Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 5th of May.
Good morning, Springfield.
🏘️ Community
The Illinois Product Farmers Market will open its 19th season on May 7 at The Shed on the State Fairgrounds from 3:30-7 p.m., featuring local food, live music, family activities, a LINK match program and weekly raffles.
Vendor spaces remain available for interested applicants via the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Dozens of community members gathered at Oak Ridge Cemetery over the weekend for a Veteran’s Memorial Vigil to honor fallen soldiers (over 2,000 died in Vietnam).
The memorial display remained in place for 24 hours before the closing ceremony.
📰 Economy
Gas prices in Springfield rose to $4.69—$4.99 per gallon, up 62 cents from last week.
The state average is $4.92, well above the $4.42 nationwide rate reported by GasBuddy.
🎓 Education
UIS assistant professor Kyle Blount studies water and heat in urban areas — his research finds that shaded spots can be up to 36 degrees cooler and helps guide policies for efficient city design.
Blount collects data in Springfield and at remote sites in Denver and Portland.
Lincoln Library is expanding teen programs tied to the nation's 250th anniversary; it will run the Future Presidents of America camp for ages 13 to 16 from June 8 through June 12 + host the Illinois competition for the Ronald Reagan Debate Series on June 20.
Illinois schools launched the Purple Star Program on Apr.
28 to support military families by recognizing schools that train staff and provide designated contacts for students adjusting to new environments. The three-year program accepts applications until May 24 (offering a clear path for military-connected student support).
A Dunlap High School student won the Congressional Art Contest on Monday, May 4 with her cultural piece ‘Just Like Amma’ — a win that highlights her creative talent and cultural pride.
The contest recognized outstanding achievement among student artists.
🌲 Environment
City Water, Light and Power released its water quality report on May 4; it confirmed that in 2025 the drinking water met all USEPA and state standards (with no violations found).
The report detailed multiple monitoring levels to ensure safe water production.
ISP closed a highway in Central Illinois yesterday because dust storms reduced visibility — officials advise drivers to take alternative routes as crews work to clear debris.
🏥 Health
Illinois maintains high childhood vaccination rates as the new School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard shows almost all school-required immunizations exceed the 95% threshold.
The Illinois Department of Public Health updates the dashboard with data from over 4,600 schools to track immunizations for the current school year.
OSF HealthCare today announced its expansion of the APP fellowship program with a new cardiology track to train advanced practice providers.
The updated program aims to boost cardiology care in the Springfield community.
🎉 Springfield Events
Submit an event →
Highland Cow Paint Night with Ashley Blake
2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost info provided — Unleash creativity as you paint a quirky Highland Cow masterpiece under expert guidance.
Paint with Ashley Blake
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Cost covers materials — Enjoy a creative night painting a whimsical library gnome with guidance from Ashley Blake.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
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