Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of July.
Good morning, Springfield.
Bloomington-based Wok to Bowl is planning to open locations in Springfield & Champaign soon.
The restaurant will offer its signature bowls and Asian fusion flavors to local diners.
Sangamon County invites entrepreneurs and food service operators to learn about opening a café inside the future Springfield-Sangamon County Transportation Hub set to open in fall 2027; a session is held Monday, July 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Cap 1908 (1100 South Grand Avenue East) with virtual attendance via Zoom.
Route 66 turns 100 as local sites celebrate the historic road with themed stops and a high-steaks food challenge in Springfield.
Residents and visitors can explore the centennial events + learn about the road's storied past.
The Illinois State Fair announced its Twilight Parade themed 'Miles of Smiles' to mark Route 66’s 100th anniversary, with parade applications open until July 6.
Set for 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 13 from Lincoln Park, the parade will launch an 11-day fair featuring school bands, floats and classic vehicles.
Registration is open for Springfield Safety City — the first free interactive summer safety camp for children entering first grade.
The camp will run from July 20 — 24 at 8:00 a.m. — noon and features hands-on demonstrations by local emergency services for Springfield-area families.
Illinois Department of Early Childhood took charge of services for infants and toddlers yesterday, consolidating programs that were split between multiple agencies.
The agency, led by Secretary Teresa Ramos and backed by 500 staff and a $4.4bn budget (with $55M added for childcare), aims to prevent service disruptions for families.
Springfield Memorial Hospital received 'Magnet With Distinction' recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center on Monday.
The hospital joins just 2 percent of facilities nationwide to earn five consecutive Magnet designations.
Dr. Brett Peterson of Lake Town Animal Hospital urges pet owners to keep pets indoors and take shorter walks during cooler times this Fourth of July weekend — a step to prevent overheating and injuries from hot pavement and firework stress.
Memorial Health named Jen Boyer chief nursing executive who oversees clinics and nursing strategy at five hospitals.
She assumed the role on June 22 and now reports to President and CEO Mandy Eaton.
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood delivered an impressive show at the John Deere Classic Pro-Am today by scoring an eagle and a birdie while his son Tyler served as his caddy, and local soccer fans celebrated a 2-0 World Cup win during watch parties in the area.
Team Illinois competed at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and won several medals + showcasing athletic talent that fills Springfield with pride.
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Springfield.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.