WICS-TV (Springfield, IL)

WICS and WICD are television stations located in Illinois, affiliated with ABC and NBC, and are owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc. is among the largest and most varied television broadcasting companies in the United States. Currently, Sinclair manages, programs, or offers sales services for 163 television stations across 77 different markets, pending any transactions. The Sinclair television network reaches about 38.7% of households with televisions in the U.S. and includes affiliates for networks such as FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision, and Azteca.

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English

Television

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Global

#138271

United States

#28656

News and Media

#1317

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Articles

Illinois football recruiting highest in decades; chances of JC Anderson and Mack Sutter

4 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

It's a massive couple weeks for Illinois football. Top recruits JC Anderson and Mack Sutter are picking schools. Both are four-star tight ends from Central Illinois. Bret Bielema wants them both --- but has to swat away some SEC heavyweights. If they commit, it would spike Illinois' recruiting ranking, which, as of now, is already its highest in decades. Rivals has them pegged 9th, while 247 Sports has them 12th. For context, Illinois is usually in the 40s and 50s.
Illinois basketball stars poised for first round glory in 2025 NBA Draft

4 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

The NBA season is over. The Oklahoma City Thunder are your 2025 NBA champions. But for Illinois basketball fans, the fun is just starting. Wednesday is the 2025 NBA Draft and there’s is consensus: both Illinois’ Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley will be first round draft picks. Illinois hasn’t had two in the same first round since 2005: that’s when Deron Williams and Luther Head had their names called. Here’s a list of projections for Jakucionis.
Korn Ferry Series brings PGA Tour hopefuls to Springfield for Memorial Health Championship

4 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

This week is the Memorial Health Championship at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield. It’s part of the Korn Ferry Series, which is essentially the sport’s Triple-A system. If golfers play well enough, they will earn a spot on the PGA Tour. While golfers see benefits of the Memorial Health Championship so does the Springfield economy. "It generates over 2000 hotel room nights. Really. It's a week long event," said Scott Dahl, Springfield's Tourism Director.
Determined athletes defy odds and break records at Illinois Summer Special Olympics

5 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

Sunday marked the last day of the Summer Special Olympics in Bloomington. Hundreds of athletes were center-stage and there was plenty of STRONG showings. From bench pressing to cleans, the athletes brought their A game, and plenty of energy. Including Stephen Katz. “Yes his nickname is funny man," said his mother, Laurel. "Ha ha he he he!” Stephen deadpanned. The Chicago suburb native is 40 years old, and has racked up 300 medals. His parents make sure they attend this event each year.
Illinois football's 2026 class ranks among nation's best, beating out major programs

6 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

For years, Illinois football’s recruiting rankings were low. Ranging from the 40s to 50s. And Lovie Smith was infamous for not being able to land in-state players. Bret Bielema is throwing that narrative out the window. He has a real shot to land the top-three players in Illinois. Nationally, Illinois’ 2026 class is ranked 7th by Rivals. And 8th by 247 Sports. They’ve signed several four-stars. - Offensive lineman Kai Pritchard, who picked Illinois over Rutgers and Duke.
Decatur racino promises $27M boost, 300 jobs; awaits legislative approval

6 days ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

Sitting in the Illinois General Assembly is a bill advocates say would generate millions of dollars for the Decatur economy. But will it cross the finish line? Senate Bill 1473 allows for more harness racing tracks and betting -- facilities in the Chicago suburbs and Decatur. "And they're referring it that the term for it is a 'Racino'," said Senator Sally Turner, a Republican co-sponsor who represents parts of Macon County.
Bielema battles top SEC teams for tight end recruits Mack Sutter and JC Anderson

1 week ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

If Illinois lands both Mack Sutter and JC Anderson, my friend joked Bret Bielema needs a statue built immediately. Illinois is heavily recruiting the pair of Central Illinois tight ends, who are both four star recruits. Sutter is the third-highest rated tight end nationally, while Anderson is eighth. And Bielema has serious competition. Some heavy-hitting SEC schools want to pluck the duo. On Wednesday, I interviewed both players, just days before they pick their schools.
Severe storms are expected for Wednesday afternoon

1 week ago | newschannel20.com | Nick Patrick

The threat of severe weather will be ramping up over the next few hours across Central Illinois. Strong storms are already building on the western edge of Illinois. The current radar is showing the stronger storms further west, but these will have the potential to strengthen as the move eastward. A tornado watch has been issued for all of Central Illinois. The national weather service has issued a Tornado Watch for most of Central Illinois.
Atkins Golf Club gives veterans free lessons, fostering community and skill improvement

1 week ago | newschannel20.com | Carson Gourdie

During the school year, Atkins Golf Club in Urbana is home to the Illinois Fighting Illini program. But in the summer, Atkins stays busy. Through the PGA Hope program, military veterans get free golf lessons each Tuesday through early July. A program that serves over a dozen golfers in Central Illinois, golf pros help veterans from putting to driving. It spans across decades. From Vietnam veterans to those who served during the Global War on Terror.
Illinois FFA makes history with first state sentinel

1 week ago | newschannel20.com | Eliza Petry

The Illinois FFA State Convention was a whirlwind of excitement and history-making moments last week. For the first time ever, the Illinois FFA elected a state sentinel, expanding the state officer team from its traditional five members to six. This change, voted on by this year's delegates, aims to enhance the organization's reach among its more than 41,000 members.