Good morning, Springfield.

United Way invested more than $1.3 million in 21 local programs to help working families who struggle to cover basic needs.

The funding is guaranteed for three years to expand essential services in the region.

South Side Mission is offering cool water, lunch and fans today on the South Side to help residents beat an expected heat wave (services are available to all visitors).

The Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series will present five free concerts on Thursday nights through July 30 at Y Block near the Governor’s Mansion—featuring live music, a Kids Kickoff at 6:15 p.m., food trucks, and an inviting space for residents to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

The Springfield Area Arts Council will present the free one-act play 'Lincoln and Shakespeare' at Enos Park on July 24 from 6 to 8 p.m.—with actor Kim Curlee and a follow-up Q&A for the audience.

A suggested donation will help support more free plays in the future.

Springfield Public School District 186 will see a leadership shift as Superintendent Jennifer Gill and Director of School Support Jason Wind retire on June 30 and Dr. Terrance Jordan and Chris Barham take over their roles.

The retirements will mark efforts to maintain quality-driven education for students and families.

A bill to let people use plug-in solar panels stalled in the Senate over safety concerns — lawmakers plan to revisit it in fall veto session so renters and residents without rooftop access can lower their electric bills.

Springfield waste collection will start at 5 a.m. the week of June 29 to help crews work safely in high temperatures—residents are asked to place bins outside the night before pickup.

The schedule change will be reviewed weekly for any further adjustments.

Jen Boyer began her role as senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Memorial Health this week, overseeing clinics in primary, specialty, and urgent care.

The longtime Springfield nurse (with 14 years at Springfield Clinic and 15 years in the hospital emergency department) brings experience to her new role.

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.