Good morning, Springfield.

Officials said the 'Bringing the Boom' event is planned to offer safe and fun activities—over 200,000 attendees are expected to join.

Organizers will enforce safety measures and invite local residents to participate.

Community activist Teresa Haley wants to calm Springfield after Sonya Massey was shot by former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson when she called for help and community tensions rose.

Haley plans to prevent renewed conflict like the 1908 race riots—her efforts come as Massey's family and neighbors prepare to mark her one-year anniversary tomorrow.

Springfield Police arrested two men and recovered firearms after a shooting on July 3 in the 1500 block of Cornell Ave, where shots struck a house and vehicle & the investigation remains ongoing.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum unveiled a rarely seen 21-star U.S. flag on July 4 to honor Illinois’ entry into the Union in 1818, featuring a unique star design and white stripes in place of red.

Conservators restored the fragile flag using conservation-grade Plexiglass—ensuring it is preserved for public display for several months.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Ald.

Hanauer presented numbers from the Office of Planning and Economic Development showing wards 2, 3, and 5 received 95% of grant funds—wards 2 and 3 secured 53% of the tax increment finance money totaling $23 million over the past five years—to counter claims that the east side gets shortchanged.

At Tuesday's council meeting, Ald.

Ralph Hanauer presented data (from the Office of Planning and Economic Development) to counter claims that City Hall favors the west side, noting that Wards 2, 3, and 5 received 95 percent of the money. He explained that Wards 2 and 3 got 53 percent of $23 million awarded over the past five years.

UIS men's soccer coach Graham Shaw announced the fall 2025 schedule — the team will play preseason scrimmages on Aug.

22 and Aug. 26 at Kiwanis Stadium, face regional opponents in nonconference matches starting Sept. 4, and compete in a full Great Lakes Valley Conference slate with tournament play beginning Nov. 9 and the NCAA Tournament starting Nov. 20.

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.

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.

Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale

11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Free entry — Explore a variety of timepieces at this local watch and clock exhibition and sale.

National Button Society Convention 2025

11 a.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr by IHG — Cost varies — Explore a unique collection of vintage buttons at this year's National Button Society Convention.