Local » Page 9

3 weeks 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.

3 weeks ago

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

A budget bill awaits debate and vote.

3 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.

3 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.

3 weeks ago

Honoring ‘The Notorious BFC’

Much still undone at the Capitol.

3 weeks ago

Stojakovic returns to Illinois after withdrawing from NBA Draft

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

3 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.

4 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.

4 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.

4 weeks ago

New Mental Health Committee anticipates focusing on adolescent care

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

4 weeks ago

Endangered … for a different reason?

A bill would make the mute swan a target.

4 weeks ago

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

Injuries are said to be minor.

4 weeks ago

Insurance regulation bills clear General Assembly

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

4 weeks ago

Lawmakers approve bill to regulate e-bikes, scooters

Speed limits and age restrictions part of new limits.

4 weeks ago

‘Mamma Mia!’ takes the stage at The Muni

Performances the next two weekends at The Muni.

4 weeks ago

Illinois lawmakers pass landmark AI accountability bill

The measure aims to promote accountability among the most powerful AI models.

4 weeks ago

State Sen. Dale Fowler says he’ll step down at end of legislative session

The Harrisburg Republican has served his southern Illinois district for a decade.

4 weeks ago

Reducing gas tax, prepping for future shortfalls among late budget sticking points

Republicans call for lower spending and taxes as progressive Dems seek new revenue.

4 weeks ago

Independent bookstores are multiplying, although many people still think they’re dying out

The owners of The Book Loft Oak Park, another Chicago-area store that opened last summer, acknowledge some nerves about a nearby Barnes & Noble coming soon.

4 weeks ago

IL lawmaker proposes 100% tax on money received from Jan. 6 ‘slush fund’

"I will file a bill to do the same in Illinois."

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

8 hours ago in Entertainment

Prada serves up luxury fashion’s version of pasta pomodoro at Milan Fashion Week

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons reimagine jeans-inspired basics in leather and technical fabrics for the latest Prada collection unveiled Sunday during MilanFashion Week, saying they wanted menswear looks for people on the street, not just fashion insiders.

8 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

In Taylor Swift’s beach town, every clue becomes a wedding rumor

When a large tent appeared next door to Taylor Swift's Watch Hill estate this week, it didn't take long for speculation about the superstar's impending nuptials to ripple through the affluent New England seaside village — and the internet.

8 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

‘Toy Story 5’ rakes in the biggest box-office debut of the year with a franchise-best $160 million

"Toy Story" still has a friend in moviegoers. The fifth installment in the Pixar series debuted with $160 million in domestic ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday, easily setting a new franchise record and notching the biggest opening weekend of the year.

8 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Clive Davis, music industry starmaker, has died at 94

Clive Davis, the record company lawyer who became one of the music industry's most powerful figures, launching or resurrecting the careers of such superstars as Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys, has died, his family confirmed. He was 94.

8 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Lionel Messi becomes top scorer in World Cup history with two more goals for Argentina

Scoring goals and breaking records is what Lionel Messi does, and it's what he did again Monday at the World Cup. The Argentina captain, who many consider the greatest player of all time, scored two more World Cup goals on Monday in his team's 2-0 victory over Austria. That gave him a record total of 18 at the world's biggest tournament.

Recent Headlines

8 hours ago in Entertainment

Prada serves up luxury fashion’s version of pasta pomodoro at Milan Fashion Week

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons reimagine jeans-inspired basics in leather and technical fabrics for the latest Prada collection unveiled Sunday during MilanFashion Week, saying they wanted menswear looks for people on the street, not just fashion insiders.

8 hours ago in Lifestyle

$75 caviar-topped tots. A day’s pay worth of beer. Here’s the World Cup menu — and prices

World Cup tickets are expensive. Flights to North America are expensive. Hotel rooms in many places are expensive. Then there's the price of beer.

8 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

In Taylor Swift’s beach town, every clue becomes a wedding rumor

When a large tent appeared next door to Taylor Swift's Watch Hill estate this week, it didn't take long for speculation about the superstar's impending nuptials to ripple through the affluent New England seaside village — and the internet.

8 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

‘Toy Story 5’ rakes in the biggest box-office debut of the year with a franchise-best $160 million

"Toy Story" still has a friend in moviegoers. The fifth installment in the Pixar series debuted with $160 million in domestic ticket sales, according to studio estimates Sunday, easily setting a new franchise record and notching the biggest opening weekend of the year.

8 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Clive Davis, music industry starmaker, has died at 94

Clive Davis, the record company lawyer who became one of the music industry's most powerful figures, launching or resurrecting the careers of such superstars as Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana and Alicia Keys, has died, his family confirmed. He was 94.