Listen Live

Local » Page 5

1 week ago

Chicago Bears sticking to stadium timeline amid uncertainty with Illinois incentives

"We will provide an update when we have a decision to share,” the team said in its statement.

1 week ago

McCrady talks tourism and data center project

Ryan McCrady, CEO of The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance stopped by The WTAX Morning NewsWatch

People decorated their cars with messages highlighting the history of Black Lives Matter before taking part in a procession through the city.

1 week ago

Annual Black Lives Matter procession continues tradition of advocacy and unity

People decorated their cars with messages highlighting the history of Black Lives Matter before taking part in a procession through the city.

Tick Walking on Human Skin Seeking Place to Feed on Blood

1 week ago

Health officials warn central IL residents to watch out for ticks this summer

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, ticks can spread illnesses including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, alpha-gal syndrome and ehrlichiosis.

The former Sangamo Club in downtown Springfield is about to have a new owner.

1 week ago

Former Sangamo Club could become housing –SBJ

Asking price for the former Sangamo Club was around $600,000.

Man in a dark suit and light blue polka-dot tie speaks at a microphone in a formal chamber.

1 week ago

Illinois lawmakers fail to pass Bears bill despite goal line push

Senate approves bill aimed at addressing concerns, but House punts the issue.

House Democrats surround Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, as they vote on the fiscal year 2027 budget in the early hours of June 1, 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

1 week ago

Session slog ends in $56B budget, new taxes on social media companies, crypto, fantasy sports

Gas tax increase suspended while new taxes on businesses plug revenue hole.

Excited Chicago Bears fan in an orange jersey and beanie throws up a Bears glove while holding a beer at the stadium in celebration.

2 weeks ago

Hope remains, but time is short, for a Bears bill

A budget bill awaits debate and vote.

Illinois State Museum

2 weeks ago

Route 66 exhibit opens at Illinois State Museum

Museum officials said the collection includes a variety of Route 66 memorabilia, such as vintage souvenirs, neon signs, fiberglass advertising figures and Burma-Shave signs.

2 weeks ago

Fun all around Springfield is on its way in June

Amy Beadle of Visit Springfield Stopped by The WTAX Morning NewsWatch to discuss all these amazing events.

State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, speaking on the Illinois House floor.

2 weeks ago

Honoring ‘The Notorious BFC’

Much still undone at the Capitol.

Two college basketball players sprint toward the hoop during a fast break; Illinois in orange and FGCU in blue facing off on a crowded court.

2 weeks ago

Stojakovic returns to Illinois after withdrawing from NBA Draft

Illini wing gives Illinois another major boost heading into 2026-27 season.

The make and series are displayed on the side of a 1956 International Harvester S-130 pickup truck in Mason, Ill., Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Holly Meyer)

2 weeks ago

In farm country, an old American pickup truck becomes more than a workhorse

Pickups were made for work. Until the first purpose-built ones rolled off American assembly lines in the early 20th century, people DIY-ed their own.

Aerial view of a suburban residential neighborhood with well-kept lawns, two-story houses, and a curved street.

2 weeks ago

Are home prices going up in Springfield, Illinois in 2026?

Redfin Real Estate compiled data on how home prices are changing in 2026 in Springfield, IL.

Maid Rite has long been a staple along historic Route 66 in Springfield.

2 weeks ago

Long before McDonald’s, Maid Rite pioneered the American drive-thru

"The original way — mustard, chopped onion, chopped pickles, scoop of ground beef ... 1-2-3-4 this is what the Maid-Rite is. You made that in all of 15 seconds — I do 15 in a minute," said Owner Sam Quasi.

Student, mental health and depression with anxiety, burnout and sad for exam results, fail or mistake while sitting outdoor. Young man, stress and tired and depressed on university or college campus

2 weeks ago

New Mental Health Committee anticipates focusing on adolescent care

Chair: Adolescents of all races have some of the same mental health problems.

Mute swan swimming on dark rippling water, neck curved, orange beak with black facial patch.

2 weeks ago

Endangered … for a different reason?

A bill would make the mute swan a target.

Illinois State Police squad

2 weeks ago

UPDATE: Crews respond to crash on I-55 in Springfield

Injuries are said to be minor.

Democratic Rep. Thaddeus Jones speaks on the House floor on his way to passing a pair of bills to regulate the homeowner and auto insurance industries. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jenna Schweikert)

2 weeks ago

Insurance regulation bills clear General Assembly

Pritzker says he’ll sign legislation to regulate auto, homeowners insurance rates.

E-bike on the country road at sunset

2 weeks ago

Lawmakers approve bill to regulate e-bikes, scooters

Speed limits and age restrictions part of new limits.

Local news provided by

Newsradio 1240 & 107.5 FM WTAX

Stay up to date on your neighborhood with your trusted news source, WTAX.

Recent Headlines

11 hours ago in National, Trending

Inflation hits 3-year high, highlighting affordability challenge for Americans

Rising gas prices pushed inflation to its highest level in three years last month, a headache for the Federal Reserve and a potential political challenge for the Trump administration as midterm elections near.

1 day ago in National, Trending

NASA unveils Artemis III astronauts to test technology for a future moon landing

NASA on Tuesday revealed the crew for its Artemis III mission, the next step in the space agency's plan to eventually land astronauts on the moon. The announcement came two months after Artemis II's record-breaking trip around the moon that surpassed the distance record of Apollo 13.

1 day ago in Entertainment

Rob Reiner’s son Nick seeks money from trust parents left him for his defense in their killings

Rob Reiner's son Nick Reiner is seeking unpaid money from a trust his parents established for him, saying he needs it to help in his defense against charges that he killed them.

1 day ago in Sports, Trending

Serena returns: Williams makes a winning comeback in doubles at Queen’s Club with Mboko

After nearly four years away from professional tennis, Serena Williams showed she still has plenty of power to her game as she made a winning return at Queen's Club on Tuesday.

1 day ago in Agriculture, Entertainment, Farm, Food Scene, Lifestyle, Local, Music

Sangamon County Fair returns Wednesday

Sangamon County Fair returns Wednesday with rides, livestock shows, and family entertainment.