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Side-by-side: left is an older woman with glasses speaking at a podium; right is a man in a suit speaking into a large microphone in a government chamber.

2 days ago

Session nears home stretch

Turner likes downtown development bill, but McClure says the Wyndham has to be the first priority.

Kathi Salvi (left) former Illinois Republican Party chair, and Bob Grogan, Salvi's replacement.

2 days ago

Salvi out as Illinois GOP leader

No reason was given for the change.

A ribbon was cut Monday, May 18 on renovations made to the Washington Park Botanical Garden Conservatory Dome.

2 days ago

$1.3M botanical garden dome reopens in Springfield’s Washington Park

A $1.3 million project renovated the Conservatory Dome.

Money bag with a dollar sign beside a rising multicolored bar chart and coins, symbolizing financial growth and savings growth.

2 days ago

Jerome TIF district would affect District 186

Village is willing to give the school district 25 percent of its TIF revenue.

Mike Murphy, CEO, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce

3 days ago

Chamber head talks state budget and small business awards

CEO Of The Chamber, Mike Murphy was on The WTAX Morning NewsWatch to discuss everything that's happening in our capitol city. 

"I Remember Mama" performed by Theatre in the Park

3 days ago

“I Remember Mama” plays in Petersburg this weekend

A comedy/drama about a family of Norwegian immigrants.

Urban street scene beneath an elevated highway, with a dark car parked near concrete pillars and green Michigan Avenue signs nearby; a red Security Alert sign is mounted on a beige column.

3 days ago

Stalled surveillance bill highlights tension between privacy and public safety

Backers no longer pushing bill that would have prohibited police from using facial recognition software this session.

Man in a suit and red tie sits at a conference desk, reading notes into a microphone during a formal meeting.

3 days ago

IL House panel learns about data centers and the energy they use

Ameren and CUB testify.

Older man in a suit giving a speech at a lectern labeled 'President Abraham Lincoln, Springfield, A Doubletree by Hilton' against a blue curtain backdrop with a microphone nearby.

3 days ago

Killeen: U of I is good for business

The university, says its president, drives the business climate in many ways.

Reverse-angle parking

3 days ago

Opinions split on fines for Springfield parking violations

Proposal would double fines, but city already collects money despite parking being free.

3 days ago

Governor: Chicago mayor is ineffective

Pritzker: Johnson has no plan for Bears and comes to Springfield too late to pitch for Chicago.

HoneyBaked Ham says it wants to locate in Springfield.

3 days ago

HoneyBaked Ham eyes Springfield for franchise expansion

HoneyBaked Ham says Springfield ranked near the top in a nationwide search for new franchise markets, citing the city’s strong business climate and family-oriented community.

Downed wooden utility pole with tangled power lines across a street near a gas station, creating a hazard route barrier.

4 days ago

Jacksonville businesses lose power after storms snap utility pole, potential funnel cloud spotted

NWS: Funnel cloud spotted east of Jacksonville.

Machine learning with data technology. Robot inputting information from a human head into its own. futuristic digital network technology, innovation. AI Learning and Artificial Intelligence concept

4 days ago

Tech giants sued over ‘stealing’ voices of well-known journalists, voice actors to train AI

The 9 Class actions filed under Illinois’ strongest-in-nation biometric data privacy law.

A billboard truck urges lawmakers to “say no to 340B abuse” as it makes its rounds in the Vinegar Hill neighborhood surrounding the Illinois State Capitol. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

4 days ago

Federal drug discount expansion proposal may cost Illinois millions, agency head says

Memo details how expanding 340B program would impact private health plans and state employee insurance.

Fans cheer and wave their shirts above their heads during the fourth inning of a baseball game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals Saturday, May 16, 2026, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

4 days ago

Cardinals manager Marmol buys tickets for fans to continue shirtless revelry at Busch Stadium

“Last night’s atmosphere was electric. Let’s run it back this weekend,” Marmol said in a social media post. “I’ll buy tickets for fans who want to sit in the right field Loge and bring the energy.”

FILE - Eric Pinson, manager and resident of the Lock 24 RV Park and Campground, one of two such locations he manages in the area, looks over the business' electric bills, at his home at the campground in Racine, Ohio, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

4 days ago

As electric bills rise, some states are focusing on the growing profits of utilities

The push comes during a midterm election year in which affordability is the leading theme in Democrats’ attempts to loosen Republicans' control of Washington.

Farra White poses with her 1-year-old daughter, Olivia, and husband Marlon White outside their residence Thursday, May 7, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

4 days ago

Tiny patients, big fight: NICU parents win leave in 2 states and push for more

A more modest policy will take effect next month in Illinois, guaranteeing between 10 and 20 days of unpaid leave to NICU parents.

Springfield Memorial Hospital sign

4 days ago

Springfield hospitals honors healthcare workers during Healthcare Week

Healthcare workers across the Springfield area are being recognized this week as hospitals celebrate Healthcare Week and the people who keep medical systems running around the clock.

Springfield PrideFest Parade

4 days ago

Downtown Springfield filled with celebration during PrideFest 2026

“It brings a gathering place to the community,” Geist said. “Sometimes in smaller areas, it can be hard to see all the pride around here, but having a festival for it, it’s just one big gathering place.”

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