Good morning, Springfield.

Sean Grayson, the former deputy charged with murder for shooting Sonya Massey, has been transferred to Sangamon County Jail for ongoing medical procedures — he will remain there until his trial in Peoria in October and is set for a court appearance Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Former Springfield police officer Taylor Staff pled guilty to sexual assault and misconduct charges and was sentenced Wednesday to six and a half years in IDOC—he received credit for 998 days served and must complete one year of supervised release while registering as a sex offender for life.

Illinois State Police arrested Robert Lee Jr., 57, on Wednesday for three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death after human remains—later identified as Teresa Coleman—were found near the I-55 southbound ramp from Stevenson Drive in Springfield, and investigators are still probing the case.

The former sheriff's deputy, Sean Grayson, charged with killing Sonya Massey in July 2024, had his defense attorney file a motion on July 23 arguing he acted in self-defense when Massey threw boiling water—Grayson remains in Macon County Jail as his appeal under the SAFE-T Act is pending before the Illinois Supreme Court ahead of his October trial in Peoria County.

The eastbound lanes of Washington Street—between Amos and Lincoln Avenues—will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Friday for sidewalk replacement.

Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes.

The Illinois Springfield men's basketball team was recognized for academic excellence by the National Association of Basketball Coaches when five student-athletes were named to the 2024-25 NABC Honors Court & the team earned a Team Academic Excellence Award for finishing the academic year with a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. This recognition highlights their strong classroom performance and on-court leadership.

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.

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?.

Snoop Dogg Concert

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Requires Pre-Show Party and Concert ticket — Enjoy an exclusive pre-show party before Snoop Dogg takes the stage.

Ask a Library Techie

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Get one-on-one tech assistance with your devices from knowledgeable staff members.

Def Leppard Concert

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Ticket prices vary — Rock out with the legendary British heavy metal band known for their iconic anthems and powerful performances.

Vachel Lindsay Home Guided Tour

9:45-10:15 a.m. — Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site — Free entry — Explore the legacy of poet Vachel Lindsay with art displays and a chance to win his collected works.