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Sen. Don DeWitte, R-St. Charles, discusses the budget at a news conference at the Statehouse on May 27, 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Ben Szalinski)

3 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.

New York City, NY US - April 16, 2025: books displayed for sale on shelves in even rows against a wall at Barnes and Noble, NYC. Book display at a bookshop. Interior of a bookstore

3 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.

WASHINGTON, DC - January 6, 2021: Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather on the National Mall for the "Stop the Steal" rally.

3 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."

3 weeks ago

Summer Baseball is back

Summertime Baseball is back! Jamie Toole Chief Storyteller of The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes stopped by The WTAX Morning NewsWatch

The Sangamon County Mental Health Commission met for the first time Thursday, May 28.

3 weeks ago

Sangamon County Mental Health Committee holds first meeting

The committee, and a sales tax increase to pay for mental health services, were approved by voters in the March primary election.

Woman with long red hair and glasses speaks at a microphone in a wood-paneled legislative chamber close to a desk and papers.

3 weeks ago

Lawmakers pass youth birth control bill

Sponsor says the bill merely codifies what is already being done.

3 weeks ago

Man in custody following Logan County police standoff

The suspect was charged with multiple domestic battery and weapons charges.

A man in a dark suit speaks at a wooden podium in a formal government chamber, with four officials standing behind him and a sign-language interpreter nearby.

3 weeks ago

Durbin: ‘My life has been genuinely enriched by helping people’

Retiring U.S. Sen. Durbin talks tobacco, elections in "farewell speech" to ILGA.

"Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue"

3 weeks ago

Thank you for being a friend: ‘Golden Girls’ to perform in Springfield

The Springfield show is, so far, the only Illinois stop as part of a fall tour starting September 30 and continuing through November 28.

Collin Corbett, a former Republican political strategist, speaks to reporters outside the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after filing petitions to run for governor as an independent candidate. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Ben Szalinski)

3 weeks ago

Former Republican strategist Collin Corbett files to run for governor as independent

Says he’s dissatisfied with direction of Republican Party.

A man with a microphone speaks to a panel of three seated at a long table during a meeting or presentation.

3 weeks ago

Christian Co. residents voice concerns over proposed Eagle Rock Partners data center

“The one asset that large industries want from small communities is ignorance. I am proud to see so many members of our community here tonight to prove them wrong,” one county resident said.

Artificial intelligence

3 weeks ago

Bipartisan AI safety, privacy bills await action in Illinois House

While some people hate the idea of AI, lawmakers know the technology is here to stay and Illinois must regulate it.

3 weeks ago

Construction worker dead after being hit on I-74 in Champaign

Few details about the crash or the identity of the worker had been released as of Wednesday morning.

Can you help identify these two suspects Crime Stoppers say recently stole clothes from the Springfield Old Navy?

3 weeks ago

Crime of the Week: Help needed identifying suspects in Old Navy thefts

Two suspects seen in good-quality surveillance photos allegedly stealing from Old Navy.

3 weeks ago

Pritzker says suspension of state gas tax possible, blames Trump for having to consider it

"We have enough (money in our road fund) here so that we could make some sort of pause," said Pritzker. 

Man in suit and glasses standing at a podium/meeting room with a microphone and seated attendees in the background

3 weeks ago

State could refine cannabis laws

Proposal would dilute strict laws which sponsor says have outlived their usefulness.

Night scene of a small motel with red neon MOTEL sign and blue VACANCY sign, casting a red glow on the building at dusk.

3 weeks ago

Alderman: Whose side are the police on when it comes to prostitution?

Williams: Cops help escorts, rather than the motels which are trying to evict them.

Woman in red at a lectern delivering remarks; diverse officials stand behind her at a press conference with a blue curtain backdrop.

3 weeks ago

State Dems say they have housing solutions

IL Municipal League: Local governments don't want zoning jurisdiction usurped.

Speaker at a KIND Act press conference, with a podium and a banner that reads KIND Act: Kinship first, families forever, while diverse officials stand nearby and a poster with three kids is displayed to the left.

3 weeks ago

State is Number One in kinship placements

DCFS celebrates results of the KIND Act.

3 weeks ago

UPDATE: Teen bicyclist dead after being struck by car in Springfield

The accident happened Monday on the east side

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