Hi there, Springfield! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Boots & Bow Ties Annual Fundraiser benefiting Senior Services of Centra lIlinois and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Why are crows so alert and curious? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Springfield Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Springfield Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Springfield.
1. How 9/11 has impacted first responders in Springfield (sj-r.com) — Springfield's fire and police leaders describe how 9/11 reshaped their careers and the way local departments protect residents. Fire Captain Phil Johnson shares a deeply personal path into firefighting, while Police Chief Joe Behl explains how the attacks pushed Springfield toward more proactive, data-driven policing and training that still influences emergency response today.
2. Chamber announces retirements (springfieldbusinessjournal.com) — The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is preparing for major leadership changes as longtime vice presidents Lisa Schafer and David Earhart plan to retire in early 2027. The Chamber is already recruiting their successors, aiming to have new hires in place by January so they can overlap with the outgoing leaders and ensure a smooth transition for Springfield's business community.
3. Springfield's Amy Beadle has a new workplace (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield's longtime tourism marketer Amy Beadle is shifting from promoting the whole city to running operations at the Illinois Governor's Mansion, starting Sept. 14. After decades serving local attractions through Visit Springfield, she'll now help shape events and visitor experiences at one of the capital's most prominent historic sites, bringing her knowledge of the community directly into state hospitality.
4. Students lobby for grants in Springfield (dailyegyptian.com) — College students recently traveled to Springfield to lobby lawmakers for more funding for Illinois' Monetary Award Program grants, which many local students rely on to afford college. With thousands of eligible students losing out due to budget cuts, they met legislators at the Capitol to push for a larger MAP budget and highlight how these grants affect families statewide.
5. Illinois medical aid in dying law takes effect Saturday (wandtv.com) — A new Illinois law allowing terminally ill patients to seek medical aid in dying takes effect Saturday, but Springfield's Catholic Diocese has temporarily blocked its application at HSHS and OSF hospitals in the region. Supporters emphasize safeguards and patient choice, while opponents, including local religious and disability advocates, warn about potential misuse and ethical concerns for families and providers.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: They start each day with a cup of caw-fee. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Springfield Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.