Good morning, Springfield.

On Wednesday, News Channel 20 staff volunteered at The James Project's clothing closet to organize and distribute essential clothing for foster families in Sangamon County as part of Sinclair Day of Service.

On April 15, 2025, the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight will carry 93 veterans from 41 Illinois communities from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to Washington, D.C. for a day of remembrance and honor—they will return to Springfield at 9:30 p.m. where the public is invited to welcome them.

After the Wyndham hotel closed nearly two weeks ago because vandalism made it unsafe, event organizers began relocating conventions—including an American Legion event expecting over 600 attendees in July.

Officials from the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau said they have moved over a dozen groups—highlighting the many alternative meeting spaces available in the city.

The Chainsmokers, the Grammy award-winning duo, will perform on Aug.

15 at the Lottery Grandstand Stage during the Illinois State Fair in Springfield — they will play hits including Closer, Something Just Like This and Don’t Let Me Down while tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. April 12.

Fifth-grade teacher Lisa Schweska was honored as the Horace Mann Educator of the Year at Black Hawk Elementary in Springfield—she received a $1,400 prize and commemorative award during a special assembly on Thursday.

State Rep. Lindsay LaPointe, a licensed social worker, held a news conference on Wednesday to discuss funds that will boost mental health services for college students after studies showed a 50 percent rise in demand with only 36 percent receiving proper treatment.

She said many students still struggle to find available help while the state works to deliver the promised money.

The Illinois Senate passed a measure on Wednesday that gives working moms extra break time to feed their babies.

The bill, which will not cut paid lunch breaks — and now heads to the House for further review — aims to support new mothers returning to work.

The Snow Queen Performance

2 PM – 2 PM — Sacred Heart-Griffin High School — Costumes optional — Delight in a magical retelling of a classic fairytale featuring talented local youth dancers.

On-Screen Presence Mastery Workshop

6:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free — Enhance your video production skills to captivate audiences and grow your business.

Crafting a Business Plan for Success

11 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain expert guidance on creating a solid business plan covering all essential aspects for your venture's success.

Building A Website Presence

6:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Learn essential tips for creating or improving your online presence.

Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Erin's Pavilion — Check website for ticket prices — Experience a magical candlelight tribute to the timeless music of Coldplay performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs: Get Your Brand Out There

10 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free — Discover how to use LinkedIn to enhance your business networking and marketing efforts.

Starting Your Own Business

9:30 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain essential knowledge and confidence to launch your business with planning, setup, and financing tips.

Lawn Mower Clinic

Get your lawn mower ready for the season! The Springfield Jaycees will service push mowers that are in working condition (Must be able to start prior to servicing and we will start it with you at pick up) for $65.

Financing Your Business: Loans, Capital, And Financial Visibility

12:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Explore funding options and strategies to secure capital for sustainable business growth.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Concert

7:30 PM - 12:30 AM — UIS Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of classical music featuring Ravel and Shostakovich performed by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.