Good morning, Springfield.

APL is fundraising to cover repair costs after a severe storm damaged its facility in Springfield + the effort was announced today to help restore local services.

The building at 430 E.

Monroe will soon host a bar called Bus Stop. New owners Vinal Luciano & Troy Minton plan to add diverse live music and a welcoming space to the downtown area.

District 186 has named Terrance Jordan as superintendent after Jennifer Gill retires at month end.

Jordan, a longtime district employee and former assistant superintendent, is ready to lead the district.

HSHS St. John's Children’s Hospital is hosting its Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive on July 10 at its front entrance (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), where donors can view emergency vehicles; school supplies can be dropped off until July 7 at local sites.

Terrance Jordan, a twenty-year district employee, was named superintendent of District 186 in Springfield earlier this year, succeeding Jennifer Gill who retired at month’s end. (He said he is ready to learn and lead during the transition.)

Though Springfield saw only heavy rain during Wednesday's storms, areas statewide faced falling power lines, a funnel cloud and damage at Hand of Fate Brewing Company in Petersburg, and sirens rang near Capitol Media Group studios.

Officials say more storms will hit on Sunday.

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes struck central Illinois on June 17, causing damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles near Salisbury and Jeisyville (with reports of large hail and strong winds as crews survey the area).

Illinois has recorded 164 tornadoes this year, breaking last year’s record as environmental factors (like El Niño and higher Atlantic salinity) drive more severe weather.

Forecasters predict additional storms in July while August may bring relief for drought-stricken areas.

Today, Springfield observes Juneteenth with a mix of open and closed sites.

Government offices, courts, and schools are closed while tour spots such as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum & the Illinois Capitol maintain regular schedules and offer free events to mark the holiday.

The Illinois High School Association approved 35-second shot clock rules for varsity basketball, setting new equipment requirements for the 2026-27 season at local schools.

The move gives teams ample planning time to meet the updated standards.

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.

House in the Field

12-8 p.m. — Duncan Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant day of soulful Chicago-style house music and community celebration.

Cub/Card Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — Cost TBA — Unleash your inner artist in a relaxed paint night creating cool cub or card paintings.