Good morning, Springfield.

The 2026 Illinois State Fair will run from August 13 — 23 in Springfield, featuring the Grandstand concert series with Bailey Zimmerman opening on August 14 and Shinedown closing on August 23.

The fair will offer diverse musical acts along with food, rides, and exhibits.

Illinois gas prices fell 12.5 cents to $3.95 per gallon yesterday as easing summer fuel costs brought the state's average 58.3 cents lower than a month ago, though it remained 56.7 cents above last year's level.

District 186 board approved a collaboration agreement with UIS to build a new elementary school on unused campus land — detaching 29 acres from Ball Chatham School District.

The board also reopened job postings for new fiscal year positions.

District 186 approved a land swap with Ball-Chatham on Monday to build a new school north of the campus.

The agreement lets D186 operate Hazel Dell this fall while transferring its property to Ball-Chatham — construction must begin within two years pending regional office approval.

State Senator Doris Turner announced that 10 public libraries and school districts in Central Illinois, including Springfield Public School District 186 (one of five in her district), will receive over $475,000 for upgrades in services and security as part of a $27 million state program.

CWLP installed 40 EV charge ports at nine Springfield locations near shopping centers and business districts as part of a $629,000 Illinois Community Charging Program Grant.

The project aims to boost access to clean energy for local drivers.

Medics First received the EMS Gold Award from the American Heart Association (AHA) today in Springfield.

The award honors their commitment to quality emergency services.

Between 11 and 30 people in Illinois have gotten cyclosporiasis — an intestinal illness that can cause explosive diarrhea if untreated.

The CDC and FDA are working to see if the rise is seasonal or linked to contaminated food or water.

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.