Peter Hanson
As seen in:
MSN,
MSN India,
MSN UK,
Yahoo Life,
Aol,
Diario AS,
Goal,
SAGE Publishing,
Sportstar,
Sportstarlive
and
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Peter Hanson
Recently filed bill carves path to grant funding for Illinois communities denied FEMA relief
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) -- A state bill has been filed that would create a path to financial relief for communities across 15 Illinois counties impacted by widespread storms in August, after FEMA denied the state disaster relief three weeks ago. Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) introduced the bill. He said he began writing it before the FEMA decision came down, adding he was not shocked at all by the denial. GALLERY: Central Illinois storm photos from Aug.
Grinnell College Poll: Americans More Confident in Voting, Pessimistic on Democracy, Economy
The most recent Grinnell College Poll finds high levels of confidence that votes will be counted as voters intended but concerns about the state of American democracy and the economy. The poll of 1,500 U.S. adults conducted by YouGov October 15-20, 2026, found that 64% of Americans are confident that votes in the upcoming midterm elections will be counted as voters intended.
Champaign School District's support staff union votes to ratify new contract
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- The support staff union for Champaign schools has voted to ratify a new three year contract after six months of negotiation. Around 800 Champaign Education Support Professionals members had been working without a contract since July. Union President Jim Flaningam shared new details of the contract in a statement Thursday.
Two USGS river monitors lose funding, set to shut down next month
ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) -- Two U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in St. Joseph are losing their funding and will shut down Oct. 1, according to a water expert with the federal organization. Streamgages collect data about water and nutrient levels, helping experts map floodplains and keeping nearby neighbors informed with real-time flood data.
Two USGS river monitors lose funding, set to shut down next month
ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) -- Two U.S. Geological Survey streamgages in St. Joseph are losing their funding and will shut down Oct. 1, according to a water expert with the federal organization. Streamgages collect data about water and nutrient levels, helping experts map floodplains and keeping nearby neighbors informed with real-time flood data.
Advocates for, against Illinois' Safe-T Act reflect three years later
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- Friday marks three years since the SAFE-T Act was put into effect in Illinois, marking the end of cash bail in the criminal legal system. For the last three years, those arrested for detainable offenses no longer have to post bond to be released before their trial. Now, a judge determines whether or not they should remain behind bars as their case plays out.
Danville schools seeking share of Tilton TIF money
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- Danville Schools is eyeing a share of the Village of Tilton's TIF district money, but the village board meeting discussing that is being pushed back a week due to a scheduling conflict, according to Tilton Mayor Bill Wear. “They were sitting there telling us they had a feeling the district may be hurting for money,” said Wear.
Danville schools seeking share of Tilton TIF money
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) -- Danville Schools is eyeing a share of the Village of Tilton’s TIF district money, but the village board meeting discussing that is being pushed back a week due to a scheduling conflict, according to Tilton Mayor Bill Wear. “They were sitting there telling us they had a feeling the district may be hurting for money,” said Wear.
Memorial Stadium stair climb honors lives lost, heroes who responded to 9/11 attacks Original
Posted: Sep 11, 2026 / 07:45 AM CDT Updated: Sep 11, 2026 / 07:45 AM CDT CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — On the 25th anniversary of the tragic Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on our nation, Illini Athletics is hosting a memorial stair climb to remember those who lost their lives — and the heroes who responded. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
U of I system, Urbana-Champaign campus announce record-breaking enrollments
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- Two weeks into the school year, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and UI System announced they have reached a record number for total enrollment. The Urbana-Champaign campus has 61,060 total students, and a record-breaking 9,332 student freshmen class, according to a university news release The school also had nearly 85,000 first year applications. That's 17,000 more than just three years ago, according to the release.
U of I System, Urbana-Champaign campus announce record-breaking enrollments
CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- Two weeks into the school year, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and UI System announced they have reached a record number for total enrollment. The Urbana-Champaign campus has 61,060 total students, and a record-breaking 9,332 student freshmen class, according to a university news release. The school also had nearly 85,000 first year applications. That’s 17,000 more than just three years ago, according to the release.
Mahomet-Seymour teachers, staff working without contract nearly 1 month into school year
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) -- A spokesperson for the Mahomet-Seymour Education Association (MSEA) said the district offered the union a “last best final offer” last week, but the union wants to return to the table. Cameron Zindars, the spokesperson, said the teachers association has been without a contract since June, adding their main negotiating point is higher teacher pay. He claimed the district can afford that without raising taxes.
Record-high diesel prices set to affect farmers during harvest across Illinois
by: Peter Hanson, Ethan Holesha Posted: Sep 8, 2026 / 03:10 PM CDT Updated: Sep 8, 2026 / 03:10 PM CDT ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Diesel has reached a record-high price in the United States, leading many to question the impact it might have on farmers during harvest. One farmer said most already have diesel stored for the first half of harvest, but also said the climbing prices might hurt their pocketbooks later in harvest as they have to refuel.
New e-bike law goes into effect in 2027; Central Illinois agency weighs in
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) -- A Central Illinois law enforcement agency is weighing in on recently passed e-bike legislation in Illinois. The law requires e-bike and e-moto riders to have a drivers license, title, registration and insurance. It also means those using e-scooters and electronic skateboards have to be at least 16-years-old.
Several hundred U of I students placed in temporary housing after 'contractor delays'
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) -- An estimated 350 U of I students will be moved into temporary living spaces for the first month of school due to “contractor delays” at Trelease Hall, according to University Housing officials. The dorm has been undergoing renovations to its bathrooms for several months, and not all floors will be ready for move-in this week.
Pritzker announces temporary back-to-school sales tax drop
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Illinois' back-to-school shopping tax holiday began Friday and will last through Aug. 16. Earlier this week, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the temporary drop in sales tax on school supplies from 6.25% to 1.25%. Clothing and shoes under $125 are also covered under the holiday. Pritzker announces Regional Site Readiness grants According to the National Retail Federation, parents will spend more money than ever before on school supplies.
Pritzker announces temporary back-to-school sales tax drop
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Illinois’ back-to-school shopping tax holiday began Friday and will last through Aug. 16. Earlier this week, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the temporary drop in sales tax on school supplies from 6.25% to 1.25%. Clothing and shoes under $125 are also covered under the holiday. According to the National Retail Federation, parents will spend more money than ever before on school supplies.
Pritzker announces temporary back-to-school sales tax drop Original
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Illinois’ back-to-school shopping tax holiday began Friday and will last through Aug. 16. Earlier this week, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the temporary drop in sales tax on school supplies from 6.25% to 1.25%. Clothing and shoes under $125 are also covered under the holiday. According to the National Retail Federation, parents will spend more money than ever before on school supplies.
Pritzker announces temporary back-to-school sales tax drop
Pritzker announces temporary back-to-school sales tax drop Sat, August 8, 2026 at 1:56 PM EDT CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- Illinois' back-to-school shopping tax holiday began Friday and will last through Aug. 16. Earlier this week, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced the temporary drop in sales tax on school supplies from 6.25% to 1.25%. Clothing and shoes under $125 are also covered under the holiday.
Construction on largest college video board nearly complete at U of I
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) -- The Fighting Illini are less than one month away from kicking off their 2026 season, and the largest video board in college football history is nearly complete. Announced in January , the board is more than 6,000 square feet larger than the next biggest college display at Auburn University in Alabama. “It's almost 3.5 times as big as the video board at Soldier Field,” said Illinois Deputy Athletic Director Tom Michael.
Community Spotlight: DACC back-to-school block party
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The Danville Area Community College is gearing up for its fourth annual back-to-school block party. Alexis Simmons, the Coordinator for Recruitment and Student Engagement at DACC, said the free event is open to everyone. “It’s a big spectacle, the goal is that people will drive down Main Street, see all of the activities going on and stop by and celebrate the back to school festivities,” Simmons explained.
Charleston Middle School begins move to EIU's Coleman Hall
CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — When a tornado ripped parts of Charleston Middle School's roof off on June 17 , it left administrators only 55 days to figure out where they'd be hosting school for 400 students this fall. Monday, the district started moving teachers' belongings into Eastern Illinois University's Coleman Hall. The middle school's classes will take place there for a few months, according to Principal Robert Lynn.
Convicted ex-sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson denied early prison release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Sean Grayson's application for a medical release from prison was denied by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. The former sheriff's deputy convicted of murdering Sonya Massey was sentenced six months ago to 20 years in prison for second-degree murder. He asked to be released under a law that allows terminally ill inmates to leave prison and spend their remaining time at home.
Four suspects charged for murder of Champaign 16-year-old
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Four murder suspects accused of shooting and killing 16-year-old Trai'Vvone Wesley in Champaign last month made their first court appearance Thursday.
Will Daylight Saving Time become permanent? U of I professor weighs in
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A University of Illinois computer scientist is weighing in on the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of the Sunshine Protection Act. The bill, if signed into law, would make Daylight Saving Time permanent and year-round. Sheldon Jacobson, also the founder of the university's Bed Time Research Institute, said lawmakers have always disagreed about the changing of the clock. Now, he's questioning if the Senate will actually get the job done before the General Election.
Local environmental experts seeking changes to damaging herbicide
Local environmental experts seeking changes to damaging herbicide Sat, July 11, 2026 at 3:15 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Environmental experts are once again asking for changes to be made to the label of an herbicide that's been used for years. Dicamba, an herbicide effective at killing chemical-resistant weeds, was re-labeled earlier this year by the EPA for over-the-top applications.
EXCLUSIVE: Former CI Living host shares inside look as a World Cup announcer
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Olympics, World Cup and Super Bowl. Those three events used to be on the bucket list of Bulls, Bears and Fighting Illini P.A. announcer Tim Sinclair. Sinclair, a former CI Living host, got to cross "World Cup" off the list recently. He called four matches during group play in Guadalajara, Mexico. Details announced for Illini Night at Busch Stadium "Called Mexico in Mexico versus Korea Republic. Got Congo versus Colombia. Our very last game was Spain, Uruguay, which was fun.
Charleston Middle School, EIU moving forward with post-tornado plan
CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA) — Charleston Middle School is temporarily condemned because of tornado damage, and the district said it's working to figure out when students can return to the building. On Wednesday, WCIA reported that EIU is offering them space in the meantime. On Thursday, more information was released about those plans. "The gym floor, if you saw the video, is ruined and will have to be replaced," said Charleston Schools Superintedent Chad Burgett.
Champaign Co. Salvation Army launches new after-school program
Mon, June 22, 2026 at 10:48 PM UTC CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — A new after-school program will be coming to Champaign County this fall. The Salvation Army of Champaign County is introducing the Ignite Program for middle and high school students in sixth through 12th grades. The program will focus on teaching life skills to students, like making a resume, applying for a job and learning to cook.
Central IL insurance expert breaks down what to do if severe weather damages your home
Thu, June 18, 2026 at 2:53 AM UTC CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Insurance experts in Central Illinois are breaking down what you should do if severe weather damages your property. The Department of Insurance said making sure everyone inside is okay and securing belongings should be top of mind. After that, Country Financial's Vice President of Claims Jesse Kohlbecker said to report the damage to your insurance company right away.
Tornado destroys Urbana business, owner says they plan to rebuild
Peter Hanson Tue, June 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down Thursday evening in front of Becks Country Shoppe in Urbana. The main building was destroyed. Winds ripped the roof off, collapsed walls and made some parts of the building too dangerous to enter.
Tornado destroys Urbana business, owner says they plan to rebuild
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down Thursday evening in front of Becks Country Shoppe in Urbana. The main building was destroyed. Winds ripped the roof off, collapsed walls and made some parts of the building too dangerous to enter. Co-owner Justin Davis is determined to keep the more than 70-year-old business alive, despite the damage. “It’s tough to walk around and look at it,” said Davis.
Water experts explain causes, solutions to Sullivan shortage
SULLIVAN, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois State Water Survey experts are breaking down the geologic conditions contributing to Sullivan's ongoing water emergency after mandatory conservation measures were extended for residents earlier this week. WCIA reported earlier this year the city's well levels dropped 15 feet over the course of Central Illinois' months-long drought.
Sullivan still seeking solutions for water shortage
SULLIVAN, Ill. (WCIA) — Although the drought ended in Central Illinois last month, the City of Sullivan is still feeling its impacts. Its water emergency — prohibiting the use of city water for swimming pools, lawns and personal car washes — is being extended to Aug. 1, according to Public Health and Safety Commissioner Chuck Woodworth. Sullivan still asking residents to conserve water as emergency continues “One well has gone up two feet in static level,” said Woodworth.
Memorial Day weekend drivers talk travel, importance of holiday
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 40 million people will be driving more than 50 miles this weekend to get to their Memorial Day weekend destinations. WCIA caught up with travelers at a Vermilion County rest stop about their travel concerns and what the holiday means to them. Inside look at an ‘ICU on wheels’ in Mahomet for EMS Week Demetri and Angela Demos are driving from North Carolina to Montana — more than 2,000 miles.
St. Joseph bridge to be named after Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
ST. JOSEPH, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois State Police Trooper Corey S. Thompsen, who died in the line of duty in October 2024, will soon have his name memorialized at a place near and dear to his family. The part of County Road 1900E that runs over I-74 will soon be called Trooper Corey S. Thompsen Memorial Overpass, after a resolution passed the State House Thursday.
U of I finals postponed, students confused after Canvas cybersecurity breach Original
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The University of Illinois announced finals originally scheduled for this weekend are postponed after an international cyber-attack on the learning platform Canvas. As of Friday evening, the latest update from the university was that “…the team at Technology Services received some good news: they were able to restore a connection to Canvas to begin investigating whether the service can appropriately be restored for students, faculty, and staff to use.
Warm weather could mean earlier tick season peak: U of I professor Original
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — One University of Illinois professor said tick season might peak sooner this year due to this spring’s weather trends. Becky Smith — an associate professor in epidemiology — said ticks like warmer weather. With hot temperatures and rain happening even earlier this year, ticks might be coming out of the ground or low-lying leaf litter earlier this year.
Champaign City Council talks grant program, aims to improve downtown
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign City Council discussed a new proposal aimed at attracting more people and businesses to its downtown through a competitive reimbursement grant program called “Downtown Refresh.” Associate City Planner Dan Saphiere said in recent years, construction costs have gone up for businesses. He said food and beverage sales have gone down in downtown at the same time.
Former Illinois, Mahomet-Seymour basketball player talks tournament run
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — While trying to gauge fan’s reactions to Illinois’ March Madness run ending, WCIA 3 ran into former Illinois basketball player Brett Melton at Champaign’s Gameday Spirit. Melton — a Mahomet-Seymour High School graduate — was on the 2001 Elite Eight team coached by Bill Self. He played the last two years of his college career at San Diego.
Oakwood Business District revitalization survey complete
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — A survey asking people how they’d like the City of Decatur to revitalize the Oakwood Business District is complete, and the results are in. Nearly 60% of the more than 800 responses said they want more restaurants in the area. And 55% said they don’t go there because of safety concerns. Close friend weighs in on the house fire that left his loved ones hurt in Decatur Councilmember David Horn said the city will try to address these factors moving forward.
Electricians union demonstrates in Champaign after local workers left off project
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Unit 601 demonstrated across from a construction project on the University of Illinois campus on Monday. The company, Power Construction, is using out-of-state electricians from Nashville, according to Brian Anderson, local 601’s business manager. He said these workers cost about $25-per-hour less than unionized workers in Champaign.
U of I purchases new Discovery Partners Institute headquarters
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The University of Illinois System has purchased a building in downtown Chicago to headquarter the artificial-intelligence-centered Discovery Partners Institute. They bought the nearly 250,000 square foot building for just shy of $24 million, the U of I System announced in a news release.
Rantoul proposal could make beer and wine legal in barbershops, salons
RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — Enjoying a glass of wine or beer might soon be possible at barbershops or salons in Rantoul. The village is proposing a new liquor license for these businesses after one of them reached out, saying other towns already allow similar licenses. Springfield City Council approves harsher penalties for animal cruelty ordinance Board members said if passed, customers would be able to buy up to two small glasses of beer or wine as they get their hair cut.
U of I experts break down conflict in Iran
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Two University of Illinois experts are weighing in on the conflict in Iran that sparked over the weekend. American and Israeli airstrikes killed more than 40 Iranian political officials, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. An Iranian counter-attack killed six American soldiers. President Donald Trump said the attacks are the last best effort to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
Multiple Danville middle schoolers could be expelled after fight
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Seven students are facing expulsion for their involvement in last week’s after-school brawl at Danville’s North Ridge Middle School, according to School Board President Darlene Halloran. She said after reviewing security footage and interviewing students, Superintendent John Hart learned the incident lasted 31 seconds and started as a prearranged altercation between two girls.
Maize hosting pop-up bakery event in March
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Maize Mexican Grill will be hosting a pop-up bakery event at its location across from Illinois Terminal on March 3, according to owner Armando Sandoval. The event will cost $10, and there will be coffee and samples of different types of pastries and breads for people to try, Sandoval said. ‘Never thought it would happen to me’: Champaign restaurant robbed of generator He said it’s something he’s wanted to do for a while to honor his long family line of bakers.
SecureSkeye Unveils Advanced IT Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Platform Across the Southeast United States
SecureSkeye Unveils Advanced IT Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Platform Across the Southeast United States SecureSkeye is committed to delivering unbreakable resilience and uninterrupted IT operations for businesses across the Southeast United States. "In the Southeast United States, business continuity isn't just about surviving a crisis — it's about staying ahead of it.
SecureSkeye Announces Expansion into Florida, Delivering IT Support to Drive Safe, Secure, & Cost-Effective Technology
SecureSkeye Announces Expansion into Florida, Delivering IT Support to Drive Safe, Secure, & Cost-Effective Technology SecureSkeye, a trusted provider of IT help desk services, proactive IT support, and fully integrated IT teams, announced its expansion into the Florida market.
New law on reporting stolen firearms takes effect in Illinois Original
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The new year means new laws for gun owners in the state of Illinois, as the state’s Safe Gun Storage Act takes effect. As a new part of the law, firearm owners are required to report stolen or lost guns within 48 hours of learning they are missing, according to Illinois State Police. Doug Cochran, an officer with the Kansas, Ill. Police Department, said the new time frame was shortened from 72 hours.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Peter
Contact Peter, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack