Category Archives: Local News
Meisel: Prosecutors say Sen. Emil Jones III's alleged bribery was 'crystal clear' as the case goes to jury
Defense alleges Jones was 'set up' by red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-FBI mole By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO - As prosecutors gave their closing a...
Apr 22, 2025 State Sen. Emil Jones III’s federal corruption trial is nearing its end as the jury deliberated for two hours Monday after hearing closing arguments. Jones is accused of agreeing to accept bribes from red-light camera entrepreneur-turned-FBI cooperator Omar Maani in exchange for limiting legislation he’d proposed to study red-light camera systems in Illinois to spare Maani’s company, SafeSpeed, from potential fallout. SafeSpeed, which changed its name to AllTechTracking in 2023, operates red-light cameras in Chicago’s southwest suburbs, including at the intersection of Archer and Harlem avenues in Summit. (Capitol News Illinois photos by Hannah Meisel and Andrew Adams)
ISP ramping up efforts to fight car theft with help from $10 million dollar grant
The Illinois State Police is ramping up its efforts to combat vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes, thanks to significant grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State, and the Il...
Apr 22, 2025 ISP Car (Credit: CNI)
Carr: Illinois scrambles to boost locally produced farm products after Trump's funding freeze
Legislators seek to bolster local farms by purchasing their wares with state dollars By SIMON CARR Medill Illinois News Bureau Capitol Illinois News Bureau news@capitolillinoisnewsbureau.com SPRINGFIE...
Apr 21, 2025 Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, explained the value of her bill to help small farmers at a press conference earlier this month. “Right now, public institutions across Illinois are required to choose the lowest bidder when they buy food. Now that might sound fair, but in practice, it leaves out small, local and community-based food businesses.” (photo by Simon Carr, Medill Illinois News Bureau)
Adams Street in Downtown Springfield back open after road finally cleared post Juneteenth 2024 fire that caused building damage
Downtown Springfield is rejoicing after the portion of Adams Street closed by fire since Juneteenth 2024 appears finally to be cleared and accessible - as are the businesses that call the immediately ...
Apr 21, 2025 Adams Street in Downtown Springfield cleared and reopen after the Juneteenth fire and fallout of 2024 (Credit: Paul Nawrocki)
CWLP announces new exam dates in May for those interested in becoming an apprentice electrician
CWLP is looking for some fresh faces and talents in early May - mere weeks away. City Water, Light and Power announced on Monday, April 21, that the City Water, Light and Power Joint Apprenticeship Tr...
Apr 21, 2025
Catholic Diocese of Springfield mourns with much of the world in wake of death of Pope Francis
With the passing of Pope Francis of the Catholic Church announced early on Monday, much of the world sits in both reflection as to his life, as well as curiosity as to the papal successor. The Diocese...
Apr 21, 2025
Sangamon County unveils new morgue that will facilitate autopsies for 17 other counties as well
Sangamon County has unveiled a new morgue facility, a nearly $6 million project initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. County Administrator Brian McFadden said the facility was necessary desp...
Apr 21, 2025 Morgue
With aims to improve community transparency, Springfield Mayor launching open house initiative for city departments
The administration of Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher has announced an open house initiative to expand residents' opportunities to engage directly with public officials and City departments. "In an on...
Apr 20, 2025
Illinois health and human service advocates launch Week of Action for Living Wages, Thriving Communities
The Living Wages, Thriving Communities Week of Action is set to begin Monday, April 21. Organized by Illinois Partners for Human Service, the weeklong campaign aims to spotlight the vital role of the ...
Apr 20, 2025
Springfield APL opens applications for 2025 Junior Volunteer Program
The Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County has announced that applications are now open for its 2025 Junior Volunteer (JV) Program-designed for children ages 12-15 with a passion ...
Apr 20, 2025