Good morning, Springfield.

The United Way of Central Illinois will host its second annual Route 66 benefit ride on Saturday, June 27th in Springfield.

Registration opens at 11 a.m. and the ride starts at 11:45 a.m. — participants pay $20 per vehicle and gift cards are raffled at each stop.

Illinois organizers will join a nationwide mobilization on June 27 to offer an inclusive alternative to a whitewashed 250th celebration.

In Springfield, local participants will gather at the State Capitol Building from noon to 2 p.m. — the event aims to promote a fuller view of our history.

ALPLM is hosting free events to celebrate Independence Day in Springfield today.

Residents can join in family-friendly activities at various local venues as the day unfolds.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce honored four local groups during Tuesday's Small Business Awards at Crowne Plaza, naming Penny Powell as Not-For-Profit Director of the Year, Becky Gabany as New and Emerging Business Owner, Brian & Melissa Reilly as Small Business Owners, and Cindy Davis with a Lifetime Award.

Three men competed in a steak-eating challenge in Springfield on Tuesday as part of the 20-day Route 66 Road Trip Caravan celebrating the route’s 100th birthday—each had 60 minutes to finish 4.5 pounds of food for a free meal.

The caravan heads to Joliet Wednesday and Chicago Thursday.

Meridian Elementary School will not be ready for classes because storm damage affected the building, and officials are assessing repairs (further updates expected) to determine when classes may begin.

District 186 Superintendent Jennifer Gill, who led the district for 12+ years and oversaw a major rebuild, will retire on June 30.

She completed a district-wide tour that featured a May 15 school visit and a June 7 graduation celebration.

Residents of Sangamon County may join the new 10-week Citizen Police Academy offered by the sheriff’s office starting Aug.

18, with classes every other Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m.—the free program is limited to 15 participants and provides a firsthand look at law enforcement duties that build community trust.

From June 8 to July 5, Walmart & Sam’s Club are running the Spark Good campaign to raise over $200,000 for HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield as customers can donate at the register or online to support child healthcare.

Aryn Hunter will become the first chief administrative officer at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital on July 19 — she brings over 20 years of healthcare experience from her role at St. Francis Hospital, where HSHS is recruiting a permanent replacement.

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.

Levitt AMP Springfield Music Festival featuring Attic Salt

6:00-9:15 p.m. — Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series — Ticketed event — Enjoy a night of alternative rock with Attic Salt under the stars.

Saving Abel Concert at The Stadium

6-10:30 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — All ages welcome — Experience the Multi-Platinum Southern Rockers known for their hit 'Addicted' alongside special guests Claudey Blue and Death Do Us Part.