Good morning, Springfield.

Downtown Springfield will host many events this weekend, starting with Springfield PrideFest on Saturday that features a parade, live music, food vendors, and community booths.

Art lovers can visit the Old Capitol Art Fair and Farmers Market on Saturday morning, and the Illinois Product Market will be held Thursday evening at the State Fairgrounds — a chance to support local vendors and small businesses.

Springfield police are searching for a suspect linked to a potential armed robbery near the Land of Lincoln Credit Union — officers remain at the scene while investigating.

Country singer Jake Owen will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Friday, August 8 as part of Agriculture Day—tickets will go on sale on Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will soon open its new exhibit Lincoln: Sight, Sound and Touch to benefit visitors with visual impairments and others, as Head of Exhibits Lance Tawzer explained on WTAX Morning Newswatch.

The Illinois House committee approved a bill that would add xylazine—an animal tranquilizer cut into opioids—to the Schedule III list to strengthen penalties for its possession and distribution.

The bill passed the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee 11-1 and could be presented to the full House for a vote soon.

Lawmakers announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation fully obligated $157,126,494 for the final phase of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project.

Officials say the project will realign tracks, ease downtown rail congestion, build a new Amtrak station, and add overpasses and underpasses — work that will improve safety and support union jobs.

During National Nurses Week from May 6th—12th, HSHS St. John's Hospital honored its nurses by announcing the winners of the 2025 Nursing Exemplar Awards.

The ceremony recognized the staff’s dedication to providing high-quality care in our community.

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.

Dementia Caregiving 101: Nutrition and Activities

2-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Learn about brain nutrition and meaningful activities for individuals with memory loss in this comprehensive caregiver support program.

Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale

11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Admission details not provided — Explore a variety of watches and clocks at this community-sponsored event.

Friends of the Farmers Market Brunch

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Union Square Park — Celebrate local agriculture with delicious farm-to-table dishes and community vibes.

Sangamon County Fair

7 p.m. — Sangamon County Fairgrounds — Family-friendly fun — Experience a Midwestern tradition with concerts, rides, and animals as you kick off the summer.