Good morning, Springfield.

Phenix Salon Suites will open a location in Springfield as part of a two-unit development agreement to expand in Central Illinois.

The franchise opportunity requires a $300,000 investment & business experience as sites are being scouted.

The Springfield Business Journal has released its annual 40 Under 40 list featuring young local business leaders and projects such as a 53-unit apartment complex near Glenwood High School — highlighting family- and minority-owned businesses.

The issue is available both online and in print.

Springfield will host a range of Independence Day events on July 4 and July 5, featuring historical programs, a community baseball game, a freedom run, and fireworks over downtown.

Residents and visitors can mark the nation’s 250th birthday with activities at local historic sites + parks.

Lincoln Land Community College welcomed Dr. Curt Oldfield as its seventh president on July 1 — he previously led Spoon River College and now will expand educational opportunities while building community partnerships.

CWLP is offering tips to help residents reduce energy use and avoid high electric bills during extreme heat.

Customers can also schedule a Home Energy Audit to check their AC's efficiency and learn simple steps to lower energy costs.

IDOT reopened construction lanes starting Thursday to ease travel during the 4th of July weekend — lane closures remain on Southbound I-55 at Williamsville in Sangamon County.

Illinois Department of Early Childhood launched full operations on Wednesday as the state began its new fiscal year + the new agency will manage home visitations, early intervention, childcare licensing and preschool oversight once handled by three separate agencies.

The city adjusted trash pickup hours to help crews work safely in extreme heat — Republic Services, Lake Area Disposal, and Waste Management will begin daily pickup at 5 a.m. starting Monday, July 6.

Residents should set bins out the night before pickup.

OSF Strive is expanding trauma recovery services for victims of violent crimes with new therapy and support group programs (starting soon).

The expansion will offer survivors vital resources to heal and rebuild.

More than 650,000 bags of Utz potato chips were recalled after the FDA issued its highest warning for salmonella risk — Illinois retailers sold the affected products along with 33 other states, so customers should check packaging and discard recalled chips.

Since July 1, all children in Illinois have been receiving lead tests at 12 and 24 months as part of a state program to catch unsafe levels early — healthcare providers also require a health questionnaire during well-child visits.

Today, St. John’s Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois opened a new Family Room near the pediatric intensive care unit to support families with sick children.

The remodeled space provides rest, a shower, laundry, and snacks — helping parents stay close while caring for their child.

ImpactLife is asking local donors to give blood ahead of a drop in donations expected during the Independence Day weekend; the need remains high for surgeries, accidents, and treatments, and appointments can be scheduled by calling 800-747-5401, texting LIFESAVER to 999-777, or signing up online.

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.