Good morning, Springfield.

The 85th annual Midwest Charity Horse Show returns next week at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

The five-day event (June 9 to June 13) will feature equine competitions in the Coliseum of Champions and support SIU School of Medicine pediatric programs.

The Sangamon County Fair will run June 10 to June 14 at the fairgrounds with family-friendly events including a pageant opening Wednesday, a Friday concert with Scotty McCreery and Josh Turner, a Saturday talent show, rodeo and Sunday Father’s Day car show with a demolition derby.

Local groups are joining forces to boost downtown living and work by partnering on beautification and safety improvements (like new streetscaping) under the Mid-Illinois District Downtown Plan; Mayor Buscher noted the city has sought state funding to upgrade sidewalks and curbs.

Outdoor concerts in Springfield include today’s free jazz show at Y Block, a free electric folk set Friday at Jacksonville Central Park Plaza and Saturday events featuring the Municipal Band at the Presidential Library and country metal at Sherman Village Park; tickets cost $11 up to one week in advance.

Springfield’s History Comes Alive returns today with Route 66 events, trolley tours and live history programs celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. and 100 years of Route 66 (the season’s 17th) while offering food events, flag ceremonies and a folk dance on June 26.

After Monday night's meeting, District 186 announced that when the Douglas Alternative Program moves to Lawrence it will be renamed J.

Michael Zimmers Academy at Lawrence to honor Michael Zimmers (late educator and former board president) amid renovations funded by a one-percent sales tax increase.

Gov. Pritzker intends to sign education measures after the legislature approved a bill banning cell phones during school for the 2026-27 year + easing foreign language requirements for high school graduates starting 2028, transferring childcare licensing to a new department, and expanding in-state tuition eligibility for qualifying students effective immediately.

The Douglas Alternative Program will be renamed the J.

Michael Zimmers Academy at Lawrence as it moves to a renovated facility — the school board honored the educator for his commitment to students. Renovations were funded by a 1% sales tax increase to improve the learning environment.

A federal judge blocked the state law banning swipe fees on tax & tip amounts after lawmakers postponed its start to July 1, 2027.

Banks & retailers now face debate over how the ruling will impact fee calculations.

Illinois ranked sixth for dog bite incidents on mail carriers last year—USPS now advises residents to secure their dogs when expecting deliveries.

The service warns that failure to secure pets may delay mail and result in owner liability under state law.

Getting Started With Wills & Trusts

3:30 p.m. — Edwards Group LLC — Free entry — Learn the essentials of estate planning in this informative workshop for families.

Foodees Fest

1-9 p.m. — White Oaks Mall — Free entry — Experience a weekend of gourmet food, artisan crafts, and family fun in Springfield.

Little Miracles 5K 2026

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Washington Park — Registration fee applies — Lace up for a fun run to support NICU warriors at St. John’s Children’s Hospital.

Teen Art Collage

2-3 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create a summer-inspired junk journal collage on canvas and embrace the messiness of art.

Sponge with Order of The Machine Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of 90’s alternative rock with Sponge and local favorites.