The fundraiser will help support the Northeast Community Fund and neighbors in need. Read moreFarm to Fund Fundraiser bringing community together to support Northeast Community Fund
Employees have voted to form a union at Moultrie County Beacon, Inc., a nonprofit that serves people with intellectual disabilities. Read moreEmployees vote to form union at Moultrie County Beacon, Inc.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invited the public to share their favorite memories of the park for a yearlong visitor center display. Read moreGiant City State Park invites public to share memories and photos for park’s 100th anniversary
Park staff have made strong progress restoring buildings, roads and trails, but funding is still needed for forest restoration. Read moreStorm-damaged Lincoln Homestead State Park seeks funds for tree replanting
Urbana School District #116 said that UHS was ranked No. 184 among 984 Illinois public high schools and 4,682 nationally. Read moreUrbana High School ranked in top 40% of schools nationwide in new rankings
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As temperatures rise, cities and counties across central Illinois have resources for people and families looking to get out of the heat. Read moreWhere to find cooling centers in central Illinois
The crawl features nine restaurants serving their own take on the classic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Read moreRoad trip through Illinois with 2026 Pork Tenderloin Crawl
The City of Urbana is accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on the City Council following the resignation of Ward 6 Council Member Grace Wilken. Read moreUrbana accepting applications for vacant Ward 6 council seat
The annual event will take place on Friday and Saturday in Downtown Lincoln. Read moreSoar over central Illinois during Balloons Over 66 in Lincoln
The Champaign County Continuum of Service Providers to the Homeless (CSPH) released the results of its annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count conducted on Jan. 22, 2026. More than 40 volunteers identified 364 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county—a slight increase of nine people from… Read moreChampaign County homelessness rose slightly in 2026 count
Family Day at the Illinois State Fair is not just about food and rides. For many, it's about taking a pause from their day-to-day lives and creating lasting memories. Read moreFamily Day at Illinois State Fair brings families together
