Good morning, Springfield.

On Sunday, Aug. 16, veterans were honored at the IL State Fair in a ceremony where Brig.

Gen. Lenny Williams explained the lessons of military service — discipline and teamwork — while Anthony Vaughn noted the nation’s 250th birthday and Mayor Misty Buscher read proclamation honoring Brenda Jefferson's forty-year career.

Last Sunday, storms damaged trees and power lines across Springfield, leaving over 7,300 residents without power in areas from South Grand and Stanford to GlenAire, Laketown and Hazel Dell Lane; crews restored most outages by sunrise, though about 700+ customers in southeast and west areas still lacked electricity.

The YES Program unveiled its 'Infinite Possibilities' sculpture today in Springfield.

The artwork (a symbol of local creativity) is part of a cultural initiative designed to engage residents.

Toby Behrends from Sheffield was named Grand Champion Overall Master Showman Aug.

14 at the State Fair Master Showmanship Contest. Sixty-six 4-H exhibitors showcased their livestock skills — nearly $8,000 in prizes were awarded.

Country star Lainey Wilson drew 15,533 fans to her concert at the Illinois State Fair Saturday night, setting a new grandstand record that surpassed last year's by Megan Moroney+ officials reported the achievement.

The record marks a highlight at the fair.

This summer, the Illinois Office of Tourism hosted Japanese travel professionals in Springfield to tour local landmarks including the presidential library.

Director Scott Dahl said the group is part of 10-15 annual familiarization tours (the itinerary also covered Route 66 stops in Pontiac and Joliet).

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched a statewide campaign today to encourage organ and tissue donation, featuring TV, radio, digital, and social media ads.

The new effort aims to build on Illinois’ existing registry of 7+ million donors and help more residents register.

Work begins today on Carpenter Street between 4th and 7th, with westbound lanes reduced to one while eastbound lanes remain open.

Construction will upgrade traffic signals and intersection sightlines (the project is expected to continue into December).

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched a statewide organ and tissue donor awareness campaign today on broadcast, social media, and digital platforms to raise registrations for the Life Goes On program—over 7 million registrants and 4,000 waiting for transplants.

State Comptroller Susana Mendoza is joining WILD today in Springfield to support rescue pet adoptions.

Her involvement aims to boost efforts in finding new homes and encouraging community engagement with rescued animals.

SIU Medicine launched a street medicine program on Aug.

11 to offer homeless residents on-the-spot health care in Springfield. The new team includes a doctor, nurse, residents, and a community worker, and it helped a long-time street resident secure housing while planning to expand services soon.