Good morning, Springfield.

A fundraiser for the Animal Protective League is taking place in Springfield today to support local animal welfare — donations will aid ongoing care and protection of pets.

City Water, Light and Power hosted the City Community Connections open house at its water plant at 3100 Stevenson Drive on Jun.

15 from 4 to 7 p.m. — walking tours at 4:15, 5:15 and 6:15 explained water quality, boating safety and lake boat patrol details.

The Animal Protective League is hosting a fundraiser today in Springfield to support care for animals in the community.

Upcoming fireworks shows in the Springfield area celebrate America 250 and the Fourth of July with displays ranging from downtown Springfield’s Capitol show to family events at Robin Roberts Stadium, Tri-County Fairgrounds, Lake Springfield Marina + other venues from July 3 to July 4.

Legends Entertainment, a 46,000 sqft family center with arcade games, bowling, and five local eateries, will open mid-July in the Legacy Pointe area near Scheels Sports Park.

The facility is designed to keep visiting families close to hotels and will create 80 jobs — a new hub for local fun.

The Illinois State Museum is showcasing the Miles of Memories: Stories of Route 66 exhibit featuring memorabilia, oral histories, and vintage signs to celebrate the highway’s centennial.

Visitors in Springfield can receive a voucher (redeemable until Aug. 13) for free adult weekday admission to the State Fair.

The University of Illinois Springfield released names of 714 undergraduates on the Dean’s List for spring semester 2026 (including students from five colleges) who met requirements of at least eight graded hours, a 3.75 GPA, and no incomplete grades.

Jennifer Gill retired as District 186 superintendent after 12 years at a warm school board meeting on Monday — Terrance Jordan was named her successor, vowing to keep strong support for local schools.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced last week the Illinois Reliable Information Sources program, which gives residents free access to online databases with e-books, journals, magazines, newspapers and research materials.

Illinoisans can use the service at their local or state libraries.

West White Oaks Drive in Springfield is closed today—between Cameron and Cascade Drives—for a water main extension project expected to last several days.

Springfield officials said last week’s EF-1 tornado did not trigger emergency sirens because the storm failed to meet required conditions (including golf ball sized hail or a radar-indicated tornado).

The City will review protocols to improve future responses.

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.