Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield will host numerous events and festivals in August — a busy month that features activities even before the Illinois State Fair begins while school starts for most.

Amy Beadle from Visit Springfield discussed the full list of activities on WTAX Morning Newswatch.

Illinois State Police finished a six-day traffic enforcement detail in Sangamon County that issued 385 citations, arrested 31 people and seized 44 pounds of cocaine while working with the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.

Defense lawyers for former deputy Sean Grayson dropped their cease-and-desist request to bar Massey Commission events in Peoria because they feared the jury could be biased—new motions in the Sonya Massey murder case will be heard on Sept 12.

A six-day joint traffic enforcement operation in Sangamon County led to 31 arrests and 385 citations as six firearms were seized and 44 pounds of cocaine and 1,453 pounds of illegal cannabis were confiscated (52 criminal charges, including 26 felonies, were filed) according to the Illinois State Police.

A judge denied pretrial release for Robert Lee Jr.—a 57-year-old Springfield man charged with first-degree murder in connection with the killing of 54-year-old Teresa Coleman, whose body was found near the southbound Stevenson Drive ramp to Interstate 55 in March 2024—and his next court hearing is set for August 4.

Unemployment declined in all 12 metro areas in Illinois for the year ending in June.

In Springfield, the jobless rate fell to 3.6 percent from 4.6 percent last year — nonfarm payrolls increased by 300 to over 112,000.

A group of Springfield kids organized a lemonade stand on July 25th to raise funds for St. Jude's childhood cancer research.

They plan to host more events to help cover treatment costs and strengthen community support.

The bill on Gov. Pritzker’s desk will let pharmacies sell sterile needles and syringes when in stock— a measure filed after a constituent couldn’t get the supplies— and it awaits his signature; legislators passed the measure with strong bipartisan support— the Senate vote was 50—6 and the House vote was unanimous.

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.

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.

Balloons Over 66 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Community High School — Registration required — Enjoy a morning 5K run with friends and family in a vibrant community setting.