Good morning, Springfield.

On June 25th the Channel1450 Awards were held and the Area Football video is now sharing over the next week—Ryne Sheppard from Maroa Forsyth won the award while other nominees included Braddock Cates from Williamsville, Clark Nelson from New Berlin, Grant Smith from Maroa Forsyth and Carson Wort from Pawnee.

Over the next week Channel1450 will share videos from its 4th Annual Awards held on June 25—one video features Swimming and Diving winner Jackson Vinzant from Glenwood.

Just west of Springfield, Clayville Historic Site has been revived by local volunteers to preserve the Broadwell Inn built in 1824, which once served as a stagecoach stop.

The site now hosts events and tours—featuring ties to Abraham Lincoln’s legal work and early frontier life—that bring the region’s past into the present.

The University of Illinois Springfield received a $102,668 grant from the Illinois Secretary of State to cut textbook costs by adding free learning materials to courses in computer science, mathematics and public administration—aiming to help about 200 students and save over $34,000— as part of a state-wide initiative.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a settlement with Midway Staffing Inc. that will require it to pay $1 million to help temporary workers hurt by alleged wage-fixing and no-poach deals—Midway will also adopt measures to stop future violations.

Raoul had reached settlements with Colony, Elite Staffing Inc., and Metro Staff Inc. in previous years.

On June 24, Springfield City Water, Light and Power noted that since 2019 they replaced about 1,000 lead service lines at a cost of $12 million with nearly a quarter of lines still made of lead.

The utility is now researching an integrated resource plan and applied for a $200,000 grant to help cover evaluation costs.

City Water, Light, and Power reported in a June 24 city council meeting that it replaced about 1,000 lead service lines since 2019 at a cost of $12 million and noted that about a quarter of the lines still contain lead— the utility has applied for a $200k grant and is preparing a request for proposals to advance its integrated resource plan evaluation.

On Saturday, the federal budget resolution known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed a key Senate vote and included cuts to Medicaid that put 93 Illinois nursing homes at risk of closure, reducing payments for hospital emergency services and state-directed care.

Illinois senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth warned that if the plan passes further, seniors and people with disabilities will lose vital health services — endangering community access to care.

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.

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.

Women's Distance Festival

8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Washington Park — $5 and up — Celebrate women’s athleticism with races including a 2 Mile and Kids Fun Run.

Scheels/Capital City Classic Pickleball Tournament

Thu, Jul 17 – Sun, Jul 20 — Iles Park — Entry Fee Required — Compete in one of Springfield's exciting pickleball tournaments and showcase your skills.

Washington Park Trail Trek

7-10 a.m. — Washington Park — Registration fee applies — Embark on a historical 5K journey through Washington Park's scenic trails.