Good morning, Springfield.

Last Thursday, a local nonprofit partnered with health care providers at All In One Laundry Services to offer free laundry and wellness screenings for people facing homelessness.

The monthly event helped remove barriers to basic necessities (like clean clothes and preventive care).

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced a grant program to offer up to $5,000 to 10 small nonprofits without full-time staff to buy food & applications have been open since June 1 and will run through July 31 amid rising local need.

The Lincoln museum will celebrate Juneteenth with a rare Emancipation Proclamation display — a talk by Nikole Hannah-Jones — and family activities on Jun.

19. Community members are invited to join in marking this historic observance.

Springfield is celebrating Juneteenth with a week-long series of free events—featuring Family Day, a parade, art shows, music, and panel discussions at local venues from Friday at the Old State Capitol to Thursday's community gatherings, offering residents a chance to learn, enjoy, and honor freedom.

The Illinois State Board of Education approved a new Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan on Wednesday, June 10 to help teachers and school leaders boost math skills statewide.

The 192-page framework (the first of its kind) offers flexible recommendations and training resources for local schools.

On June 11, a severe storm hit Springfield and damaged the Animal Protective League — hundreds of animals were relocated safely with no injuries reported.

The storm also caused widespread outages and building damage in other parts of the Midwest.

Friday's severe storm in Springfield snapped trees and power lines, leaving about 11,000 customers without electricity — CWLP said electric crews made progress with repairs while clearing fallen debris from Pleasant Plains and nearby areas.

Cooler, drier weather was expected over the weekend but some rain remained possible.

City Water, Light and Power said that more than 11,000 customers lost power in 64 Springfield areas late Thursday night due to severe storms — crews are working to restore power while the Indian Hills area awaits Ameren repair.

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.

Karaoke Night at Somewhere Else Lounge

8:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. — Somewhere Else Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a lively karaoke night with a great crowd and an extensive music catalog.