Lifestyle
12 hours ago in Lifestyle
Generations of anglers have made the pilgrimage to Montauk to catch striped bass
On most October nights, fishing guide Bill Wetzel can be found navigating the shores of Montauk, New York, in a modified 4x4 pickup truck, rumbling over boulders and thick sand as he scans the surface of the Atlantic for signs of life.
2 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending
Make no bones about it, the giant skeleton has become an American Halloween fixture
It reared its bony head in 2020, during that first, chaotic pandemic year that was rife with grief and fear but also toilet paper hoarding and questionable lockdown-inspired purchases. Behold Skelly, the 12-foot, 90-pound skeleton with glowing LCD eyeballs, on sale for $299 from Home Depot, just in time for Halloween — at least, if you can get your hands on one.
4 days ago in Lifestyle
Tours offer Halloween enthusiasts visits to former psychiatric hospital and funeral home
It's not enough these days for some Halloween enthusiasts to be scared by actors dressed up in spooky getups at makeshift haunted houses: They want the "real" thing.
5 days 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 week 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.
1 week 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.
1 week 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.
2 weeks ago in Lifestyle
6 ways to plan fall and holiday travel after the hottest summer on record
Vogo reports that over 70% of U.S. travelers plan to adjust their fall and holiday trips to avoid extreme heat, focusing on cooler destinations and budgeting for comfort.
Entertainment
12 hours ago in Entertainment
Prosecutors drop felony charge against rapper Rick Ross in domestic violence case
Prosecutors have dropped a felony charge against rapper Rick Ross a month after he was arrested in Miami Beach when a woman he was living with told police he hit her, court records said.
19 hours ago in Entertainment
Hugh Jackman, William Shatner and George Takei among those paying tribute to Patrick Stewart
The death of Patrick Stewart at 86 led to a slew of tributes, including from acting colleagues and even Marvel Studios. Known for his roles as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" films, Stewart died in Los Angeles on Wednesday after what his spokesperson described as a "brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia.
2 days ago in Entertainment, Trending
Patrick Stewart, legendary actor of ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men’ fame, dies at 86
Patrick Stewart, the classically trained actor who added Shakespearean gravitas to the "Star Trek" and "X-Men" franchises, has died. He was 86. Stewart died Wednesday in Los Angeles, following "a brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak said.
2 days ago in Entertainment
Hometown of ‘Addams Family’ creator becomes ghoulish Halloween destination
Before there was "The Addams Family," there was Westfield. Cartoonist Charles Addams, who created the eccentric, fictional family, drew inspiration for his signature macabre style from the elegant Victorian homes, historic cemetery and other landmarks of his New Jersey hometown.
2 days ago in Entertainment
South Carolina police close investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s death after coroner’s ruling
Police in South Carolina have closed their investigation into the overdose death of actor Hayden Panettiere following a coroner's finding that it was accidental. The decision was based on the medical examiner's determination as well as the findings of the investigation, Greenville police said Wednesday in a statement.
Local News from Capitol City Now
Bell: Sangamon County Jail isn’t safe, but I’ll change that if elected
Bell says the jail is in disrepair, and getting that up to code is job one.
17 hours ago in Local
Little middle ground seen on proposed landlord registry
An advisory referendum is on Tuesday's ballot.
19 hours ago in Education, IL State News, Local
District 186 superintendent: Celebrate the progress, not the number
IL Report Card: Proficiency, attendance, and graduation rate, while still low, are all increasing.
21 hours ago in Business, IL State News, Local
Pritzker, Illinois Housing Development Authority announce $156 million investment in housing
BUILD plan includes programs to make affordable housing for homebuyers.
21 hours ago in Business, IL State News, Local
Morgan County voters to weigh in on data center restrictions
The nonbinding question asks whether the county should restrict data center construction and operations.
22 hours ago in IL State News, Local
Springfield man killed in crash on I-57 outside Effingham
David Vorties, 50, was found trapped and unresponsive in his vehicle.
Rewind Spotlight
Donations Needed at Central Illinois Food Bank
Can you help? Central Illinois Food Bank on E. Cook Street is in need of, well, food. YOU can be…
Fall Guide 2026
Welcome to your complete Guide to Fall in Springfield and surrounding areas! Think of this page as your hub for…
Central Illinois online news site CapitolCityNow.com is here!
The ultimate local news experience for Central Illinois is here with CapitolCityNow.com! Stay informed with trusted reporters and anchors from…
Save big on your favorite Springfield places with Springfield Real Deals!
Springfieldrealdeals.com is your chance to get half off some of your favorite Springfield places! Deals go on sale most Fridays…
Central Illinois Community Calendar
Check out all the fun events happening in Springfield, IL! Visit our CapitolCityNow.com community calendar
Friends and Neighbors Apply Now!
We love being a part of (and supporting) Central Illinois charities and non-profits! Are you a nonprofit organization with an…
Trending
12 hours ago in Sports, Trending
Brewers fans flood Milwaukee streets for a long-awaited World Series victory celebration
It was only fitting that the Milwaukee Brewers celebrated their first World Series title with a beer-soaked celebration worthy of their name. "We've had way too many parade beers," team captain and designated hitter Christian Yelich said Friday at a rally that capped a daylong party with fans.
20 hours ago in National, Trending
Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope in history to vote in a US general election
Pope Leo XIV has become the first pope to vote in a U.S. general election. The Vatican confirmed Friday that the Chicago-born pontiff had submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of November's midterm elections, citing his long-standing belief in civic participation.