Illinois Considers Strict Open Burn Permits and Huge Fines
Proposed legislation would allow counties and cities to require permits and impose penalties up to $500,000 for violations.
Springfield's Wm. Vans Cafe rebrands as British restaurant
Illinois Officials Urge Super Bowl Fans to Get Sober Ride Home
Sports
Illinois Authorities Urge Safe Super Bowl Weekend
Increased patrols and enforcement to prevent impaired driving and ensure seat belt use

UIS Hires First Women's Flag Football Coach
Coach Colin Wood will lead the new Prairie Stars team starting in Spring 2027.
Cardinals Players Visit UIS for Prairie Stars Basketball Doubleheader
Fans enjoy dual experience of MLB stars and Division II basketball action.
Lifestyle
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Seeks More Participants
Illinois veterans encouraged to sign up for upcoming flights to visit WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Springfield Schools Seek Top Teacher, Administrator Nominations
Annual awards program accepting applications through February
Meet Bagheera & Timone — Meow Mobile Cats of the Week
Brothers want to go to a good home together!
Crime
Family Reacts to 20-Year Sentence for Sonya Massey's Killer
Supporters and family members hold press conference following conviction of Sean Grayson

Former Illinois Deputy Sentenced to 20 Years for Killing Sonya Massey
Shooting of Black woman who called 911 prompts reforms, $10 million settlement
Former Illinois Deputy Convicted of Killing Black Woman
Sean Grayson faces up to 20 years in prison for fatal shooting of Sonya Massey
Business
Illinois Treasurer Urges Residents to Check for Missing Money
National Unclaimed Property Day is this weekend, and Treasurer Frerichs encourages people to search for unclaimed funds.

Illinois Announces $3.6M in Grants for Local Food Infrastructure
Funds will support processing, aggregation, and distribution to boost local farmers and communities
Industry Leaders Address Battery Fire Risks at CDRA Conference
Representatives from CDRA, SWANA, NWRA and ReMA discuss detection, training and funding to combat battery-related fires in waste and recycling operations.
Politics
Judicial Watch Sues Illinois Governor Over FOIA Request Linked to Photo With Murder Suspect
Lawsuit claims Pritzker's office failed to adequately respond to request about September 2025 event where governor was photographed with Kellen McMiller, who was later charged with murder.

'Tax the rich!' advocates target billionaires, digital ads
Illinois lawmakers propose surcharge on billionaires, tax on digital advertising to boost state revenue
Springfield faith leaders pray for Haitians, call for compassion, justice
Hundreds gather to support Haitian immigrants facing deportation as TPS set to expire