Good morning, Springfield.

Downtown business owner Doug Mayol said construction on 6th Street reduced parking and increased noise this summer, causing him to lose revenue during the busy tourist season.

City officials said they planned the road repairs to update sidewalks and other elements ahead of next year's Route 66 Centennial, but the timing has hurt local businesses.

Police arrested 42-year-old Joel L.

Bennett at 2:53 a.m. on August 15 at 808 S 23rd St after a woman reported he stabbed her hand — he faces charges of aggravated battery and domestic battery — and he denied the stabbing, claiming the victim cut him when she tried to disarm him.

Students from Lincoln Magnet School were honored at the city council meeting for their project that taught seniors to avoid scams — the Beta Club won the Governor's Cup Award and partnered with the city and YMCA to spread the program statewide.

Illinois beekeepers face high hive losses—largely from varroa mites and other challenges—and rising startup costs as they rely on careful monitoring and community mentorship to keep colonies thriving.

Luke Harvey of the Riverview Road Apiary leads efforts where local associations play a key role in sharing expertise and support.

Car insurance rates for August 2025 in Illinois show that Mercury provides the cheapest liability coverage at $25 per month and full coverage at $75—Springfield drivers benefit from the lowest average rate of $131.

On Tuesday, the Springfield City Council approved a new ordinance that creates a registry of properties cited for code violations and increases fines for owners with three or more properties—measures designed to preempt state legislation blocking nuisance ordinances.

Mayor Misty Buscher clarified that the order targets all real estate, not just landlords.

Springfield utility crews began repairing water main breaks on Monday night and have fixed a main on Sixth Street downtown and a transmission line on South Dirksen Parkway.

Repairs continue on a six-inch main on Catalina Lane and an 18-inch line from Ash Street to Clear Lake Avenue on Dirksen Parkway — work expected to fully restore water service soon.

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.

Healing Arts Festival

2-10 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community gathering featuring live music, healthy food, and local art.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 'Pastel Play' Member Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Athens Municipal Library — Free entry — Explore vibrant pastel artworks during this engaging member exhibition.

Tour de Heartland

8 AM – 1 PM — Historic Marbold Farmstead — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a bike ride fundraiser supporting the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association.

Illinois Senior Games

9 AM – 6 PM — Iles Park — Registration open — Compete in various sports including pickleball during this exciting senior Olympics event.

Art Spectacular

10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate 20 years of art and music at Central Illinois' premier fine art fair featuring local and regional artists.

Book Discussion: Thinking Fast and Slow

10 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on behavioral finance inspired by Daniel Kahneman's insights.