Good morning, Springfield.

After major grocery chains left Central IL, local community groups stepped in to fill the grocery gap — they launched initiatives to offer residents access to fresh food at affordable prices.

The organizations plan to expand their services soon to meet growing need.

The owners of the Double Black Diamond Solar project signed a Community Benefit Agreement with Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance to deliver $250,000 a year in matching funds for community projects—this deal will support local arts and culture initiatives.

Further investments are planned to boost overall community involvement in the region.

A fire erupted in an apartment on the 10th floor of Sangamon Towers today and the sprinkler system helped contain it until firefighters arrived—two residents suffered mild burns and were taken to St. John's Hospital while authorities investigate the cause and hold a person of interest in custody.

A history project on the Pillsbury plant in Springfield is presented on the Moving Pillsbury Forward website and gathers employee stories and volunteer research from the last two years—documenting the plant’s journey from its opening to its upcoming demolition.

Chris Richmond discussed the project on WTAX Morning Newswatch.

State officials in Illinois pressed insurers to show more transparency after a 27.2% jump in home premiums and auto rate hikes— Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched a campaign urging lawmakers to ban non-driving factors in setting rates and scheduled town halls to collect consumer feedback.

On Tuesday, the Springfield City Council heard a presentation on the Lincoln Capital Solar Project—proposed by developer Sun2o to generate 125 megawatts west of Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport.

If approved, construction will start soon and the plant will come online by 2028.

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.