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Illinois is rolling out a major pharmacy reform starting January 2027, requiring pharmacies to transfer prescriptions for sub-schedule I drugs—even if unfilled—upon patient request, with delegation allowed to pharmacy techs. This fix stems from the headaches caused by past electronic prescribing mandates, which made urgent medication access harder and frustrated medical staff. A surgeon’s real-lif...

Illinois’ TRUST Act was meant to shield immigrant communities from federal immigration enforcement—but in just 15 months after a certain president returned to office, 75 agencies shared data with ICE, leading to over 150 people caught up in deportation. Local cops can’t detain suspects on immigration warrants, but FBI agents often exploit loopholes by suggesting arrests on unrelated state charges...

Sangamon County greenlit a $500 million data center project that could reshape farmland into a massive server farm, but skepticism swirls over job claims—CyrusOne touts 100+ permanent roles, while the state agreement locks in just 25 full-time positions at premium wages. Legal experts warn those projections aren’t binding, and new research questions whether such projects deliver promised economic...

A new charitable fund honoring the late Justice Benjamin K. Miller has awarded over $1.2 million to seven organizations helping women in need, continuing his lifelong mission to empower and protect vulnerable communities. Once Springfield’s first native on the Illinois Supreme Court, Miller championed legal aid for domestic abuse survivors and court reforms for victims of violence. His $3.2 millio...

Springfield’s long-stalled 19th Street rail corridor project is finally getting traction, with a new open house revealing potential futures for the tracks—from underpasses and upgraded crossings to turning them into trails. But community voices, like activist Teresa Haley, are skeptical, recalling broken promises and demanding real solutions like a safety-focused park trail. With Canadian National...

Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is set to get a major upgrade with over $11 million in federal funding to overhaul its critical crosswind runway — a vital backup for safe landings during weather or wind disruptions. The first phase includes new pavement, modern lighting, improved drainage, and clearer signage, all designed to extend the runway’s lifespan by another 20-30 years. Const...

David Risley is stepping in as acting legislative inspector general after Mike McCuskey’s controversial resignation, which followed accusations of breaching confidentiality during an ethics probe. With a background as a federal prosecutor and prior ethics experience, Risley brings credibility and familiarity with Illinois laws to stabilize the office amid public trust concerns. The commission is a...

Illinois just pulled off its first major battery storage auction, securing 600 megawatts—enough to power half a million homes—and proving the state’s serious commitment to clean energy. While they fell short of their original 1,000-megawatt goal, advocates call it a win for grid reliability and cost control. The MISO region smashed its target with over 500 MW, while PJM in the north only got 80 MW...

Students, faculty, and staff at the University of Illinois Springfield united for a powerful act of service, assembling food packets bound for families in Honduras and Guatemala—thanks to a partnership with the Midwest Mission Distribution Center and a grant from 9/11 Day. The event honored remembrance while turning grief into global impact, aiming to nourish nearly 20,000 people. It’s a moving te...

America Ambulance just acquired Dispatch Medical Transport, merging emergency and non-emergency care under one roof. The New Berlin-based Dispatch, known for wheelchair vans and dialysis rides, will keep its name and focus on less urgent transports while relocating to America’s West Washington hub. Four Dispatch staffers are already onboard as America expands its 70-person team. This strategic mov...

Illinois’ groundbreaking medical aid-in-dying law, EOLA, is set to go into effect this weekend after a federal judge rejected efforts to block it—sparking national debate over patient autonomy, physician ethics, and disability rights. The law permits terminally ill adults with less than six months to live, confirmed by two doctors, to self-administer life-ending medication under strict safeguards:...

Sangamon County just approved a $7.5 million makeover for its Public Health building—gutting the interior to create a seamless, one-stop service hub where residents can access health care, veteran support, and workforce programs—all under one roof. Originally a grocery store turned county offices in 2009, the aging facility will be reimagined for efficiency after pandemic-era demands exposed gaps...

A former sheriff’s deputy convicted of murdering Sonya Massey in a 2024 home invasion shooting is set to have his conviction erased after his death — but the move is sparking outrage from her grieving family, who see it as a system failing to deliver true justice. Grayson, 32, died in custody from advanced colon cancer before his appeal could be decided, prompting his lawyers to invoke a legal pre...

Springfield’s 19th Street rail corridor is at a crossroads—after years of debate, city officials are weighing options like underpasses, trail conversion, or road upgrades, but funding and stakeholder buy-in stand in the way. Residents, especially on the east side, feel betrayed by broken promises dating back two decades. While the mayor dreams of connecting the tracks to a greenway, reality hits h...

Sameer Somal, a 43-year-old entrepreneur and Lincoln historian, is transforming Athens, Illinois — the town where Lincoln spent more time than anywhere else — into a vibrant Lincoln legacy hub. With investors in tow, he’s igniting community pride and tourism by reviving historic properties, launching events like a “History and Hog Roast,” and pushing for new ownership structures. Once a quiet town...

In junior hockey, billeting transforms local families into lifelines for young athletes like 17-year-old defenseman Brady Anundsen, who now calls the Piper family home in Rochester. Beyond housing, billet families provide meals, laundry, emotional support—and even become mentors, as Anundsen bonds with the Pipers’ son. Rigorous vetting ensures these homes are nurturing, while families earn a modes...

Nominate a local hero today—Springfield’s First Citizen Award is seeking your submission for its 64th year, honoring unsung volunteers who transform communities through selfless service. Deadline: October 1. Winner celebrated November 18. Past winners revived the award after decades with Copley newspapers; now the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, via New Community Improvement, Inc., e...

Sangamon County’s new $14.7 million mental health board is already facing criticism for holding meetings at 3 PM—making it tough for the public to attend—and for rushing ahead without community input. Former commission chair Kelly Hurst warns they’re building the house before asking who wants to live in it. Chair Steve Nardulli admits they may shift to 4 or 4:30 PM, but only slightly, since many a...

Springfield’s new BEACON ambulance, Rescue 1, is revolutionizing emergency response by tackling drug overdoses and mental health crises with compassion, not just speed. Staffed by specially trained firefighters and mental health professionals, this unit can stay hours on scene to truly understand each person’s needs and connect them with lasting support — a stark contrast to traditional EMS that o...

Illinois’ legislative inspector general, Michael McCuskey, is stepping down amid controversy — his resignation takes effect September 30, though the Ethics Commission hasn’t formally accepted it. A former federal judge, McCuskey’s tenure was marred by accusations of misconduct, including sharing confidential info and making personal remarks during interviews, which he denies. His most contentious...

A new 100-megawatt solar project, Henkle Branch Solar, promises 30+ years of clean energy, $400K annual property tax revenue, and $25K grants for nearby residents. While Virginia Tech research shows farmland values rise near solar sites, homes nearby dip by nearly 5%. Leeward, the developer, plans native plantings and even future sheep grazing to support local ecosystems. Still awaiting Sangamon C...

Residents in Waverly are suing to halt a proposed data center, arguing a technical error in the county’s approval vote—claiming it occurred in April, not March—and that the project was tabled, not approved. They also fear the data center’s placement on agricultural land will harm nearby farms, homes, and a dog kennel, and challenge whether the county followed zoning rules and due process. The laws...

Jamie Toole and Melissa Gaynor are stepping down from day-to-day management of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes at the end of the season—but don’t worry, they’re not leaving the team behind. The couple, who’ve spent six years building the franchise and ballpark into a thriving operation, are moving back to West Palm Beach full-time to focus on family as their kids head into high school. They’ll re...

Illinois’ housing battle rages on as Governor Pritzker’s big BUILD plan falls short, but lawmakers still approved $250 million for new housing, including Missing Middle and first-time buyer programs. The HOME Illinois Program survived a proposed $10 million cut—advocates call it a win, though inflation concerns loom. A major victory? A 10-year extension and funding boost for the Affordable Housing...

Sangamon County’s electricity bills are skyrocketing—up over 50% in just five years—despite utility companies promising data centers will lower rates for everyone. Yet, the county board approved a massive data center on farmland, even after local outcry. One farmer, Treg Caruthers, fears the tech’s hidden costs: data centers are turning nearby land into heat islands, and their diesel backup genera...