Good morning, Springfield.

First Watch is remodeling the former Red Robin on Veterans with a fall opening, while Chick-fil-A will redevelop a closed Burger King near Sangamon Ave and 7 Brew is preparing a second outlet near Club Car Wash on North Dirksen Parkway + foodies have more options.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law banning Kindergarten through second grade expulsions — schools must now receive superintendent consent for suspensions.

The law took effect Friday, though some provisions will begin July 1, 2027.

Gov. Pritzker will sign a bipartisan law banning cell phones in schools that allows exceptions for high school students, children with IEPs, emergencies, and translation services — schools cannot use fines or law enforcement to enforce the ban.

Collin Corbett announced his independent run for governor — a challenge to the two-party system — and presented a plan to lower property taxes, energy costs, and gas prices amid rising living expenses.

He aims to foster economic growth free from party bosses and special interests.

Illinois will soon ban automatic downcoding after Gov. Pritzker signed a law that requires insurers to have a human review of coding decisions and notify doctors of any changes.

The rule mandates a clear process to dispute claims and takes effect Jan. 1, 2028.

The City Council approved an extra $160,000 this week to expand the Beacon program by adding a full-time Memorial Behavioral Health responder to Springfield Fire Department calls for mental health and overdose emergencies.

Mayor Misty Buscher said the change will improve emergency responses.

Illinois AG Kwame Raoul announced a settlement with Deere & Company over right-to-repair practices that requires the firm to provide independent mechanics and farmers the same diagnostic software, manuals, and parts tools as authorized dealers, with FTC oversight for 10 years.

Springfield Memorial Hospital earned its fifth Magnet designation with distinction today, joining only 1% of hospitals for nursing excellence worldwide + hospital leaders celebrated 20 years of nursing success during a community event.

Redfin’s May report showed Springfield home sales increased by 11.5% YoY with 286 sales and 266 pending listings while median days on market dropped to 6.

Active listings rose 6% to 575 and 39% of sales exceeded the list price + reflecting a modest market rebound.

Morton native Tommy Kuhl started his second PGA Tour event at the PGA ISCO Championship in Louisville this week, with his proud parents cheering him on as he chased his lifelong golf dream.

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.