WICD Top Stories

A New Bee Killer?

Fri, May 17 2013, 09:20 PM CDT

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY--Tonight-- a story that will keep you buzzing!

One local beekeeper wakes to a pile of dead bees.

Rick Nuss is blaming pesticides farmers use out in the fields.

Nuss is taking a real sting, he tells WICD it could be weeks before his hives recover from the dozens of dead bees he found this morning. ...

Burlington Coat Factory Coming to Danville

Fri, May 17 2013, 08:21 PM CDT

DANVILLE-- After weeks of speculation on which national retail store will call the Village Mall in Danville home, we have an answer.
Burlington Coat Factory will move into the final anchor store space. ...

Train Hits Truck

Fri, May 17 2013, 07:16 PM CDT

Senate Approves Medical Marijuana

Fri, May 17 2013, 06:30 PM CDT

UPDATED May 17, 4:28 p.m.
Legalizing medical marijuana in Illinois is now up to the governor. Both the House and Senate have passed the measure, which would legalize marijuana for those suffering from certain medical conditions.

The measure is a four-year pilot program that would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients suffering from any one of a list of conditions. ...

Forensic Scientist Testifies in Harris Trial

Fri, May 17 2013, 06:29 PM CDT

A forensic scientist says Christopher Harris' DNA links him to the home where five people were beaten to death in Beason in 2009. The forensic expert with Illinois State Police testified in Harris' trial today.

The DNA analyst examined blood stains on a number of pieces of evidence. ...

Still No Senate Vote on Concealed Carry

Fri, May 17 2013, 06:27 PM CDT

A new concealed carry measure was expected to come up for a vote in the Illinois Senate today, but the sponsor didn't call it--and isn't sure when the measure may be called.

The bill's sponsor, Kwame Raoul, blamed the lack of action on what he calls "extremists. ...

Powerball Jackpot Largest Ever

Fri, May 17 2013, 06:47 PM CDT

The PowerBall jackpot is growing toward its largest prize ever--$600 million.

The last time someone won the jackpot was March 30, so the record-breaking grand prize has been consistently rising ever since.

Lottery officials are giving credit for the huge jackpot to the new $2 lottery tickets. ...

Traveling Vietnam Memorial Stops in Decatur

Fri, May 17 2013, 06:44 PM CDT

58,242 names each inscribed on a traveling "Wall That Heals." As the wall makes a stop in Decatur people are reconnecting with friends and loved ones who fought and died in the Vietnam War.

"The whole purpose of this wall is so people who cannot get to D. ...

Cancer Society Needs Minorities For Research Study

Fri, May 17 2013, 06:45 PM CDT

Cancer survivors like Julius Simmons are on a mission to improve treatments for the disease.

He travels to Chicago to participate in research studies. Just like Julius, the American Cancer Society is giving you an opportunity to make a change in a cancer patient's life. ...

Midday Update - Friday, May 17th

Fri, May 17 2013, 12:32 PM CDT

A measure gets the okay from committee and moves to the Illinois Senate floor for a vote. DNA will be used to identify the remains of a boy found in the Des Plaines River. The remains could belong to 1 year old Bryeon Hunter of Maywood, who has been missing for one month and one day. ...

Unwanted Credit Card Charges from an Online Company

Fri, May 17 2013, 07:34 AM CDT

May 17 Webcast

Fri, May 17 2013, 07:26 AM CDT

Feds Shut Down Illini Tours Inc.

Thu, May 16 2013, 09:25 PM CDT

CHAMPAIGN--Shut down by the U.S. Department of Transportation for critical safety violations.

That's the fate of local bus company, Illini Tours Inc.

The owner, Robert Frazier, who had his other bus company Lex Express shut down by the Feds last December says, he's never jeopardized the lives of any of his riders. ...

Danville Chooses Electric Aggregation Deal

Thu, May 16 2013, 07:33 PM CDT

DANVILLE--A new rate in Danville, along with 36 surrounding communities, could save more than 100,000 Ameren customers between 10 and 15 percent on their electric bills.

They could see this change as early as their July bill. ...

Danville Mayor Opposes Bill that would Drop City's Population Total

Thu, May 16 2013, 07:28 PM CDT

DANVILLE-- Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer is calling on members of the Illinois Senate to do their research before they vote on a bill that would cause the City of Danville to lose money.

Wednesday, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill that would take away the option for cities like Danville to count the people housed in a prison toward their overall population, and collect a higher per capita rate. ...

Urbana High School Gets Award

Thu, May 16 2013, 07:30 PM CDT

Emotional Homecoming For Illinois Soldiers

Thu, May 16 2013, 06:46 PM CDT

More than a dozen of Illinois' bravest are home after a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan.

One look around the armory building at Camp Lincoln Thursday morning and the excitement ripples through you.

"I'm feeling happy because he's been gone for awhile," Hayden Prince said, referring to his uncle. ...

Madigan Holds Second Cost-Shift Panel

Thu, May 16 2013, 07:27 PM CDT

The battle over pension reform continues at the capitol, as House Speaker Michael Madigan convenes his second panel aimed at shifting pension costs for teachers over to the institutions they work for.

Last week's cost-shift panel was basically a long question-and-answer session, asking schools and school groups what it would take to make this happen and what impact it would have. ...

Concealed Carry Legislation Moving Forward

Thu, May 16 2013, 07:26 PM CDT

A piece of concealed carry legislation is moving forward at the capitol as lawmakers race to put something together before a court-ordered deadline.

On June 9, a federal judge will throw out the state's existing ban on concealed carry. Today, a bill in the Senate takes center stage. ...

Urbana Teacher Fired After Being Arrested

Thu, May 16 2013, 06:51 PM CDT

An Urbana teacher, accused of having sex with a student, is fired. The Urbana School Board unanimously voted to fire 45 year old Tammy Bond. The former teacher faces multiple charges, including sexual abuse of a minor. Bond will be back in court next week. ...

Local Tea Party Reacts to IRS Scandal

Thu, May 16 2013, 06:48 PM CDT

One day after the current head of the IRS submitted his resignation, the Obama administration is ready to appoint his replacement.

A government official said the president is appointing senior White House budget officer Daniel Werfel to be acting commissioner of the IRS. ...

Harris Brother Admits Lying to Police

Thu, May 16 2013, 06:47 PM CDT

The brother of Christopher Harris, the man charged with beating five members of a Beason family to death, has admitted to lying to police over and over in the days after the murders.

Jason Harris returned to the witness stand today to face hours of questions from the defense in his brother's trial. ...

Women's Health Week Focuses on Mammograms

Thu, May 16 2013, 06:47 PM CDT

This week is National Women's Health Week. It's a time when women are encouraged to get screened for many illnesses. Doctors say one of the most important test for women is the mammogram.

Mammograms can save lives and should be a part of every woman's health routine. ...

Midday Update - Thursday - May 16th

Thu, May 16 2013, 12:16 PM CDT

The name of a man shot and killed is released. Five lawsuits are filed against the Joliet diocese. Governor Quinn could sign a bill into law allowing 17 year old to vote in primary elections.

Brother in Beason slayings trial probed about lies

Thu, May 16 2013, 11:49 AM CDT

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) -- An attorney for an Illinois man charged in the 2009 killings of five family members is continuing to question the man's brother about lies he initially told police.

Jason Harris is testifying for the prosecution in the trial of Christopher Harris. ...

Victim Identified in Champaign Fatal Shooting

Thu, May 16 2013, 07:31 AM CDT

May 16 Webcast

Thu, May 16 2013, 07:16 AM CDT

3rd Largest Jackpot in Powerball History

Wed, May 15 2013, 03:55 PM CDT

It's becoming the 3rd largest jackpot in Powerball history.

After the winnings rolled over Saturday night, the jackpot has climbed to $350 Million.

Today's winnings is the 7th largest annuity prize in U.S. history.

The Mega Millions jackpot stands at $170 Million, and lottery officials say Lotto players shouldn't be surprised if they have to wait in line to get a ticket. ...

Crime Increases with Warmer Weather

Wed, May 15 2013, 06:18 PM CDT

CHAMPAIGN-- Champaign Police say Tuesday night's deadly shooting was an isolated incident, but add it takes a little work to prevent a pattern from spreading, especially in the summer months. But, they say, random police patrols aren't the most effective answer. ...

Pump Fiction

Wed, May 15 2013, 06:25 PM CDT

CHAMPAIGN -- Filling up your tank my hit your wallet a little harder these days, especially if you put high octane gas in your car. But is the price worth it? A consumer advocate website says no.