Ryan Denham
- Digital Content Director, WGLT-FM (Normal, IL)
- Digital Content Director, WCBU-FM (Peoria, IL)
Normal
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Articles by Ryan Denham
Cumulus cuts two more hosts at Bloomington radio stations
Another round of layoffs at Cumulus Media has further gutted two Bloomington radio stations. Scott Miller, the longtime morning host at news-talk station WJBC, posted a farewell video on Facebook on Thursday. Faith Rinker, the morning host on country station B104 and also host on the Top 40 station WBNQ, posted on Facebook that she had also been let go. Both said their positions were eliminated. In his Facebook video, Miller thanked his listeners, sponsors and colleagues.
BPD chief: Investigation so far indicates no IWU students were 'involved' or 'targeted' in Halloween shooting
The Bloomington Police chief said Saturday that the investigation into the Halloween mass shooting so far indicates no students from Illinois Wesleyan were "involved" or "targeted," and that police still need more potential witnesses to come forward with what they know. Chief Jamal Simington spoke Saturday with IWU students, families, faculty, and staff during Family Weekend, according to BPD. "There is nothing which has surfaced in our investigation that suggests any IWU students were involved.
Investigation so far indicates no IWU students were 'involved' or 'targeted' in Halloween shooting
The Bloomington Police chief said Saturday that the investigation into the Halloween mass shooting so far indicates no students from Illinois Wesleyan were "involved" or "targeted," and that police still need more potential witnesses to come forward with what they know. Chief Jamal Simington spoke Saturday with IWU students, families, faculty, and staff during Family Weekend, according to BPD. "There is nothing which has surfaced in our investigation that suggests any IWU students were involved.
Democrats increase McLean County Board majority as Republicans hold rural districts
The McLean County Democrats successfully defended and increased their majority on the county board in Tuesday's election. By flipping a GOP-held seat and defending their own, Democrats will now have a 13-to-7 majority - one more than they had before - according to unofficial election results. Democrats have steadily picked up seats on the board since 2018. At the time of Donald Trump's first election, Democrats only held five seats. This was the first election they were defending their majority.
Joshua Crockett defeats McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael, becoming first countywide Democrat in four decades
For the first time in 44 years, a Democrat will hold countywide elected office in McLean County. Democrat Joshua Crockett defeated incumbent Republican Kathy Michael on Tuesday as she sought a fifth term as McLean County clerk. With all but a handful of precincts left to count, McLean County Democratic Party Chair Patrick Cortesi declared victory at around 9:30 p.m. with Crockett ultimately edging out Michael by a 12-point margin.
Election results: Congressional, statewide, and state legislative races
The latest election results from The Associated Press for congressional, statewide and state legislative races impacting Greater Peoria.
Congressional, statewide, and state legislative races
The latest election results from The Associated Press for congressional, statewide and state legislative races impacting McLean County.
Bloomington police continue to look for more information in a mass shooting near Illinois Wesleyan | First Listen
Eric Stock gives a deeper look at the mass shooting near in Bloomington over the weekend.
'Sad and frightening' for that neighborhood
Local, state and federal officials are responding to the mass shooting early Sunday near the Illinois Wesleyan University campus. One person was killed and seven others were injured, including two IWU students and one Illinois State University student. The shooting near Division and East streets occurred in Bloomington's Ward 7, where Mollie Ward is the city council member. "I don't really have words at this point to describe how sad and frightening this is for that block.
Peter Sagal and 'Wait Wait' bring 'This is NPR' to Normal on Nov. 12
Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me! host Peter Sagal isn't afraid to play favorites when it comes to Illinois State University 's long roster of celebrity alumni, including Jane Lynch, Laurie Metcalf, John Malkovich, Sean Hayes and Craig Robinson. His favorite right now is Brendan Hunt, who plays Coach Beard on the Apple TV series Ted Lasso. But that's just because Hunt has agreed to join Sagal during a live episode of Wait Wait that will be taped Nov. 12 at ISU's Braden Auditorium.
Driver faces DUI charges after fatal off-road vehicle crash in rural Peoria County
A woman is dead after an off-road vehicle crash Saturday night in a rural area northwest of Peoria, authorities said. The vehicle's driver faces DUI charges. The utility task vehicle, or UTV, rollover happened sometime before 11 p.m. Saturday on private property near the 5600 block of N. Kickapoo-Edwards Road in rural Peoria County, said Sheriff Chris Watkins. Sheriff's deputies and other first responders found the UTV on its side with the 50-year-old woman pinned underneath, Watkins said.
Ahead of ISU visit, former '60 Minutes' correspondent Scott Pelley says 'there is no democracy without journalism'
Journalist Scott Pelley said he hasn't watched 60 Minutes since he was fired four months ago for challenging the show's new leadership and sticking up for its independence - and that he probably would've quit by now even if he hadn't been fired. Pelley, one of the most accomplished and recognizable journalists in the U.S., will visit Illinois State University on Tuesday night for a Presidential Speaker Series appearance. It's free and open to the public.
Data center cooling failure hits Central Illinois credit union customers
A data center cooling failure has disrupted online and mobile banking for customers at several Central Illinois credit unions for the past three days, part of a nationwide problem. The incident began Tuesday, impacting the Illinois State Credit Union, Credit Union For All in Bloomington, the Streator Community Credit Union, and many others across the U.S. that use the same vendor Sharetec for core-processing services.
Bloomington-Normal not immune from journalism and media cuts
It’s been a tumultuous few weeks for Bloomington-Normal media. The owner of The Pantagraph, Davenport, Iowa-based Lee Enterprises, let go its Central Illinois executive editor Aug. 19 in an apparent cost-cutting move. It’s the latest in a long string of reductions at the Bloomington newspaper. Kelsey Watznauer, who was promoted to the role nine months ago, was responsible for news content in Lee’s papers in Bloomington, Decatur, Mattoon and Eureka. She was told her position was eliminated.
Severe storms expected to blow through Central Illinois on Tuesday
The Bloomington-Normal area and much of Central Illinois is at enhanced risk for severe weather on Tuesday, with 75+ mph wind gusts and a few tornadoes possible. McLean, Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties are all under a severe thunderstorm watch until 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. The storms are expected to be at their worst between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday, the NWS reported.
Another round of severe weather expected in McLean County on Thursday night
For the second straight evening, McLean County should be ready for another round of severe weather. McLean County is facing an enhanced risk of severe weather (Level 3 of 5) for a storm expected to hit between 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. The primary threat will be damaging winds potentially 70 mph or higher. Several tornadoes and very large hail are also possible. In addition, locally heavy rain may aggravate any lingering flooding from recent storms.
Hot air balloons will fly again at Lincoln's Balloons Over 66 Weekend in August
Lincoln has found a way to bring back hot air balloons to Balloons Over 66 Weekend in August. Just four days after a local benefactor pulled the plug after years of bearing event costs himself, the Balloons Over 66 Weekend Committee said late Friday that they've figured out how to keep the balloons flying another year.
LaHood no, Sorensen yes as House votes to end the war with Iran
U.S. Reps. Darin LaHood and Eric Sorensen split their votes Wednesday as the Republican-led House voted to end the war with Iran, a bipartisan rebuke of President Trump's handling of the conflict and the subsequent economic fallout. LaHood, a Republican from the Peoria area, voted against the war powers resolution, which passed 215-208. Sorensen, a Democrat from the Quad Cities, voted in favor of it. WGLT has requested a comment from both LaHood and Sorensen about their votes.
Suspect in custody after shooting, explosion and fire in Tazewell County
A suspect is in custody and receiving treatment at a Peoria hospital after a shooting, explosion and fire early Sunday morning in a Washington neighborhood near U.S. 24 and North Cummings Lane. The explosion was heard and flames could be seen from miles away, according to reports. Washington Police Chief Jeff Stevens said the incident began about 4:30 a.m., when police were called to the 900 block of Mallard Way to investigate a report of multiple gunshots fired.
Mayor: Gunshots and then a house explosion during 'shocking situation' in Washington
Authorities are investigating an apparent house explosion preceded by gunshots in the city of Washington on Sunday morning. It happened at a home on Mallard Way, a few blocks from U.S. 24 and Cummings Lane, in Washington, according to Washington Mayor Lilija Stevens. The event "began with gunshots, then a house explosion (unknown at this time why the house exploded) and a resulting fire that also affected nearby structures," Stevens said in a Facebook post.
Peoria Police shoot suspect in domestic incident in Downtown Peoria
Peoria Police officers exchanged fire with a gunman who allegedly shot a woman Friday night in Downtown Peoria. It happened around 6:45 p.m. near the intersection of Hamilton and Madison streets, police said. That's near the Four Points by Sheraton hotel, the federal courthouse, and other downtown landmarks. Police initially responded to a domestic dispute in that area. A woman involved in the domestic dispute was found shot, police said. A Peoria officer encountered the suspect and shots were fired.
Illinois State University and AFSCME reach tentative deal on new contract to end strike
Illinois State University and the AFSCME union that represents buildings, dining and food service workers announced late Monday that they've reached a tentative deal, likely ending the longest single-unit strike in ISU history. ISU and AFSCME sent brief statements late Monday announcing the "tentative agreement" on a new contract. No details have been provided yet to the media or the public. Union members will next vote whether to ratify it.
Justice Department investigates District 87, Ridgeview and 34 other Illinois school districts over 'gender ideology'
The Trump administration said Thursday it had launched investigations into District 87, Ridgeview, and 34 other Illinois school districts to “to determine whether they have included sexual orientation and gender ideology content in any class for grades pre-K-12.” The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is leading the investigations.
McLean County faces enhanced risk of severe weather on Monday
Here we go again: McLean County and the rest of Illinois will be at an enhanced risk of severe storms Monday. The risk is a Level 3 (on a scale of 1 to 5). While the severe weather threat Monday morning is low, it increases by the afternoon into the evening. Very large hail, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and tornadoes are all possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Skeletal remains found in wooded area in Peoria
Authorities are investigating after skeletal remains were found Tuesday afternoon in a wooded area on Peoria's far southwest side. The Peoria County sheriff's office says they were found in the 1500 block of South Crest Drive. That's near South Kickapoo Creek Road, just east of Interstate 474. Police say the remains were turned over to the coroner's office for examination and identification. The investigation is ongoing.
Mass shooting injures 6, including ISU students, in off-campus residential neighborhood
Six people — including two juveniles — were shot early Sunday morning in a residential neighborhood in Normal just south of the Illinois State University campus, authorities said. It's one of the few mass shootings in recent Bloomington-Normal history. Police responded around 2:40 a.m. to the 700 block of Franklin Avenue, an area just south of the railroad tracks with a mix of apartments and homes located between ISU and the Carle BroMenn Medical Center complex.
Spring storm and then blizzard-like conditions on their way to Central Illinois
Much of Central Illinois is in for a one-two punch on Sunday into Monday — a spring storm followed by what could be blizzard-like conditions. A line of severe storms is expected to develop along a strong cold front and move across Central Illinois from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday, with some morning storms possible, according to the National Weather Service. Hail is a concern, and widespread wind damage and a few embedded tornadoes will be the main threat in the afternoon.
First Rivian R2s will start at $57,990; cheapest version not available until late 2027
Buyers will have to wait another year for that $45,000 Rivian EV. The electric automaker on Thursday released full pricing and trim details for its new midsize SUV called R2, which is being made in Normal. It’s seen as a critical product for Rivian as it tries to reach mainstream buyers who are shopping at lower price points. The first R2s will be delivered to customers this spring, starting with a special “launch” version that starts at $57,990, the company said.
Coroner IDs victim in rural East Peoria house fire
Authorities have identified the 65-year-old who was found dead after a house fire in rural East Peoria this week. Mark Evans was found after crews responded to a fire in the 100 block of Spring Creek Terrace in rural East Peoria around 5:26 a.m. Monday. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Preliminary autopsy findings show Evans died from inhalation of smoke and soot due to the fire, said Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley.
Coroner: Woman dead after driveway accident with her vehicle in Pekin
An 82-year-old woman is dead after an accident with her vehicle in her driveway in Pekin, authorities said. A neighbor reported the incident around 6:38 p.m. Tuesday, said Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley. He did not provide an address. The 82-year-old, whose name hasn't been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. She encountered fatal injuries after an accident involving her vehicle in her driveway, Hanley said. An autopsy is set for Wednesday.
Strong tornadoes possible tonight as NWS raises risk level for severe weather
The National Weather Service is warning of an enhanced risk of tornadoes and other severe weather Tuesday night throughout Central Illinois. Bloomington-Normal and Greater Peoria were both upgraded into a Level 4 (Moderate) risk of severe weather by the weather service. The tornado risk will be highest between 6-10 p.m. There is also a risk of wind and hail overnight until about 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Photos: Washington girls basketball earns first state championship
The Washington Panthers girls basketball team are state champs. The Panthers cruised past Chatham (Glenwood), 60-45, on Saturday in the IHSA Class 3A state final at CEFCU Arena in Normal. It’s Washington’s first state title in program history and the best finish since the 1976-77 season. Avery Tibbs led the way for the Panthers with 24 points, with Rebecca McDougall adding 10. Washington led for almost the entire game, at one point stretching the lead to 19 points.
Duckworth calls Iran strikes 'illegal' as LaHood points to 'direct consequence of Iran's actions'
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois on Saturday called the Trump administration’s strikes on Iran “illegal” and said they happened “without a legitimate imminent threat to our homeland or our citizens.” The U.S. and Israel launched a wave of airstrikes Saturday against Iran as part of a major military campaign intended to topple the Islamic regime, NPR reported. Iran responded with missile and drone launches of its own, spreading the conflict to the wider region.
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