Category Archives: Local News
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)
CEFCU provides information for upcoming GAMEDAY at The Memorial Health Championship Presented by LRS for kids and teens ages 8-18
CEFCU announced on Tuesday that as the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS marks its 10th anniversary, the tournament is excited to bring back a fan-favorite youth event: GAMEDAY, presented ...
May 20, 2025 golf clubs and balls (Credit: Cristina Anne Costello; UnSplash)
Gist: In the fight for youth transgender health care, Illinois remains at the forefront
"If I didn't transition, I'm not even sure I would still be here," Indiana high school senior says By CARLY GIST The Saluki Local Reporting Lab news@capitolnewsillinois.com (This story includes conten...
May 20, 2025 Julia Kathary (right) listens to her daughter, Connie Kathary (left), talk about her day at school at a marketplace in Indianapolis, Indiana, earlier this year. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Carly Gist for the Saluki Local Reporting Lab)
Bridge painting on Farmingdale Road over Interstate 72 near Springfield set to begin Monday, May 19
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced on Monday that bridge painting on Farmingdale Road near Springfield was beginning that very day, Monday, May 19. The department noted that lane clos...
May 19, 2025