National News

4 days ago in National

Facing a ban on horse-drawn carriages, Central Park’s drivers fear for their future

The horse-drawn carriages that have cruised through Central Park for more than 150 years will soon be banished from New York City, ending an iconic tradition beloved by tourists but long opposed by animal welfare activists.

4 days ago in National

Violent Arizona storms bring possible tornado, toppled trees and golf ball-size hail

Trees fell onto homes and utility poles were knocked down by a possible tornado in a central Arizona community during a series of violent storms that moved through the state overnight into Thursday.

6 days ago in National

The Orionid meteor shower is coming. Here’s how and when to watch

The Orionids — one of two major meteor showers caused by remnants from Halley's comet — will peak this week, though a large moon will dim visibility until after it sets late at night.

1 week ago in National

Georgia amusement park reopens as scheduled after roller coaster death

Six Flags Over Georgia opened its gates Friday evening for the first time since a man fell to his death from one of the amusement park's towering roller coasters.

2 weeks ago in National

Cornell suspends fraternity parties, gives state police role in investigating campus assault reports

Cornell University suspended parties at fraternity houses until next year and is giving state police a role in investigating reports of sexual assault on campus in the school's latest response to outrage over its handling of a gang rape allegation.

2 weeks ago in National

A man falls to his death from a Six Flags roller coaster in Georgia

Police are investigating after a man fell to his death from a roller coaster at a Six Flags near Atlanta, watched by other visitors to the amusement park as he was catapulted from the ride.

2 weeks ago in National

Isaias strengthens into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane on track toward the US Gulf Coast

Isaias strengthened Friday into a major hurricane as it headed toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, where final preparations were being made for potentially life-threatening storm surges and high winds.

3 weeks ago in National, Trending

Hurricane Isaias is expected to get stronger on its way to Florida, Alabama and Mississippi coasts

Isaias surged toward the U.S. Gulf Coast on Thursday as the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, prompting mandatory evacuations, school closures and local government shutdowns in parts of Florida.

Sports

8 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Messi in contention to win the Ballon d’Or. Here’s what to know

The Ballon d'Or winners will be announced on Monday with a new generation of soccer stars, led by Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, ready to stamp their name on the trophy that for so long was a personal duel between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

8 hours ago in IL State News, Local, National, Sports

Bret Bielema’s father passed away

"I was grateful to go see him on Thursday night and Friday morning of this past week and spend a memorable last time with him."

1 day ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Cole Kmet sidelined by season-ending knee injury, testing tight end depth for the Chicago Bears

Chicago will be without Cole Kmet for the rest of the season after he hurt his right knee on a reception with 5:34 left in Thursday night's 30-24 win over New England.

1 day ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Walk-on freshman Schofield kicks 31-yard field goal as time expires to give Southern Illinois win

Williams rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns for Southern Illinois (4-5, 2-3) He passed for 112 more with an interception.

1 day ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Aidan Chiles throws for 3 TD, runs in 2 more, and No. 24 Northwestern beats Rutgers 42-14

Explosive starts are becoming a trademark for the Wildcats, who cashed in on their first three possessions.

1 day ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Key Crowell’s pick-6 sparks Illinois State to 17-10 win over Indiana State

Crowell snagged Brady Allen's pass and raced 46 yards down the right side for a 17-7 halftime lead.

1 day ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Alejado, Rice help Hawaii go the distance in 56-21 victory over Northern Illinois

The Rainbow Warriors (2-6, 1-4 Mountain West) traveled 4,255 miles from Honolulu to Dekalb, marking the farthest any FBS team has ever traveled for a conference game within the United States.

1 day ago in IL State News, Local, National, Sports

Aidan Laughery, Collin Dixon score TDs as Illinois beats Oregon 21-10

It was the Ducks’ first road loss in Big Ten play since they joined the conference in 2024.

Lifestyle

7 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start amid high chocolate prices and affordability concerns

Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start this year as U.S. consumers grapple with high living costs and eye-popping chocolate prices. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the same period last year, according to NielsenIQ, a market research firm.

1 day ago in Fall Guide, Food Scene, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Memorial Health dietitian highlights importance of blood sugar management

Zeff encourages people to schedule regular medical appointments and get their blood sugar tested, particularly those with a family history of diabetes.

3 days ago in Business, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Illinois regulators move to bring video gambling under self-exclusion program

The state’s extensive network of video gambling terminals is one of the largest gaps in the program.

3 days ago in Lifestyle

The new wedding budget: Where couples are spending more, and less

Modern Gents reports average wedding spending hit $34,200 in 2025, highlighting that couples prioritize experiences and personalization while balancing budgets amid rising costs.

4 days ago in Lifestyle

RSV vs. flu: How to tell the difference

Doctronic reports that RSV and flu, both contagious respiratory infections, have overlapping but distinct symptoms.

4 days ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Illinois designated an AARP age-friendly state

Announcement comes after launch of EngAging Illinois.

5 days ago in Lifestyle

Budget-friendly, sustainable ways to build your dream Halloween costume

Intuit TurboTax reports on budget-friendly, sustainable Halloween costumes, suggesting to repurpose existing clothes, swap with friends, thrift strategically, DIY props, and invest in one key piece for authenticity.

Local News from Capitol City Now

43 minutes ago in IL State News, Local, National

State says it will keep 25 mental health beds at Choate, expand regional jobs

Fresh
Choate Mental Health Center in Anna is one of the largest employers in southern Illinois and has been the subject of recent lawsuits seeking to stave off a downsizing of the facility. (Capitol News Illinois file photo)

While IDHS backs off full closure, Southern Illinois lawmakers call the plan 'inadequate'.

2 hours ago in Business, IL State News, Local

Budzinski: Checks and balances are needed for Trump administration

Fresh

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Nikki Budzinski is looking for another term as Illinois’ 13th District Congresswoman in next…

2 hours ago in Business, Local

Mike Murphy talks about upcoming events with the chamber

Fresh

With the events continuing all around Springfield. The Chamber continues the fun

4 hours ago in Crime, Local

Rural Springfield resident arrested on child porn-related charges

According to court records, Gregory A. McDonald, 36, faces six felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. 

5 hours ago in IL State News, Local

IL Lottery reports another jackpot year

The year was Number One in sales and Number Four in net income to the state.

Entertainment News

7 hours ago in Entertainment

‘You Can See Everything’ surges with $19.5M at box office; ‘Clayface’ takes No. 1

DC Studios scored a modest, R-rated win with "Clayface," landing a $24 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. But the biggest success story in theaters remained A24's Elizabeth Holmes documentary "You Can See Everything," which pulled in $19.5 million in its first weekend of wide release.

8 hours ago in Entertainment

Chris Brown avoids prison time for brawling at a London nightclub

Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown avoided prison time Monday for beating a music producer with a tequila bottle at a London nightclub three years ago.

3 days ago in Entertainment

‘Rent’ musical celebrates its 30th Broadway anniversary with a starry show: ‘No day but today’

Jordan Fisher was in middle school when he first heard it. He was at his first cast party, gathering with fellow performers around his drama teacher's piano after some community theater.

3 days ago in Business, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Illinois regulators move to bring video gambling under self-exclusion program

The state’s extensive network of video gambling terminals is one of the largest gaps in the program.

3 days ago in Entertainment, IL State News, National

Chicago Is Getting A Life-Size Siskel And Ebert Sculpture Giving ‘Two Thumbs Up’

Pam Kasper, who has been working on a Siskel and Ebert documentary with director Michael Bonfiglio for the past two years, wanted to come up with a way to honor the two famed film critics in Chicago.

3 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Why big music stars like Harry Styles and Celine Dion are embracing residencies

For Harry Styles' dedicated audience, it is the can't-miss event of the year: Tens of thousands have descended on New York City's Madison Square Garden each night of his 30-date residency, rushing to catch the show before it concludes Halloween weekend.

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Trending

7 hours ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start amid high chocolate prices and affordability concerns

Halloween candy sales are off to a slow start this year as U.S. consumers grapple with high living costs and eye-popping chocolate prices. Halloween candy sales fell 6.7% in the month ending Oct. 17 compared to the same period last year, according to NielsenIQ, a market research firm.

7 hours ago in Features, Trending

‘Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers’ brings artistry to a Halloween tradition

When fall arrives and leaves start changing color, Mike Valladao, a systems engineer at a cybersecurity company, slips into his alter ego, "Farmer Mike," also known as the "Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers."