Good morning, Springfield.

The Sangamon County Rescue Squad confirmed that it is mourning former Chief Terry Nydegger, who served for 48 years and touched many lives.

Colleagues & neighbors remember him for his steadfast leadership and community service.

Escapetown Springfield opened July 18, offering three interactive escape rooms that challenge groups to solve puzzles in 60 minutes.

Located at 1939 E. Sangamon Ave, a fourth room will open this fall (reservations by calling 309-368-3489 or booking online).

American Pickers will film in Illinois and Iowa in September and seeks local collectors with unique antique collections.

Interested residents may submit their collection details (email: [email protected], phone: 646-493-2184) to be considered.

The Sangamon Experience is digitizing rare historical records at Winchester Public Library and Old School Museum as part of its Rural Initiative on Scott County history; UIS grad student Syd Young has preserved 45 items (with 29 more items set for digitization) to create an interactive StoryMap for future researchers.

Thien Beaty, a Springfield Southeast High student, will spend one year in the Philippines as part of the Central States Rotary Youth Exchange program.

District 186 superintendent Terrance Jordan noted he is the first from Southeast to do so and praised his courage.

Springfield City Council approved a plan to donate the downtown Y Block property to the IDNR, which is set to use $4 million in state funding to create an amphitheater, landscaping, and a children's play area; IDNR will close on the property in August.

A new state law allowed autistic drivers to use blue envelopes during traffic stops statewide; Springfield drivers began using them in March, and statewide access started on Jan.

1. The envelope holds license+ registration+ proof of insurance to help officers understand drivers’ needs.

According to a FOIA request by the SJ-R, eight cases of cyclosporiasis have been confirmed in Sangamon County.

Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce from Walmart and food service distributors on July 17 due to a cyclospora outbreak, and Illinois officials confirmed 335 cyclosporiasis cases with 28 hospitalizations.

Recalled products have Best if Used By dates from July 18 to Aug. 3, so customers should discard them.

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.