Listen Live

Local » Page 4

A map showing the country of Kenya.

2 weeks ago

Some of the Dominical Sisters of Springfield are going to Kenya

A donation and some help for resources are on the way to Kenya! All thanks to The Dominical Sisters of Springfield.

2 weeks ago

Cannabis overhaul is now law

The legislation also takes aim at intoxicating hemp.

2 weeks ago

The leaders of tomorrow are leading today

"40 under 40" are listed.

An example of a Phenix Salon Suites location.

2 weeks ago

Salon chain wants to add more Illinois franchise locations, including in Springfield

A location in Springfield is to be determined.

Traci Kinsley (at podium), principal of the high school at Monarch Youth Center, speaks to the graduates Monday, June 29.

2 weeks ago

First high school graduation held at new junevile correctional facility in Lincoln

Officials referred to Monarch in 2025 as a sort of new approach to juvenile corrections.

Rep. Harry Benton takes a picture during a joint session of the Illinois House in May 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)

2 weeks ago

Speaker Welch to Rep. Harry Benton: Resign or be expelled

House speaker’s demand of fellow Democrat comes after months of silence over sexual harassment allegations.

A sign provides notice for a public meeting of the Hoffman Estates Plan Commission to discuss rezoning the 186-acre property at Higgins Road and Route 59. The developer notified the village on July 1 that it would withdraw the rezoning request after community backlash. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Maggie Dougherty)

2 weeks ago

Developer withdraws rezoning request for controversial data center in Hoffman Estates

The project conjured statewide questions about the role of neighboring communities in data center decisions.

Child wearing a bright hat takes a big bite of a hot dog with pickle and vegetables outdoors, close-up view

2 weeks ago

What’s the perfect American hot dog? Depends where you grew up

Chicago-style hot dogs are grilled over an open flame. The steamed buns almost always have poppy seeds. No ketchup is allowed.

Governor JB Pritzker talks with storm cleanup workers in Effingham Wednesday, July 1.

2 weeks ago

Pritzker: FEMA is limited in how much it can help IL

Governor says cuts have changed agency's focus.

Workers with USIC identify areas for fiber optic lines while trying to beat the heat.

2 weeks ago

How outdoor workers have dealt with the recent high temperatures

"If you feel like you're doing too much, then get in the truck with the air on, get some water, take breaks," Patterson said.

Banner for Crime Stoppers reading 'Crime of the Week' with a red octagon logo and three grayscale surveillance photos of suspects beneath it on a road background.

2 weeks ago

Crime of the Week: Help needed solving restaurant burglary in Springfield

June 14 break-in at Gabatoni's.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

2 weeks ago

July 4th celebration at the ALPLM

Joe Crain, representing the ALPLM stopped by the WTAX Morning Newswatch to discuss anything and everything that they are doing this Saturday!

Panel of professionals speaking into microphones during a formal meeting or conference, with a woman in the foreground gesturing as she talks.

2 weeks ago

INTERVIEW: New Department of Early Childhood launches full operations

New Department of Early Childhood launches full operations.

Republican Darren Bailey, left, and his running mate, Aaron Del Mar, take questions from reporters after winning the Republican nomination on primary night on March 17, 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)

2 weeks ago

Bailey campaign embraces artificial intelligence in new era of politics

State lawmakers consider requiring campaigns to disclose AI-generated ads.

State Senator Doris Turner (right) watches a community gardener tend to her plot at the Illinois State Fairground Community Garden. She tasted a freshly-grown pea plant.

2 weeks ago

Bloom where you’re planted; Celebrating a bumper crop of community gardens in Illinois

"It reminds us where our food comes from, encourages healthy lifestyles, and creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together."

Early childhood education

2 weeks ago

IL Department of Early Childhood officially launches Wednesday

State officials have worked with teachers, parents, providers and stakeholders to design the best framework for the agency.

Flock safety police law enforcement license plate reader setup outside to help catch vehicle speeders.

2 weeks ago

Springfield City Council may extend contract for license plate readers

"It's a very impactful tool," said Behl. "One of the most impactful tools that we have."

veterinarian

2 weeks ago

Local Veterinarian urges pet owners to take precautions during holiday heat wave

Pet owners may underestimate how quickly animals can overheat, particularly during periods of high heat and humidity, Peterson said.

Route 66 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds

2 weeks ago

‘Miles of Smiles’ this year’s Illinois State Fair theme

"Miles of Smiles" celebrates the 100th anniversary of Route 66.

Storm clouds over Springfield, IL.

2 weeks ago

Governor Pritzker declares 11 Illinois counties disaster areas

The disaster proclamation takes effect immediately.

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

3 days ago in Trending, World

Charles hosted Prince Harry and family for first time in years as they try to repair a family rift

King Charles III hosted Prince Harry and met with his family for the first time in years Friday as they try to repair a rift that has persisted since his youngest son and wife quit royal life and moved to America six years ago.

4 days ago in Entertainment

New ‘Little House’ series explores complicated history but keeps heart, community at the center

It's a story with covered wagons and one room schoolhouses, but showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine says the "Little House on the Prairie" remake for Netflix still speaks to today's American dream.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Behind Christopher Nolan’s 6-country epic undertaking to bring ‘The Odyssey’ to the big screen

Christopher Nolan has never been afraid to dream a little bigger. It's almost a calling. With every film, he's pushed himself and the medium further — playing with form, storytelling, visuals and audience expectations to create lasting cinematic spectacles.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Music

Muni stages regional premiere of ‘The Prince of Egypt’

"The Prince of Egypt" by The Muni

Assistant director Elijah Sadler said audiences familiar with the movie will recognize many of its iconic songs and moments, while newcomers can expect a powerful theatrical experience.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Bonnie Tyler, who topped the charts with epic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart,’ has died at 75

Bonnie Tyler, the gravelly voiced, Grammy-nominated Welsh pop star whose 1983 chart-topping power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart" enchanted succeeding generations with its bombastic charms during solar and lunar eclipses, has died. She was 75.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Coldest Julys in Illinois since 1895

Overcast sky with layered, pale clouds and several small birds flying in the distance.

Stacker compiled a ranking of the coldest Julys in Illinois since 1895 using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information

3 days ago in Health & Wellness, History, Lifestyle, Local, Sports

Springfield celebrates 60 years of YMCA youth soccer

"It really started as a vision — a place for kids to come and learn about the game, hopefully fall in love with the game, learn about being a good teammate and how to win graciously and lose graciously," Sowle said.

3 days ago in Trending, World

Charles hosted Prince Harry and family for first time in years as they try to repair a family rift

King Charles III hosted Prince Harry and met with his family for the first time in years Friday as they try to repair a rift that has persisted since his youngest son and wife quit royal life and moved to America six years ago.

4 days ago in Entertainment

New ‘Little House’ series explores complicated history but keeps heart, community at the center

It's a story with covered wagons and one room schoolhouses, but showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine says the "Little House on the Prairie" remake for Netflix still speaks to today's American dream.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Behind Christopher Nolan’s 6-country epic undertaking to bring ‘The Odyssey’ to the big screen

Christopher Nolan has never been afraid to dream a little bigger. It's almost a calling. With every film, he's pushed himself and the medium further — playing with form, storytelling, visuals and audience expectations to create lasting cinematic spectacles.