Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will WQNA’s comeback change Springfield’s radio dial in 2026?

Happening soon: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Springfield, IL on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
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What's up Springfield! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will WQNA’s comeback change Springfield’s radio dial in 2026?
  • See who just became new U.S. citizens in downtown Springfield
  • What police say happened inside a Springfield apartment on Rickard Road

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Springfield, IL.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 52 and low of 18 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Colder with periods of sun, temps: high: 33, low: 28.
  • Saturday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 49 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. WQNA returning to local airwaves soon (illinoistimes.com) — A beloved community radio station is set to return to downtown Springfield, with WQNA planning to be back on the air at 95.7 FM by March 2026 from its new Myers Building studio. Volunteers with Springfield Community Broadcasters have spent years rebuilding after the 2019 shutdown and now aim to offer classes, fresh local programming, and new ways for residents to get involved.
   

2. 53 people sworn in as U.S. citizens in Springfield (wcia.com) — A group of 53 immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony held Wednesday at Springfield’s Old State Capitol, becoming new U.S. citizens. Hosted by federal court and immigration officials, the event used the historic venue to underscore the significance of completing the journey to citizenship and joining American civic life.
   

3. Domestic disturbance leads to arrests in Springfield (newschannel20.com) — A domestic disturbance at a Springfield apartment on Rickard Road led to the arrests of a man and his girlfriend after both admitted to physical confrontation. Police noted signs of a struggle, scratch marks, and later discovered the man had an outstanding Menard County warrant. Officers say he also resisted arrest after becoming verbally aggressive at the scene.
   

4. Robbery suspect arrested after vending machine heist in Springfield (newschannel20.com) — Springfield police arrested a 43-year-old man after an armed robbery targeting a vending machine worker at the Springfield Mass Transit District, recovering most of the stolen cash. Officers tracked the suspect on East Washington Street and say they found a bag of money, a coin holder, and a knife matching the victim’s description. No injuries were reported, but some cash remains missing.
   

5. Illinois law expands opportunities for craft distillers, brewers (wandtv.com) — A new state law, announced from Springfield, cements cocktails-to-go and expands self-distribution and production options for Illinois craft distillers and brewers, potentially boosting local businesses. It also clarifies alcohol delivery rules and allows loyalty programs like mug clubs, despite opposition from some dry communities and the Illinois Municipal League.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Opinion: Illinois Faces a Choice: Protect Disability Care Progress or Slip Backward —Nicole Andas Read on Patch
  • To all Laketown residents, get you Christmas outside lights on wednesday by 6:00.
    As we will be coming around to judge for the Holiday Lights contest. Good luck everyone. (Nextdoor Laketown)
  • Hi i apologize to those I can't get to right now im dealing with detectives.
    So my storage unit was broken into from the back side from the unit behind me and about $10k worth of custom bikes and tools were taken. Police have… (Nextdoor Westchester Blvd)
  • FBI Springfield hosted some students from St. Teresa High School in Decatur, IL last week to discuss cases, forensics, computer science, and some... (X: FBISpringfield)
  • Two men were arrested late Tuesday night after Sangamon County Sheriff's deputies interrupted a burglary at Central Illinois Signs and Lights in... (X: foxillinois)
  • Texas Roadhouse posted a job opening for Silverware Roller in Springfield. Apply here.
  • University of Illinois posted a job opening for Extra Help Stagehand - 50 vacancies in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.

Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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