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1 day ago in National

Pam Bondi faces a closed-door questioning from House lawmakers over the Epstein files

Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is testifying before House lawmakers investigating Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse cases, a long-awaited appearance that brings fresh scrutiny of the Trump administration's botched release of the Epstein case files.

2 days ago in National

A large fire has erupted at an apartment complex in Dallas

Firefighters battled a large fire that erupted Thursday at an apartment complex in Dallas, where debris from one collapsed building lay heaped on the ground while flames and black smoke billowed into the sky. Neighbors reported hearing a loud boom like an explosion.

2 days ago in National

Justice Department opens investigation into E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of assault: AP source

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether E. Jean Carroll, the longtime advice columnist who has said Donald Trump sexually assaulted her in a Manhattan department store 30 years ago, lied during the course of civil litigation against the Republican president, according to a person familiar with the matter.

1 week ago in National

FDA staff blindsided by move allowing more e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches onto US market

Senior officials in the Food and Drug Administration's tobacco center were blindsided by a recent decision that opens the door to allowing more unauthorized electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches onto the U.S. market, The Associated Press has learned.

2 weeks ago in National

What to watch in Tuesday’s primaries as Trump’s endorsement is put to the test

Is there a future in politics for Republicans who cross President Donald Trump? The signs this year suggest no, and Trump has convinced his voters to defeat his adversaries again and again.

2 weeks ago in National, Trending

Prosecutors to retry Alex Murdaugh in deaths of wife and son after high court overturned convictions

Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions and life sentence for the deaths of his wife and son were overturned Wednesday by the South Carolina Supreme Court because the court clerk at his trial suggested he was guilty. But the disgraced lawyer won't be leaving prison anytime soon.

3 weeks ago in National

Denver airport security missed trespasser who was killed by plane on runway

Workers at Denver airport initially missed a security breach by man who scaled an 8-foot perimeter fence and crossed a runway where he was hit and killed in a fiery collision by a plane with 231 people on board, authorities said Tuesday.

3 weeks ago in National

US consumer prices jump as Iran war sends energy prices rapidly higher

The Labor Department's consumer price index rose 3.8% from April 2025, according to data released Tuesday. On a month-to-month basis, April prices rose 0.6% from March as gasoline prices rose 5.4% during the month; the month-over-month gain was down from 0.9% increase from February to March.

Sports

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

Stojakovic returns to Illinois after withdrawing from NBA Draft

Two college basketball players sprint toward the hoop during a fast break; Illinois in orange and FGCU in blue facing off on a crowded court.

Illini wing gives Illinois another major boost heading into 2026-27 season.

1 day ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Bears coach Ben Johnson says he is ‘buying Luther Burden stock’ going into the season

“Yeah, I’m buying Luther Burton stock right now," coach Ben Johnson said. “Just how he’s approached his offseason, it’s been electric. It showed up yesterday. He had numerous explosive plays. ... So he’s in a really good spot.”

2 days ago in Sports

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice continues serving jail sentence as team begins voluntary offseason workouts

While most of the Kansas City Chiefs participated in voluntary workouts this week, wide receiver Rashee Rice was back in Texas, serving his 30-day jail sentence after violating the terms of his probation for his role in a car crash that left multiple people injured.

2 days ago in Sports, Trending

MLB owners have proposed a salary cap for the first time since baseball’s 1994-95 strike

Major League Baseball owners made their long-expected salary cap proposal to the players' association on Thursday, a system the union has vowed never to accept, setting the sides on course for a confrontation that threatens the 2027 season and perhaps beyond.

2 days ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Mallory Swanson returns to the USWNT first the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympics

Mallory Swanson (9) of USWNT in play during pre-Olympic friendly match against Mexico at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ on July 13, 2024. USWNT won 1 - 0

Swanson was included on the U.S. roster for the first time since October 2024. She recently returned to her club team, the Chicago Stars, after taking time off for the birth of her daughter in November.

2 days ago in Sports

Baseball players ask for expanded free agency, salary arbitration rights, almost doubling minimum

Baseball players fired the opening salvo Wednesday in what is expected to be long and contentious labor negotiations, asking for expanded free agency and salary arbitration rights along with almost doubling the major league minimum and increasing the money high-revenue teams share with the less-wealthy clubs.

2 days ago in Sports

Hurricanes beat the Canadiens 4-0 to move within a victory of the Stanley Cup Final

Sebastian Aho, Jordan Staal and Logan Stankoven scored in a 2:47 span late in the first period and the Carolina Hurricanes moved within a victory of the Stanley Cup Final, beating the Montreal Canadiens 4-0 on Wednesday night.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Sports

Summer Baseball is back

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

Lifestyle

23 hours ago in History, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

In farm country, an old American pickup truck becomes more than a workhorse

The make and series are displayed on the side of a 1956 International Harvester S-130 pickup truck in Mason, Ill., Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Holly Meyer)

Effingham, IL (AP) – In Illinois farm country, there’s a 70-year-old pickup truck waiting on a fresh coat of canary…

23 hours ago in Business, Education, History, IL State News, Lifestyle, National

In a city with an iconic skyline, the Obama presidential museum aims to reshape Chicago architecture

Chicago, IL, April 11, 2026, Barack Obama Presidential Center Tower with a blue sky background, Presidential Library, former President of the United States with words and letters on the exterior

Residents have compared it to a grain elevator, ship from “Star Wars” and a mausoleum.

1 day ago in Business, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, National

ABC stations call FCC’s early call for license renewal ‘unconstitutional’

A small crowd gathers outside the ABC Channel 7 studio in downtown Chicago to watch a live broadcast of the 2008 presidential debates through the station’s street‑facing window. Pedestrians pause along State Street as the brightly lit newsroom displays the televised event, creating a moment of shared public viewing in the city’s nighttime streetscape. Chicago, IL, USA October 02, 2008

The FCC's move in April to begin early reviews of the broadcast licenses of ABC-owned stations in eight local markets attracted particularly close attention.

1 day ago in Business, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Are home prices going up in Springfield, Illinois in 2026?

Aerial view of a suburban residential neighborhood with well-kept lawns, two-story houses, and a curved street.

Redfin Real Estate compiled data on how home prices are changing in 2026 in Springfield, IL.

1 day ago in Business, Food Scene, History, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Long before McDonald’s, Maid Rite pioneered the American drive-thru

Maid Rite has long been a staple along historic Route 66 in Springfield.

"The original way — mustard, chopped onion, chopped pickles, scoop of ground beef ... 1-2-3-4 this is what the Maid-Rite is. You made that in all of 15 seconds — I do 15 in a minute," said Owner Sam Quasi.

2 days ago in IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Lawmakers approve bill to regulate e-bikes, scooters

E-bike on the country road at sunset

Speed limits and age restrictions part of new limits.

2 days ago in Lifestyle

Why your co-worker might be listening to music tuned to 432 hertz

Music recorded in 432 hertz (cycles per second) is taking off on social media platforms and music streaming services, where users can find an increasing number of tracks and playlists employing the alternate tuning, everything from meditation soundscapes to reggae songs recorded by Ziggy Marley.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Sports

Summer Baseball is back

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

Local News from Capitol City Now

7 hours ago in IL State News, Local

Honoring “the notorious BFC”

State Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, speaking on the Illinois House floor.

Much still undone at the Capitol.

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

Stojakovic returns to Illinois after withdrawing from NBA Draft

Two college basketball players sprint toward the hoop during a fast break; Illinois in orange and FGCU in blue facing off on a crowded court.

Illini wing gives Illinois another major boost heading into 2026-27 season.

23 hours ago in History, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

In farm country, an old American pickup truck becomes more than a workhorse

The make and series are displayed on the side of a 1956 International Harvester S-130 pickup truck in Mason, Ill., Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Holly Meyer)

Effingham, IL (AP) – In Illinois farm country, there’s a 70-year-old pickup truck waiting on a fresh coat of canary…

1 day ago in Business, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Are home prices going up in Springfield, Illinois in 2026?

Aerial view of a suburban residential neighborhood with well-kept lawns, two-story houses, and a curved street.

Redfin Real Estate compiled data on how home prices are changing in 2026 in Springfield, IL.

1 day ago in Business, Food Scene, History, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Long before McDonald’s, Maid Rite pioneered the American drive-thru

Maid Rite has long been a staple along historic Route 66 in Springfield.

"The original way — mustard, chopped onion, chopped pickles, scoop of ground beef ... 1-2-3-4 this is what the Maid-Rite is. You made that in all of 15 seconds — I do 15 in a minute," said Owner Sam Quasi.

1 day ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Local

New Mental Health Committee anticipates focusing on adolescent care

Student, mental health and depression with anxiety, burnout and sad for exam results, fail or mistake while sitting outdoor. Young man, stress and tired and depressed on university or college campus

Chair: Adolescents of all races have some of the same mental health problems.

Entertainment News

1 day ago in Entertainment, IL State News, National

Top federal prosecutor in Chicago denies investigation into E. Jean Carroll, disputing media reports

E. Jean Carroll attends Time100 gala at Jaz at Lincoln Center in New York on April 25, 2024

Andrew Boutros, the U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, issued a statement roughly 24 hours after the first report was published saying that his office “has not opened — and has never opened — a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll.”

1 day ago in Business, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, National

ABC stations call FCC’s early call for license renewal ‘unconstitutional’

A small crowd gathers outside the ABC Channel 7 studio in downtown Chicago to watch a live broadcast of the 2008 presidential debates through the station’s street‑facing window. Pedestrians pause along State Street as the brightly lit newsroom displays the televised event, creating a moment of shared public viewing in the city’s nighttime streetscape. Chicago, IL, USA October 02, 2008

The FCC's move in April to begin early reviews of the broadcast licenses of ABC-owned stations in eight local markets attracted particularly close attention.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Local, Music

‘Mamma Mia!’ takes the stage at The Muni

Performances the next two weekends at The Muni.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Sports

Summer Baseball is back

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

3 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Matthew Perry’s assistant gets more than 3 years in prison for central role in his ketamine death

Matthew Perry's live-in personal assistant, who had a central role in the "Friends" star's descent into ketamine addiction and injected him with the fatal dose of the drug, was sentenced Wednesday to three years and five months in prison.

3 days ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Music, National

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

"Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue"

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

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2 days ago in Sports, Trending

MLB owners have proposed a salary cap for the first time since baseball’s 1994-95 strike

Major League Baseball owners made their long-expected salary cap proposal to the players' association on Thursday, a system the union has vowed never to accept, setting the sides on course for a confrontation that threatens the 2027 season and perhaps beyond.

3 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Matthew Perry’s assistant gets more than 3 years in prison for central role in his ketamine death

Matthew Perry's live-in personal assistant, who had a central role in the "Friends" star's descent into ketamine addiction and injected him with the fatal dose of the drug, was sentenced Wednesday to three years and five months in prison.