Good morning, Springfield.

On July 12th, Kids’ Muddy Madness raised tens of thousands of dollars for St. Jude.

Organizers said the funds will support pediatric care.

An Illinois urban search and rescue team with 39 rescuers left Friday overnight for Texas to help after deadly flooding killed over 100 and left hundreds missing—Governor JB Pritzker approved the deployment through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact and the team will remain for up to 14 days.

Zachary Wharton of Lincoln was arrested in Washington Park after a physical altercation with local police around 7:40 p.m.—officers deployed a taser and he now faces charges of aggravated battery on an officer and obstruction.

Friday morning tests by the IEPA showed Mattoon’s water toxin levels dropped from .35 to .314 parts per billion after treatment for an algal bloom, but levels remain above the .3 threshold and the water is still unsafe to drink.

Additional samples have been sent to a lab in Springfield with results expected Sunday afternoon — and water is available for residents at Lytle Park and Williams Elementary School until 8 p.m. today.

Springfield began a new ordinance on July 1 that charges nursing and assisted living facilities for repeated lift assist calls—facilities receive two free calls per year and then pay $350 for each additional call to help free fire crews for serious emergencies.

The rule targets facilities with frequent calls, including Brenden Gardens and Concordia Village, to reduce the fire department's workload.

The Illinois Department of Transportation will start a year-long project Monday to pour new concrete, add guardrails and widen shoulders on flyover bridge decks at Interstate 155 near I-55 in Lincoln.

In Springfield, a $9 million road resurfacing project will begin Monday on Veterans Parkway with lane closures through August, and Cook Street will close Tuesday evening for track repair until Thursday morning.

UIS has begun selling season passes for the 2025 volleyball season — fans can buy them online to support the team.

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.

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.

Monster Truck Destruction Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Illinois State Fairgrounds — $64-$88 — Experience the thrill of the Monsters of Destruction live and feel the adrenaline rush.

The Black Crowes Live Performance

8 PM — Illinois State Fairground — Ticket prices vary — Experience the raw energy of The Black Crowes in an electrifying rock & roll show.

Megan Moroney Concert

8 p.m. — Illinois State Fair Grandstand — $47-$122 — Critically acclaimed country artist Megan Moroney performs hits from her latest album Am I Okay?.