Good morning to you Springfield! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
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: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Springfield readers vote on the best local hair salons (sj-r.com) — Springfield residents can see which local hair salons fellow readers named their favorites in the 2025 Community's Choice Awards, including locations on Robbins Road, Professional Drive, Veterans Parkway, and Washington Street. The annual State Journal-Register contest highlights standout Springfield businesses across more than 140 categories, with voting for the 2026 awards already completed and winners to be revealed in November.
2. Radio station in Springfield expected to launch in September (sj-r.com) — A new community radio station in Springfield aims to return to the airwaves on 95.7 FM by the end of September and is actively recruiting volunteer DJs and support staff. Organizers with Springfield Community Broadcasters are also seeking donated office furniture and audio gear, emphasizing that no one is paid and the project depends entirely on local passion and participation.
3. Springfield prepares to convert railroads to greenways (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield is moving ahead with turning unused railroad tracks into greenways, with the council set to vote Tuesday on backing an $4.1 million phase that unlocks state grants. This stage focuses on Sangamon Avenue and Eighth Street, eventually linking Lincoln Park to the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Aldermen also pressed for updates on delayed work near Stanford Avenue.
4. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum to host presentation on race riots (nprillinois.org) — Springfield's African American History Museum will host a free program on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, exploring the history of American race riots and Springfield's own legacy of racial violence. The event at 1440 Monument Avenue features Tiffany Lee's short documentary and an interactive discussion using first-person historical accounts, and is open to all residents interested in deeper context on racial history.
5. Springfield VEGAN CHEF CHALLENGE the month of October Austin Simmons and Autumn Gwinn serve up info (nprillinois.org) — Springfield diners will have a full month to sample new vegan dishes during the Springfield Vegan Chef Challenge, running October 1–31, 2026 at restaurants across the city. Participants can try special menu items, post photos, leave reviews, and vote on their favorites, with chances to win prizes while supporting local chefs and businesses.
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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: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
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