Good morning, Springfield.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce held its 41st Annual Small Business Awards this week — honoring local leaders including Cured Catering, which earned Small Business Owners of the Year, and also recognized Resource One, Fifth Street Renaissance, and ChangeBridge Consulting with special awards.

Country singer Ella Langley has announced a 21-date fall extension of her Dandelion Tour, beginning Aug.

20 in Green Bay and including a Springfield show on Aug. 21 with tickets starting at $132. The tour will wrap up on Oct. 31 in Saint Paul.

Jennifer Gill retired as superintendent of School District 186 after more than 12-plus years of service, leaving a lasting mark on local education.

The Springfield native now steps away from the role as a new chapter in district leadership begins.

UIS Professor Deborah Anthony was admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar on June 18 in Washington, D.C., where Chief Justice John Roberts swore her in — letting her practice before the highest court.

She has taught at UIS since 2006 and chairs its Legal Studies Department and Pre-Law Center.

Illinois has recorded 149 tornadoes by midyear, breaking its previous record of 142 from 2024 — meteorologists expect fewer storms as summer winds down.

Springfield received a $1.5-million-dollar grant for a cleanup project that will address local environmental hazards.

Officials said work is set to begin soon.

Canadian golfer Drew Nesbitt tied the Panther Creek record with an 11-under 60 on Thursday, June 25, at Panther Creek Country Club during the first round of the Memorial Health Championship & he is seeking his first Korn Ferry win in 13 starts.

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.