Good morning, Springfield.

Tuesdays at Comer Cox Park will host basketball nights at 5 p.m., inviting teens, young adults, and mentors to meet, play, and get outdoors.

The event aims to pull kids away from screens + build local friendships.

The Sangamon County Fair opens today at the fairgrounds with rides, livestock shows, and family activities (general admission is $5).

The five-day event features grandstand events such as monster trucks, a concert, a rodeo, and a demolition derby.

Heavy rains caused older sewer lines to fail, triggering a sinkhole in front of the office building at 413 W.

Monroe — crews are excavating the area as repairs have not begun.

A 12-foot-deep sinkhole opened Monday in a parking lot off Monroe Street between Pasfield and Lewis Streets after heavy rains caused a 150-year-old sewer line to collapse; no one was hurt and repairs will take about 2 days.

SIU has named Dr. Ian B.K.

Martin as the new provost, dean, and CEO of SIU Medicine following a national search for a leader with strong academic and clinical skills—he and his wife plan to join the Springfield community as he succeeds retiring Dr. Jerry Kruse.

Southeast High School held its graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6 at the Bank of Springfield Center, where students received diplomas and shared proud moments + photos capture the joyful event.

After heavy rains on Monday brought up to 3.5 inches to parts of Springfield, firefighters rescued a flooded vehicle near Third and Capitol and more rain is forecast as temperatures rise.

Officials in Lincoln announced that Logan Correctional Center will close when inmates transfer to a $1 billion facility in Crest Hill set to hold 800 women and 1,500 men.

Leaders warn the closure may reduce local jobs and revenue, prompting efforts to offset the economic impact.

The Citizens Utility Board advises Springfield residents to beware of alternative power suppliers as Ameren’s summer supply price is 11.326 cents per kilowatt-hour & is 39 percent higher than two summers ago, though prices are expected to drop in October.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture began demolishing Building 29 at the State Fairgrounds today as part of a $2.1 million project (it once served as a dormitory and document storage facility).

Asbestos will be removed and the ground leveled for future plans across from the Junior Livestock building.

A new Illinois bill will limit social media companies from targeting feeds to children — lawmakers are reviewing the proposal as debate continues before it may affect local families.

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.

Midnight Reading Paint Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Relaxing paint night — Unwind while creating a moody midnight scene with guidance from Ashley Blake.