Tri States Public Radio

01/31/2025

Darrell Hocker, 51, died in the early morning hours of Nov. 8, 2023, after an altercation with Timothy Smith, now 41, in a locked cell. Hocker was repeatedly struck in the head, neck, and chest during the altercation.

Darrell Hocker, 51, died in the early morning hours of Nov. 8, 2023, after an altercation with Timothy Smith, now 41, in a locked cell.

01/31/2025

This week in Around the Tri States: Colchester homicide investigation continues; Two killed in wrong-way I-74 crash; Macomb to demolish more dilapidated houses; One wounded in Galesburg shooting; and other stories.

A weekly roundup of news from around the region.

01/30/2025

The city of Galesburg recently completed a transit study with Nelson Nygaard Consulting Associates that provided a comprehensive analysis of the public transportation system. It also looked at the city’s capacity to extend transit service into Knox County.

Knox County and the city of Galesburg are taking steps toward extending public transportation into rural areas.

01/29/2025

As rumors swirl that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were spotted in Monmouth, local law enforcement and the corporate office of Smithfield Foods say they’re not aware of any local raids or ICE presence.

Police Chief Joe Switzer said there is no truth to the claims, to his knowledge.

01/29/2025

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker accused President Donald Trump’s administration of “trying to confuse the American people,” but said the state is nonetheless making contingency plans should tens of billions of dollars in federal funding disappear.

Gov. JB Pritzker accused President Donald Trump’s administration of “trying to confuse the American people,” but said the state is nonetheless making contingency plans should tens of billions of dollars in federal funding disappear.

01/29/2025

Circuit Court Judge Nigel Graham called the murder a premeditated ex*****on.

Davin Purden will be required to serve 100% of the sentence.

01/27/2025

"90% of the money we raise, it’s staying in our region. We’re paying, basically, musicians that live in smaller areas, so I think it’s a service to the region. That’s why I encourage people to help support us," said Bob McConnell, Music Director of Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra.

The Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra is close to matching the largest challenge grant in its 75-year history.

01/24/2025

For the first time in more than a decade, a Republican will chair an Illinois House committee.

Rep. Dan Swanson, R-Alpha, received the call from Democratic House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, earlier this month that he was tapped to head the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Swanson said the appointment was a “total surprise.”

01/24/2025

This week in Around the Tri States: Pretrial hearings in McDonough County homicides continued; Keokuk to keep five-day school week; Burlington to seek federal grant for Main Street rehab; and other stories.

A weekly roundup of news from around the region.

01/24/2025

Habitat for Humanity of Knox County hasn’t built a home for a family in need since before the COVID-19 pandemic. But the non-profit organization is still around. In fact, they’re gearing up for a big 2025 that includes building a home, rehabbing another one, helping veterans, and potentially bringing a Habitat Re-Store to Galesburg.

As Habitat for Humanity of Knox County gets ready to build again, the public is invited to a meet and greet from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 at Orange Cup Side Hustle, 2701 E. Main St. in Galesburg. People can meet board members, sign up to volunteer, and hear more about projects that are in the wor...

01/23/2025

Western Illinois University is implementing a furlough program for administrative employees who are not part of a bargaining unit.

The administration said the furloughs will save the university nearly $500,000.

01/22/2025

The body of Cheyenna Decker, 23, was found in her apartment at 496 N. Coal St. on Tuesday afternoon.

McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout is hoping for help from the public as they investigate the death of Cheyenna Decker.

01/22/2025

"Diverse cultures developed diverse communication styles." - Commentator Maureen Marx.

For our “Women’s Voices” commentary series, Maureen Marx examines the differences in communication styles between Americans and Asians.

01/21/2025

You can blame bird flu for high egg prices at the grocery store.

Bird flu has killed millions of hens in recent weeks, shrinking the supply of eggs and hiking up prices at grocery stores.

01/20/2025

The entire region will be under a Cold Weather Advisory from 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 until noon on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

01/17/2025

This week in Around the Tri States: Guilty plea in Galesburg shooting; WIU residence hall damaged by fire; Oglesby trial could begin next month; and other stories.

A weekly roundup of news from around the region.

01/16/2025

Tractor maker John Deere faces a federal lawsuit that accuses the company of illegally forcing farmers to use only authorized dealers for critical repairs, boosting its multibillion-dollar profits.

The Federal Trade Commission and two states accuse Deere of costing farmers time and money by unfairly limiting software access and forcing the use of only authorized dealers.

01/16/2025

The city of Monmouth’s fourth Tax Increment Financing district would support a more than $5 million redevelopment and expansion of a northside gas station and convenience store.

The proposed North Commercial TIF district incorporates the site of Beck’s Oil on North Main Street, near the Smithfield Foods pork processing plant.