Good morning, Springfield.

Ground was broken on Monday morning for eight new pickleball courts at Sherman Village Park, part of a larger development that includes an amphitheater, walking trails, playground & splash pad.

The project was approved unanimously by the Sherman Village Board on June 16.

At a Citizens Club discussion today, community leaders said disruptions to SNAP benefits have made it hard for residents to meet work requirements—impacting food banks and local vendors.

Panelists urged support for those facing limited job opportunities.

The Citizens Club of Springfield held a discussion on SNAP challenges, where Foodbank director Pam Molitoris and pastor Jessie Herring explained how the program's suspension disrupted food supply and work opportunities in the community.

One audience member noted the need for accessible local job options.

Jay Shanle, Downtown Springfield Inc’s new director, told city council on July 21 that his group is resident-first, valuing local foot traffic over seasonal tourism.

He noted that the Big Boy locomotive visit boosted downtown business and that plans using banners on 200 poles will promote local attractions.

Golfers played 18 holes last Friday at Piper Glen Golf Club to raise funds for Crime Stoppers’ tip reward program that enhances community safety in Sangamon and Menard Counties (with local media among the participants).

Crowns Pub and Grill opened in the former South Dirksen Dew Chilli Parlor in Springfield — serving dishes from dawn until dusk.

Locals are invited to try the new restaurant’s all-day menu.

Downtown Springfield re-launches the ARTification project as local artists touched up and sealed two murals (ensuring they endure) to refresh the neighborhood's art scene.

The state historic site of Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices in downtown Springfield completed a $3.9 million restoration that enhanced safety & accessibility while preserving its 1840 Greek Revival features.

The project was a partnership between the Illinois Capital Development Board and IDNR, funded by Rebuild Illinois.

The American Red Cross faces a national blood shortage due to a four-year summer low, and the agency urgently seeks all blood types, especially type O, to help hospitals; local donation events are scheduled (for example at Congerville Village Hall on Tuesday, July 28) for those who can give blood.

Maple Leaf Foods Inc., a Lisle company, recalled over 12,000 lbs of smoked bacon on July 27 after missing a required reinspection.

The recall affects products with September sell-by dates sold in Illinois and other states; customers should discard them (contact Maple Leaf with questions).

The Women's Pro Baseball League will launch on Saturday, Aug.

1, at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield. The new league will run a five-week season plus a championship series and features rosters from four teams drafted earlier this year.

More than 300 athletes competed in the Lake Springfield Triathlon Saturday, testing their endurance in swimming, cycling and running through a half-Iron distance event.

Competitors of all ages celebrated at the finish line with food + live music.