Category Archives: Local News
IDNR reports Illinois spring turkey hunters harvest record number of wild turkeys
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources noted on Wednesday afternoon that the state's turkey hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 18,189 wild turkeys during the 2025 spring turkey seas...
May 21, 2025 A male wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) strutting at Deer Island Open Space Preserve near Novato, Marin County, California
Springfield Elks to host 10th Annual Blessing of the Boats event upcoming Saturday, May 24
The City of Springfield announced on Wednesday that on this upcoming Saturday, May 24, the Springfield Illinois Elks lodge is set to host the 10th annual Blessing of the Boats - an annual event intend...
May 21, 2025 Lake Springfield on a bright, sunny day (Credit: WMAY)
Annual State of Greater Springfield included positive economic and lifestyle updates from heads of city and county government
The annual State of Greater Springfield included positive economic and lifestyle updates from the heads of city and county government. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce held the annual lunch...
May 21, 2025 Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter and Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher at the State of Greater Springfield Luncheon 2025 (Credit: Stan Anders; WMAY)
City of Springfield's Public Works Department to temporarily close westbound lanes of South Grand Avenue on Thursday May 22; expected to reopen later in the day
The City of Springfield's Public Works Department announced on Wednesday that it would be temporarily closing the westbound lanes of South Grand Avenue between Spring Street and Whittier Avenue beginn...
May 21, 2025
City Council Report: New chiefs for Springfield emergency services approved unanimously; alders deem Sangamon County animal control services "subpar"
The Springfield City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, May 20 to approve the appointments of Fire Chief Nicholas Zummo and Police Chief Joseph Behl. While Chief Behl assumes his duties beginning M...
May 21, 2025 Nicholas Zummo speaks to Springfield City Council ahead of his appointment as SFD Fire Chief, May 20, 2025. By the time of Tuesday's meeting, Zummo had already been acting chief for several days (WMAY News, photo cred. Stan Anders)
New poll shows overwhelming bipartisan voter support for taxpayer-funded school meals
A new statewide poll released to the public on Tuesday revealed that an overwhelming majority of Illinois voters support providing taxpayer-funded, free, and healthy school meals to all public school ...
May 20, 2025 Children eating lunch (Credit: CDC; UnSplash)
Illinois Central Management Services reports state workforce rebuilt to more than 55,000 people, the highest number in six years.
The Illinois Central Management Services (CMS) announced on Tuesday morning that the State of Illinois has recently achieved what they note as "historic outcomes," in building up its workforce, increa...
May 20, 2025 paperwork (Credit: Romain Dancre)
Tornado warning called for Central Illinois until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening as heavy rain, possible thunderstorms hit Sangamon County, surrounding area
Central Illinois remains under a tornado watch until 8:00 PM CDT as rain, wind and thunder all batter Springfield, Sangamon County and beyond. Although tornado sirens were wailing across the city as o...
May 20, 2025 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield on a rainy Tuesday, May 20, 2025 (Credit: Trent R Nelson; WMAY)
District 186 board votes 5-2 to dismiss Marques Warfield as Springfield High School head boys basketball coach in Monday meeting
The Springfield School District 186 board on Monday voted 5-2 to dismiss Marques Warfield as Springfield High School head boys basketball coach. Board members Micah Miller and Erica Austin voted again...
May 20, 2025 basketball (Credit: kylie o'sullivan)
Illinois Liquor Control Commission encourages prom and graduation attendees to celebrate responsibly this weekend and beyond
The ILCC noted early in May that graduations and proms are significant milestones in every young person's life, but can end tragically without careful foresight and preparation. Their statement read i...
May 20, 2025 prom lineup (Credit: Todd Cravens)