Lifestyle

19 hours 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.

4 days 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.

5 days 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.

6 days 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.

1 week 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.

2 weeks ago in Lifestyle, Trending

Pope speaks with Putin, denouncing recent attacks as he shows recovery from lung surgery progressing

Pope Leo XIV gave strong indications Friday that he was recovering well from lung cancer surgery and was very much in charge of running the Catholic...

Sports

19 hours ago in Sports, Trending

Yamal, Mbappé, Kane and Messi in contention to win the Ballon d’Or. Here’s what to know

The Ballon d'Or winners will be announced on Monday with a new generation of soccer stars, led by Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, ready to stamp their name on the trophy that for so long was a personal duel between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

4 days ago in Sports

Thunder star and NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s record 20-point streak ends at 141 games

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander decided it was time for his record streak of 20-point games to end. The Oklahoma City star's run of 141 consecutive regular season contests with at least 20 points ended Thursday night when he subbed himself out toward the end of a game against the Denver Nuggets.

4 days ago in Sports, Trending

World Series preview: Surprising Rays-Brewers showdown to open with Jacob Misiorowski’s record heat

The Miz will try to whiz his famous fastball by batters on baseball's biggest stage, opening a new-look World Series between teams guaranteed to produce a first-time champion.

5 days ago in Sports, Trending

Atlanta Dream beat the Golden State Valkyries 97-71 for a 2-1 lead in the WNBA Finals

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are halfway toward their ultimate goal of winning the franchise's first WNBA championship.

6 days ago in Sports

LeBron James is set to open his 24th season in New York when his 76ers visit the Knicks

There was a plausible scenario where LeBron James would open his record 24th NBA season at Madison Square Garden — only in a New York Knicks uniform. His agent, Rich Paul, said over the summer the Knicks would have been James' first choice in free agency had New York not won its first NBA championship since 1973 last season.

6 days ago in Sports, Trending

Eagles are not being punished for handling of Jalen Hurts’ blood clots, AP source says

The Philadelphia Eagles are not being disciplined for how they handled quarterback Jalen Hurts' blood clots, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.

National

4 days ago in National

Facing a ban on horse-drawn carriages, Central Park’s drivers fear for their future

The horse-drawn carriages that have cruised through Central Park for more than 150 years will soon be banished from New York City, ending an iconic tradition beloved by tourists but long opposed by animal welfare activists.

5 days ago in National

Violent Arizona storms bring possible tornado, toppled trees and golf ball-size hail

Trees fell onto homes and utility poles were knocked down by a possible tornado in a central Arizona community during a series of violent storms that moved through the state overnight into Thursday.

6 days ago in National

The Orionid meteor shower is coming. Here’s how and when to watch

The Orionids — one of two major meteor showers caused by remnants from Halley's comet — will peak this week, though a large moon will dim visibility until after it sets late at night.

1 week ago in National

Georgia amusement park reopens as scheduled after roller coaster death

Six Flags Over Georgia opened its gates Friday evening for the first time since a man fell to his death from one of the amusement park's towering roller coasters.

Local News from Capitol City Now

9 hours ago in Crime, Local

Arrest made in Sunday night blaze

Several citations had previously been issued to the occupant of the residence over the past six months related to illegal burning.

12 hours ago in IL State News, Local, National

State says it will keep 25 mental health beds at Choate, expand regional jobs

While IDHS backs off full closure, Southern Illinois lawmakers call the plan 'inadequate'.

13 hours ago in Business, IL State News, Local

Budzinski: Checks and balances are needed for Trump administration

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Nikki Budzinski is looking for another term as Illinois’ 13th District Congresswoman in next…

13 hours ago in Business, Local

Mike Murphy talks about upcoming events with the chamber

With the events continuing all around Springfield. The Chamber continues the fun

Entertainment

19 hours ago in Entertainment

‘You Can See Everything’ surges with $19.5M at box office; ‘Clayface’ takes No. 1

DC Studios scored a modest, R-rated win with "Clayface," landing a $24 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday. But the biggest success story in theaters remained A24's Elizabeth Holmes documentary "You Can See Everything," which pulled in $19.5 million in its first weekend of wide release.

19 hours ago in Entertainment

Chris Brown avoids prison time for brawling at a London nightclub

Grammy-winning singer Chris Brown avoided prison time Monday for beating a music producer with a tequila bottle at a London nightclub three years ago.

3 days ago in Entertainment

‘Rent’ musical celebrates its 30th Broadway anniversary with a starry show: ‘No day but today’

Jordan Fisher was in middle school when he first heard it. He was at his first cast party, gathering with fellow performers around his drama teacher's piano after some community theater.

4 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Why big music stars like Harry Styles and Celine Dion are embracing residencies

For Harry Styles' dedicated audience, it is the can't-miss event of the year: Tens of thousands have descended on New York City's Madison Square Garden each night of his 30-date residency, rushing to catch the show before it concludes Halloween weekend.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Tom Cruise to receive life achievement award from the American Film Institute

Tom Cruise is being celebrated with a life achievement award from the American Film Institute, AFI's board of trustees said Wednesday The award will be handed out at a gala tribute in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre on April 24 next year.

What's Happening

Fall Guide 2026

Welcome to your complete Guide to Fall in Springfield and surrounding areas! Think of this page as your hub for…

Zoolie Ghoulie 2026

  Experience safe trick-or-treating in a fun, festive atmosphere at Henson Robinson Zoo.  Admission is just $5, and every ticket…

Alex Goen Coming to Springfield, IL October 27th

Alex Goen hypnosis seminars are coming to Springfield, IL at the Hilton Garden Inn on Tuesday, October 27th.  5:30 Weight…

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…

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…

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…

Trending

19 hours 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.

19 hours ago in Features, Trending

‘Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers’ brings artistry to a Halloween tradition

When fall arrives and leaves start changing color, Mike Valladao, a systems engineer at a cybersecurity company, slips into his alter ego, "Farmer Mike," also known as the "Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers."