Good morning, Springfield.

A Springfield mother is channeling her grief to help others through community support—she is planning local efforts to offer aid to neighbors dealing with loss.

Her work reflects a focused effort to turn her personal tragedy into help for Springfield—she aims to bring comfort to those in need.

Readers voted in the 2024 Official Community Choice Awards to name their top local bookstores—Our Town Books won while The Book Rack and Prairie Archives were the other favorites.

Nominations for the 2025 awards are open from June 2 to June 23, and readers will cast votes in August.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture released a summer schedule for over 100 county fairs across the state (from Peoria to Bloomington) that will offer rides, games and fried food for families.

Springfield residents can enjoy local events including the Illinois State Fair (Aug 7-17) as fairs roll out from early June to early September.

A kitchen fire broke out at a senior living apartment on the 1100 block of Community Drive in Rochester on Sunday when meat on the stove overheated and set off a blaze that damaged the stove, microwave—fire crews from Springfield, Riverton, Dawson and Mechanicsburg aided and one person was taken to the hospital for evaluation before all units left around 2 p.m.

Juneteenth Inc. invites the Springfield community to join a week of events honoring freedom and Black excellence beginning June 12 and concluding June 19 — a time to remember the historical journey from emancipation to today.

The programming features activities such as a Mr. and Miss Juneteenth pageant, a family day panel, and a youth breakfast with a Levitt AMP concert, reflecting our city's deep ties to this legacy.

The Illinois EPA announced that it is offering up to $4.4 million to reduce water pollution from runoff through two grant opportunities — one for watershed planning and one for plan implementation covering education, monitoring, and best management practices.

Applicants must submit proposals by 1:00 p.m. on July 23 through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Grantee Portal.

A bill to ban Native American imagery from school mascots stalled in the Senate due to cost concerns, ending the session without final action, while a separate conservation measure that lets tribal nations join land agreements passed both Houses and now awaits the governor’s signature—reflecting ongoing efforts to support Native interests.

Illinois lawmakers ended the session without passing a K-12 school mascot ban aimed at removing Native imagery, with concerns about costs halting the measure.

A separate conservation bill now goes to the governor for approval so that tribal nations can join land conservation agreements with landowners.

Memorial Health launched the Horizons Program to help students in high-demand health fields by offering a $1,000 bi-weekly stipend, up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per year + over 200 hours of clinical experience leading to full-time jobs after graduation.

The program welcomes both external applicants and current employees in accredited programs, with successful candidates committing to three years of employment once they are licensed.

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.

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.

R and B Live Summer Party

7-10 p.m. — Curve Inn — Free entry — Get ready to groove at a night of soulful music and good vibes.

Little Miracles 5K

A fun 3K/5K run/walk for all ages and abilities! The race will support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to continue funding a variety of items/programs to support our tiniest patients at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital.

Virtual Tour of Springfield Supportive Living

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Springfield Supportive Living — Free entry — Explore award-winning amenities and activities at one of the highest-rated senior living communities.

Camp Invention: Discover at Lincoln Magnet School

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Lincoln Magnet School — $175 — A STEM summer program that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills for kids entering grades 1-6.

Grease Musical

7 p.m. — Legacy Theatre — Check venue site for pricing — Experience the beloved musical journey of Danny and Sandy with classic tunes and lively performances.

Midnineties performing Bleed American

7 p.m. — Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Company — Tickets vary — Experience Midnineties performing Jimmy Eat World's iconic album 'Bleed American' in full.

Zen Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Kentucky Burn — All materials provided — Relax and tap into your creative spirit while painting in a calming atmosphere.

Rock the Dock

6-11 p.m. — Lake Springfield Marina — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with Central Illinois' largest fireworks display alongside live music and food.