Good morning, Springfield.

City Water, Light and Power restored power for over 16,000 customers by Sunday night after last week's storms dropped an EF-1 tornado on Wednesday and an 80-mile-per-hour wind storm on Thursday that left thousands without electricity — crews deployed 100 employees and 50 trucks to restore service within 24 hours.

All Shook Up will play at The Muni this weekend as a high-energy music & dance performance featuring actor Madi Sweeney and dancer Bri’ara McKinney.

The show, which tells the story of a motorcycle man shaking up the town, will bring fresh energy to Springfield.

The Springfield Brick Convention will debut at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Oct.

10-11. Tickets cost $15 online or $20 at the door, and children 2 and younger get free admittance.

Downtown Springfield will host fireworks on Fourth of July as nearby communities plan displays—residents can expect a festive celebration across the area.

A historic tree thought to be the last living tree from Lincoln's time in a Springfield neighborhood was damaged.

Local preservation groups are assessing its condition as they plan next steps.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum hosts a circus history exhibit from Petersburg that displays photos of acrobats, clowns and stunt-riders along with unique artifacts until Dec.

8.

At her final meeting on Monday, June 16, Springfield School District 186 honored former superintendent Jennifer Gill, who thanked staff, board members, students + the community for 12 years of leadership and wished well to her successor, Dr. Terrance Jordan, as her final day is June 30.

Miller Park Zoo welcomed several endangered red wolf pups on Jun.

16, 2026. Wildlife experts said the new litter will be closely monitored to support local conservation efforts.

Springfield Public Works started branch pickup two weeks early due to last week’s storms and is collecting storm debris from local streets; branches must be placed in the right-of-way with piles no larger than a pickup truck bed.

Residents can drop off branches at Evans Recycling (J. David Jones Parkway).

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a Medicaid omnibus bill on Tuesday in Springfield that allocates about $110 million in new spending for Fiscal Year 2027 to boost hospital funding, expand long-term care services, and improve oversight as state officials prepare for federal changes.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Melissa Hahn advised Springfield residents today to prepare for severe storms by packing pet supplies, including food, leashes and vaccination records (key for reunification) in a 15-minute bag after last week’s tornado.

June is Pet Preparedness Month.

Illinois residents can fish (without a license) during Free Fishing Days from June 19 to June 22, offering a chance for newbies and returning anglers to enjoy the sport.

No license, salmon stamp, or inland trout stamp is needed, while standard rules apply for those over 16 outside this period.

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.