Good morning, Springfield.

Downtown Springfield, Inc. will host its first-ever Downtown Prom on Friday, July 17 with prom-themed events at local salons, restaurants and boutiques in downtown.

Residents are invited to dress up and explore participating businesses — details will be shared as the event nears.

Earlier on Friday, FoodeesFest and live performances kicked off in Springfield.

Today and on Sunday, residents can enjoy free Juneteenth events at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, FoodeesFest at White Oaks Mall, and Father's Day fun at Henson Robinson Zoo.

Rivian is laying off about 300 employees as it plans to deliver lower-priced R2 SUVs — the move will not affect assembly line workers in Normal.

Affected team members will receive comprehensive severance packages and career transition services.

At the District 186 school board meeting, school business manager Steve Miller explained that the district bids bus fuel based on the markup and taxes rather than the wholesale price.

He noted that First Student rebates the district one dollar per gallon, so rates will drop when gas prices fall.

Seven tornadoes touched down in central Illinois on Wednesday, including an EF-3 in Effingham and an EF-1 in Springfield — local officials reported minor injuries and property damage along the storm paths.

Springfield is the starting line for the 2026 Great Race — a nine-day vintage car journey to Pasadena that kicks off today.

The event features a drone show and car displays along Sixth Street, with visitors arriving ahead of the 11 a.m. start.

The 2026 Great Race kicks off today in Downtown Springfield as runners gather to compete outdoors under abundant sunshine and warm conditions (with highs near 80F).

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.

Nike Basketball Camp at Lanphier High School

July 20-24 — Lanphier High School — Pack your lunch — Improve your game with professional coaching focusing on skills, conditioning, and team play.