Good morning, Springfield.

Pivot Energy donated $10,000 today to expand FAA drone pilot training for young adults in a Springfield Urban League workforce program, aiming to boost career opportunities in tech + construction sectors.

Tomorrow, residents can join Survival Revival at Comer Cox Park from noon to 5 p.m. to connect with local and state leaders for discussions on community safety and voter education — free food and cooling stations will be available.

Illinois marks Route 66’s 100th anniversary as international visitors explore local attractions (including Carpenter Park’s reopened quarter-mile stretch and the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience).

Visit Springfield has upgraded sites to share the historic charm of the Mother Road.

Shelley Barkley is set to become the first woman president of Spoon River College pending board approval, with a likely start date of Aug.

31; she brings over 15 years of leadership experience & plans to help students with both academic and nonacademic challenges.

The Strider Education Foundation's All Kids Bike program supplies bikes, helmets and lessons to children during school, and Feitshans Elementary in Springfield is fundraising to join the effort - additional local schools already offer the program across central Illinois.

The Illinois State Board of Education released 409-page guidelines on July 9 to help schools use artificial intelligence responsibly in classrooms; the document (developed with expert input and initially drafted using ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini) advises that technology should support teaching while preserving human interaction.

Christina Shutt, executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, announced Wednesday that she will step down at year-end to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

The Board of Trustees — in consultation with the Governor — will choose a new director subject to Senate confirmation.

The Rebuilding Springfield Initiative continues as the city moves forward with plans amid variable weather.

The forecast calls for partial cloudiness, scattered showers, and thunderstorms with a high of 89 today and partly cloudy skies with a low of 73 tonight in Springfield.

Local experts advise residents to use AC units carefully as wildfire smoke lowers air quality amid triple-digit heat; homeowners with central HVAC systems should set them to recirculate air and replace filters while owners of window or portable units must secure tight seals (following proper guidelines is key).

Instacart data shows that vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor with Illinois shoppers favoring Breyers while regional favorites like Blue Bell, Tillamook & Blue Bunny also draw local loyalty.

The report comes ahead of National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 19.

Springfield’s Alex Eickhoff, a 2020 Hillsboro High School grad, tied for second at the Illinois State Amateur Championship at Crestwicke Country Club on Thursday, nearly becoming the first local golfer to win since 1992.

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.