

WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws - Part 12 - New Program Diverts Unfit Misdemeanor Defendants to Treatment
METROPOLIS, IL - The intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system is often complex and costly. Historically, individuals charged with minor crimes (misdemeanors) who were deemed unfit to stand trial often languished in county jails or were committed to state facilities for periods longer than the actu...
Dec 06, 2025
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Thursday WMOK News Check "Yellow Sheet" - 12.11.25 WMOK - Metropolis and Massac County News
Dec 11, 2025
1.11B views

Full December SNAP benefits will be issued as normally scheduled.
Starting February 1, 2026, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who do not meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption may only receive benefits for three months during a three-year period. That means individuals not meeting the new federal work requirements or otherwise exempt could lose benefits star...
Dec 10, 2025
1.11B views

Massac County Sheriff's Office K9 Chase has received donation of body armor
Massac County Sheriff's Office, IL, K9 Chase has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Chase's vest was embroidered with the sentiment "Honoring those who served and sacrificed".Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., esta...
Dec 10, 2025
1.11B views

Massac County Crime Since We Last Spoke - Massac County Sheriff Chad Kaylor - December 2025 - WMOK Coffee Break
Massac County, IL - Sheriff Chad Kaylor made an appearance at WMOK for the December Coffee Break, where he addressed several important topics. He discussed a couple of unrelated burglaries that have recently occurred in the area and offered tips for residents planning to travel during the Christmas season. One key piec...
Dec 09, 2025
1.11B views

WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws - Part 21 - Safe Schools for All: Education Access Secured Regardless of Immigration Status
We continue our focus on educational policy with a critical piece of legislation known as the Safe Schools for All Act (HB 3247). Effective January 1, 2026, this law firmly codifies and expands protections to ensure that every child in Illinois has the right to a free public education and a secure learning environment,...
14h ago
1.11B views

WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws - Part 20 - The Safety Floor: New Law Secures Worker Protections Against Federal Rollbacks
Continuing our series, a piece of legislation that ensures long-term stability and security for Illinois workers: Senate Bill 1976 (Public Act 104-0161). Effective January 1, 2026, this new law creates a definitive "safety floor" for all state worker protections, safeguarding standards against potential futu...
Dec 11, 2025
1.11B views

WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws - Part 18 - Barrier Down: Pharmacists Now Authorized to Dispense Contraceptives Without a Doctor's Visit
In a major step toward expanding reproductive healthcare access across the state, a new law (HB 3489) takes effect on January 1, 2026, empowering licensed pharmacists to assess patients and dispense a full range of contraceptives, including emergency contraception, without requiring a traditional doctor's prescription....
Dec 09, 2025
1.11B views

WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws - Part 17 - Health Mandates Sweep In: Expanded Coverage for Menopause, Infertility, and Screenings
This installment brings the final, wide-ranging health insurance changes taking effect on January 1, 2026. Illinois lawmakers have passed a series of bills that collectively reshape the landscape of required medical coverage, providing relief and greater access to care for thousands of residents in areas often excluded...
Dec 08, 2025
1.11B views

Enacted Changes to the SAFE-T Act and Related Laws Effective in 2026
As Illinois prepares for key changes in law enforcement and public safety, several new legislative measures will take effect on January 1, 2026. These include the development of a therapy dog certification program aimed at enhancing officer well-being during crisis situations, the elimination of the statute of limitati...
Dec 06, 2025
1.11B views

WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws - Part 11 - Integrity in Investigation: Law Bans Deception of Crime Victims by Law Enforcement in 2026
METROPOLIS, IL - In a significant move to protect individuals during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives, House Bill 3710-an amendment to the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act-is now law. Effective January 1, 2026, this legislation strengthens the integrity of the initial criminal investigation proc...
Dec 06, 2025
1.11B views

DUI Arrest in Metropolis: Lexington KY Man Charged After Traffic Stop
A routine traffic stop in Metropolis escalated into a DUI arrest when police stopped a vehicle for speeding on the corner of 5th and Cherry. The driver, identified as 30-year-old Cory P. Cope from Lexington, KY, was clocked at 42 mph in a 30 mph zone. During the stop, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol on Cope'...
Dec 10, 2025
111.11K views
Yearbook Signing Bash - Release from Vienna High School Yearbook Staff
VHS Parents and Students, On Tuesday, December 16th during students' advisory period, the VHS Yearbook Staff will be holding a Yearbook Signing Bash, giving students a chance to sign each others' 2025 yearbooks. Books will be on sale during the bash for only $45 (cash or check made out to "VHS Yearbook"), ava...
Dec 10, 2025
111.11K views

2025 WMOK Community Events Listing - Massac County and Metropolis IL Events
Dec 08, 2025
3.63K views

WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws - Part 13 - Out with the Old: Illinois Bans Fluorescent Light Sales, Pushing State to LED
Illinois is flipping the switch on outdated lighting technology. Effective January 1, 2026, the state's Clean Lighting Act begins its phase-out of mercury-containing fluorescent lamps in favor of safer, more energy-efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) alternatives. This legislation is a significant step aimed at protec...
Dec 07, 2025
1.25K views

















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