Good morning, Springfield.

Illinois farmers saw record bankruptcies in 2025, raising fears as rising costs and low crop prices threaten their operations.

Lawmakers finished the budget session with few measures, leaving many local farmers worried about long-term survival + the need to cut expenses.

USDA is offering farmers financial aid for crop damage from severe storms and tornadoes+ a heat warning advises central and southeast Illinois residents to drink water and stay cool until midnight Thursday.

Part of I-72 in Springfield is buckling from the heat in the right lane near milepost 96.5 (just before the Scheels exit).

Illinois State Police and the Illinois DOT advise caution for drivers in that area.

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood will launch today to consolidate state-funded early education programs and manage the Early Childhood Block Grant (following Senate Bill 1 pushed by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A.

Lightford).

The U.S. Attorney’s Office introduced Maisy — a specially trained black Labrador retriever — to help reduce stress for victims and witnesses in federal cases across central Illinois.

She joined after two years of training in California and has since eased anxiety during court proceedings.

Springfield Memorial Hospital received its fifth consecutive Magnet designation Monday, earning the elite Magnet with Distinction status — a national honor that recognizes high-quality nursing care and strong support for its staff.

HSHS Medical Group opened a new surgery clinic on the 5th floor of 301 N.

8th Street on the HSHS St. John’s Hospital campus; the clinic is staffed by surgeons Dr. Mahmoud Abd-El-Hafez and Dr. Bradley Wilson, who will offer both planned and emergency surgical care.

HSHS St. John's Children’s Hospital opened a new family room Monday near its pediatric intensive care unit to support patient families — the updated space offers a shower, washer, dryer, appliances, and free snacks and will be managed by Ronald McDonald House Charities.

A Sangamon County mother, Casandra Needham, met with four-year-old Ariana Brock, who received her daughter Sophia's heart after several surgeries.

Ariana's family drove five hours from Louisville via the Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network to connect with Needham, honoring Sophia's lifesaving organ donation.

Sangamon County Animal Control updated that Yara, the puppy whose mouth was taped shut, is now stable at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital after being treated at the Animal Emergency Clinic and spending a comforting night with a foster family — the veterinary team continues her specialized care and recovery.

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.