UPDATE at 3:30 p.m. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Sangamon County Coroner has released the identity of the 23-year-old killed in a stabbing early Saturday morning. According to Coroner Jim Allmon, Michael Gristy, 23 of Springfield, was pronounced dead at the HSHS St. John's Hospital at 5:09 a.m., shortly after he was transported from the crime scene. Allmon said an autopsy was done today which shows Gristy died from multiple stab wounds. The Sangamon County Coroner and Springfield Police Department are continuing to investigate. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- A 23-year-old man is dead after he ..read more

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Two men were injured in a shooting early Saturday morning in Champaign. According to Champaign Police, around 1:43 a.m. officers were dispatched to the 100 block of S. Mattis Avenue after a report of a shooting with injuries. When they arrived at the scene, they found a 30-year-old male victim from Champaign who had multiple potentially life-threatening gunshot wounds. Medical aid was administered by police with assistance of Champaign Fire Department personnel until the victim was able to be transported to a local hospital. Police say he is still at that hospital in ..read more

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- Champaign's long-awaited entertainment district started festivities Friday night. "The Beat" puts live music and local business at the forefront of the summer fun. The entire process took around three months. On Friday, city leaders took a victory lap while showcasing a summer of music and arts. "In recognition of the grand opening of The Beat downtown Champaign," said Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen. After months of waiting, planning and talking, the Market Street Entertainment District opened Friday night. It began with a city council proclamation, continued wi ..read more

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Champaign woman is facing charges for her alleged role in a shooting that left another woman hurt in March. The shooting happened the night of March 22 in the area of Hickory and Bellefontaine Streets. Investigators determined that the 24-year-old victim was attending a house party when a shot was fired and she was hit. The other attendees of the party left the area while the woman went to the hospital; she was treated and was released. Officials with the Champaign Police Department said the investigation now indicates that the bullet that struck the victim was fire ..read more

HOOPESTON, Ill. (WCIA) -- Fast Lane & Pit Stop Restaurant has great fun and food for the whole family to enjoy. CiLiving's Ryan met with the Owner, Doug, to learn all about the activities and food they offer. https://www.facebook.com/FastLanesofHoopeston/ 719 W Elm St, Hoopeston, IL, United States, Illinois ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- In-person ticket sales for the Illinois State Fair will begin next week with the opening of the State Fair's box office. The box office will open June 3 for regular business hours -- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday -- in the weeks leading up to the State Fair. Tickets will be available for admission, rides, Grandstand concerts and Arena events. “The 2024 Illinois State Fair is packed with entertainment options for the whole family,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “The box office opening day spec ..read more

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Regional Superintendent has chosen two people to to fill the vacancies on the Champaign School Board. Regional Superintendent to lead search for Champaign School board replacements The two candidates chosen are Mark Holm and Sam Banks, according to a news release from the Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education. Regional Superintendent Gary Lewis interviewed 11 candidates for the positions. Both Holm and Banks will serve until April 2025, where both seats will be up for election. This is a developing story ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch is facing a lawsuit from his own staff. They claim he has stalled efforts to recognize their labor organization. The lawsuit was filed in Cook County Circuit Court on Friday. Welch has sponsored a bill to create a framework for collective bargaining with legislative staff and their bosses. It passed the House, but has yet to be voted on in the Senate ..read more

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- Construction is officially underway on new athletic facilities at Southeast High School in Springfield. The school's football/track and field complex is being renovated and the project kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday. Mayor Misty Buscher, members of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance and other community members joined students and staff to mark the beginning of construction ..read more

MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) -- Allerton is still looking for vendors to participate in next month's THE LOVE FOR ALLerton concert. The fair will feature local LGBTQ+ artists and makers. The concert runs from 6 p.m. to approximately 9 p.m. on June 14. "This concert is part of our Love for All weekend to kick off Pride Month," part of the vendor application reads. "Our goal for this weekend is to create a safe space and promote love, acceptance, and equality to all of our friends who love Allerton no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity ..read more