Meet A Future Leader In Springfield: Nicolas Titone

Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight young people achieving great things in our community.

Coffey Issues Budget React Statement

State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) released a statement after Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual Budget Address

Spice Entrepreneur Seeks Guidance from SCORE with Scaling

The JAY Effect gains exposure from SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition.

Jan. 6 Rioters Will Be Blocked From State Jobs In IL, Pritzker Says

“No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government,” Pritzker said in a recent letter.

Rep. Rosenthal Votes No to Land Transfer of Shabbona Lake and State Pa

The Illinois House of Representatives passed a controversial bill that transfers State land to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

5 Super Athletes With Ties To Springfield

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to celebrate five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting impression on our community.

Coffey Launches Valentines for Veterans

State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) is hosting a “Valentines for Veterans Card Drive”

Seal Or No Seal? Voting Open In Illinois Flag Design Contest

Participants can vote online every day through Feb. 14 on whether to ditch the state's "seal on a bedsheet" or stick with tradition.

Game Day Party Grub: Springfield's Best Takeout

Enjoy a delicious Big Game celebration at home by ordering in or picking up from these fantastic local restaurants!

Where To Watch The Big Game In Springfield

Football, food and drinks are always better with great company! Explore these local favorites for game day fun.

Illinois Aims To Offer Digital IDs By End Of Year For Apple Users Only

Despite blown deadlines, Patch has obtained a confidential agreement with Apple executives signed by the secretary of state in August 2024.

The Real Story Behind The Hemp Bill: Open Letter

News coverage has been drenched in hyperbole kindled by a powerful marijuana lobby seeking a monopoly.

Rep. Coffey Honored to Join the New 104th General Assembly

State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) is honored to be sworn into the new 104th General Assembly.

Hemp Bill Backed By Big Cannabis, Illinois Governor Fails In House

The Illinois hemp industry and the mayor of Chicago mobilized against the governor to block broad new state regulations on hemp-derived THC.

6 Things To Do This Winter In Springfield

Make the most of the season with these local experiences!

Time to Address Opioid Crisis

IL needs to expand access to non-opioid pain treatment options

Illinois Flag Designs: Questionable Crests, Cutting Room Classics

Take a look at some of the best (and worst) of the more than 4,800 submissions to the state flag design contest obtained by Illinois Patch.

Democrats Working to Further Protect Illegal Criminals in Illinois

State Representative Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro) is sounding the alarm on legislation that would further protect illegal criminals in Illinoi

Pritzker 'Passionate' About New Hemp Regulations, Urges House Approval

The proposal restricts the sale of "intoxicating hemp products" like Delta-8 THC to state-licensed cannabis dispensaries.

Flagged For Review: Commission Picks Finalists For New Illinois Flag

Officials plan a non-binding public vote next year, which may or may not pick a new design to replace Illinois' "seal on a bedsheet."

IL Man Threatened To Kill Biden, Obama: Police

He threatened to have Obama assassinated, told Biden “your f****ed,” and threatened to have First Lady Jill Biden raped, police said.

As Mobile Driver’s License Deadline Looms, No Updates From Giannoulias

With its effective date just 4 weeks away, state officials have yet to reveal any toward implementing Illinois' new digital ID law.

Deputy Who Killed Sonya Massey May Be Released From Jail: Reports

Massey’s father, James Wilburn, described the possibility of the deputy's release as “a serious miscarriage of justice,” one paper reported.

Make A Difference: Where To Volunteer In Springfield!

Discover how you can give back this holiday season and help bring positive change to our community.

Coffey and Rosenthal Host Holiday Drive with Toys for Tots

State Representatives Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) and Wayne Rosenthal (R-Morrisonville) are helping children for Christmas.

How To Support Springfield Local Businesses This Holiday Season!

Find unique gifts and make a difference by keeping your holiday dollars in the community this season.

When Is Santa Claus Coming To Springfield?

St. Nick is headed our way! Find out when and where to see Santa this holiday season.

Feds Investigating IL Sheriff's Office After Sonya Massey Shooting

Authorities are looking into "serious concerns about SCSO’s interactions with Black people and people with behavioral health disabilities."

Possible Wrongful Convictions In IL To Be Investigated Under New Unit

Attorney General Kwame Raoul has created a Conviction Integrity Unit to investigate innocence claims from inmates.

Def Leppard To Play IL State Fair

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will play the grandstand at the state fair next summer.

DoorDash Agrees To Pay $11.25M To Settle IL Driver Tip Fraud Lawsuit

DoorDash agrees to fund restitution for nearly 80,000 Illinois drivers after a suit alleging tips were used to lower company payroll costs.

State Rep. Mike Coffey Demands Action on Soaring Property Taxes

State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) says Illinois must address the crisis of high property taxes in Illinois.

Giving Back In Springfield: Local Causes To Support This Season

Celebrate Giving Tuesday all season long by donating, volunteering and spreading the word about these amazing local organizations.

Protecting Our Small-Town Way of Life

Improving the quality of life for families in Illinois

Rep. Coffey Announces his “Mike on Main Street” Business Tours

Improving The Business Climate in the 95th District

Smell Of Weed Not Enough To Search Car, Illinois Supreme Court Rules

Justices ruled the odor of burnt marijuana doesn't constitute probable cause — but the smell of raw weed is enough for a warrantless search.

2024 Pumpkin Patches In The Springfield Area

Find out where you can pick pumpkins and celebrate the season in our area.

Insights into Illinois' Indoor Vaping Ban on Public Health

Illinois' indoor vaping ban represents a proactive approach to public health, particularly concerning the youth.

Continue the fight to find an Alzheimer's cure

We can all help

Religious Group Loses Court Battle Over Illinois Abortion Coverage Law

A Sangamon County judge found the Reproductive Health Act does not violate the religious freedoms of the Illinois Baptist State Association.