Good morning, Springfield.

A vehicle crashed into a crowd outside YNOT Outdoors at 301 North Breckenridge Road in Chatham on April 28—killing four girls and injuring six others while the driver, Marianne Akers, was taken to a hospital and is under investigation by state police.

Four children remain hospitalized from a Jeep crash at YNOT Outdoors Camp in Chatham on Monday — the incident killed four and injured six while two of the injured were released.

Fundraisers following the April 28 car crash in Chatham have raised over $230,000 to help families affected by the loss of four lives and injuries to six — nearly $180,000 came from Glenwood High School’s student council, nearly $50,000 from a GoFundMe for injured Ella, and more than $9,000 via a Meal Train.

With higher retail prices and tariffs, shoppers in Springfield are expected to turn to local thrift and resale stores to save money—stores like Goodwill and Second Time Around report steady business fueled by increased donations and bargain hunting.

Research shows that buying secondhand saves shoppers about $1,760 each year.

Sen. Doris Turner secured nearly $1 million to expand construction and trade apprenticeship programs that will help high school students in Sangamon County prepare for blue-collar jobs.

The funding—divided between SkillsUSA Illinois and the Menard-Sangamon Regional Office of Education—will support hands-on training starting this fall.

The Illinois EPA announced three one-day hazardous waste collection events this spring in Springfield — residents who pre-register can drop off products like chemical cleaners and motor oil from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Local government units co-sponsor the events, which do not accept items such as latex paint or propane tanks.

CWLP will begin a project on Monday to relocate 2,000 feet of a 24-inch water main on North Grand Avenue for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will close the street between 7th and 9th Streets for five weeks.

The effort will cost $4.8 million—part of a $10.2 million water infrastructure upgrade—and traffic lanes will remain closed until pavement repairs are finished around the week of June 9.

Today, the Illinois Police Memorial Committee will hold its 40th annual Police Officers’ Memorial ceremony at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — starting at 9:00 a.m. Temporary road closures include 5th Street and 6th Street at South Grand Avenue beginning at 8:30 a.m. — with additional closures during the procession to the Capitol Building.

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.

Milkweed Giveaway

8 a.m. - 10 a.m. — Washington Park — Free — Celebrate local pollinators with a milkweed giveaway and learn about planting pollinator gardens.

International Carillon Festival

All day — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free entry — Experience a rare musical journey at one of the world's finest carillons in the heart of Springfield.

Capital City Biathlon & 5K

6:00-10:30 a.m. — Danenberger Family Vineyards — Register online for entry fee — Test your endurance with a mini-biathlon and 5K run.

Levitt AMP Springfield 2025 Season

Ten free concerts in downtown Springfield thanks to the Levitt Foundation, PNC Bank, Springfield Area Arts Council & many local partners! Bring your friends, family, dogs, chairs, and picnics or order from the many food trucks and enjoy free, live music every Thursday, May 29 - July 31 on the lawn in front of the Governor's Mansion.

Lick Creek & Folsom Prison Five Concert

6 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — Enjoy great food and cold Coors Light while listening to live country and classic hits.