Good morning, Springfield.

A 46-year-old man was struck by a car early Friday morning near the Quick N EZ on 430 North Grand and was hospitalized with a broken leg (and facial fractures) with non-life-threatening injuries.

The American Business Club of Springfield was named Grand Marshal of the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade for its over 70 years of service and more than $6 million in donations.

The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 7 from Lincoln Park—following Sangamon Avenue into the fairgrounds.

Joseph D. Johnson, 62, was denied pretrial release in Springfield after police linked him to a July 30 fire at Sangamon Tower that caused minor burns to two people and a medical incident in a third—he now faces three felony counts and will attend a preliminary hearing on Aug 14 to enter a formal plea.

Illinois State Fair organizers announced a free grandstand concert and special ticket sales for upcoming shows as the fair nears its opening.

Country singer Randy Houser will perform free on Monday, August 11 at the grandstand—tickets for Jake Owen on Friday, August 8 for $25 and for The Chainsmokers on Friday, August 15 for $85 will go on sale this weekend using code SUMMER25.

Cece Donathan will return to Springfield on August 16 at 7:30 p.m. to present her original piece 'Odes to Origins: A Personal Cabaret' at The Grant Conservatory of Music and Dance.

She will also lead a youth theatre arts camp for children ages 7 to 13 from August 4 to 8 at the same venue.

Illinois public schools will begin universal mental health screenings for students in grades three through twelve starting in the 2027 school year—parents may opt their children out of the tests.

Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed a series of bills into law that amend township codes, public health measures, education policies and consumer protections.

Some bills take effect immediately while others will start on January 1, 2026 or on September 1, 2026—updates affecting various state departments.

Veterans and their families will be invited by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to enjoy a free day at the Illinois State Fair on Sunday, August 10 with a complimentary lunch and a veterans resource fair.

The event will honor the 250th birthdays of the Army, Navy & Marine Corps with a speaking program, period clothing displays and a Veterans Parade through the fairgrounds.

Springfield High’s Mekhi Newman committed to play football at Western Illinois University—he discussed his decision and plans for the upcoming Senators season.

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.

Springfield Virtual Job Fair

4-6 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention Ctr by IHG — Free registration — Connect with employers and get AI matched for interviews in a virtual setting.