Illinois
New building owner addresses backlash over mural in downtown Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A long-standing mural honoring Robert E. Smith on the side of a building at Campbell and Walnut has been covered up, prompting community backlash against the building’s new owner.
David Pere, owner of FMTM LLC, purchased the building in downtown Springfield and said he intended it to reflect his business, which focuses on helping veterans with financial strategies and goals. Covering the mural was part of that plan.
Pere said he was out of town in Tennessee when painting began and learned about the community reaction through messages on his phone.
“I’m like, I was in Tennessee running an event. I didn’t even know he’d started painting until I got a bunch of really nasty messages on my phone,” Pere said. “And I go, oh, look, that’s our building getting painted. I guess he started.”
Pere said he did not anticipate the response. “You know, we didn’t. I didn’t know how much of an impact this was going to make,” he said.
Jesse Tyler, co-owner of SGFCO, said he wanted the mural to stay and expressed concern about the lack of safeguards for publicly recognized works of art.
“To paint over that is to say, like, could be interpreted as saying that his work is no longer relevant or that his story is no longer relevant. I don’t think that’s true,” Tyler said. “Robert’s artwork needs to be part of downtown for as long as we can maintain that memory and maintain that legacy.”
Tyler said the community had hoped protections would be in place for the mural. “Maybe we didn’t have those protections that we hope there would be, that maybe the sort of legacy and awareness of Robert’s work that we hope there would be wasn’t there,” he said.
The City of Springfield posted online, acknowledging the artwork held deep meaning for many residents. Because the building is privately owned, however, Pere is within his rights to make changes to its exterior.
Pere said he hopes to help relocate the mural to a more permanent location. “We want to help migrate that mural to a wall where it could be more permanent,” he said. “I’d love to help them find a space for it. I’d love to help. I’d love to see the city get involved to the point where that space could be a permanent space where it’s actually maintained because it is obvious now that it is very important to the city of Springfield.”
Pere is already working with an artist on a new mural for the side of the building, intended to represent veterans. That mural is expected to begin going up at the end of the month.
To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.
Copyright 2026 KY3. All rights reserved.
By WMBD TV
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — After a very dry start to June, a stormy and humid weather pattern takes hold for the next several days.
Key Takeaways
- Flood Watch through Monday Evening
- Localized pockets of 2 to 3+ inches of rain may lead to flooding
- Rain totals will vary widely from one spot to another
- Oppressive heat and humidity midweek
- Heat index near 100 degrees Tuesday through Thursday
- Severe Storm Chances
- Highest risk Thursday, some severe weather potential Wednesday evening
The highest rain coverage for Monday will occur during the afternoon. Some funnel clouds may develop, but the risk of a tornado remains low. The main concern will be pockets of very heavy rain that can quickly lead to flash flooding where they develop. The showers will decrease and gradually end overnight.
With lower storm coverage during the daytime Tuesday and Wednesday, we will crank up the heat! While actual highs will “only” be in the upper 80s to lower 90s, the air will be very humid. This will push heat index values toward the triple digits. If possible, limit any strenuous outdoor activities to the early part of the day. The oppressive humidity will stay in place through Thursday.
The best chance for severe storms will come our way mid to late week, with all severe hazards on the table. While the highest severe threat is to our north and west Wednesday, severe weather could work in during the evening. The highest chance will be west of the Illinois River.
Thursday brings the highest threat for severe storms areawide. Timing of the greatest potential looks to be from mid-afternoon onward through the evening.
Rain amounts will vary greatly, on on average, 1 to 3 inches of rain can be expected through the week.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Illinois Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 7, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Pick-3 numbers from June 7 drawing
Midday: 7-7-1, Fireball: 9
Evening: 1-2-7, Fireball: 1
Check Pick-3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick-4 numbers from June 7 drawing
Midday: 0-0-9-5, Fireball: 0
Evening: 5-3-1-7, Fireball: 5
Check Pick-4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning LuckyDay Lotto numbers from June 7 drawing
Midday: 22-24-36-37-41
Evening: 09-10-27-37-41
Check LuckyDay Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes up to $600: Claim at an Illinois Lottery retailer, a Claim Center, by mail, or via an e-Claim. By mail, send the required documentation to: Illinois Lottery Claims Department, P.O. Box 19080, Springfield, IL.
- Prizes from $601 to $10,000: Claim at a Claim Center, by mail, or via an e-Claim.
- Prizes over $10,000: Claim at a Claim Center or by mail.
- Appointments Required: Schedule an appointment for in-person claims.
- Documentation: Bring a photo ID and Social Security number proof.
When are the Illinois Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:00 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky Day Lotto (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
- Lucky Day Lotto (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto: 9:22 p.m. CT on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- Pick 3 (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 3 (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Day): 12:40 p.m. CT daily.
- Pick 4 (Evening): 9:22 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Illinois editor. You can send feedback using this form.
WESTCHESTER, Ill. (WLS) — Officials have identified the man who died in an explosion that shut down Interstate 290 in the west suburbs for hours on Thursday.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as 47-year-old Jorge Vaca, of Cicero.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Federal officials said the incident that happened around 10 a.m. Thursday near Mannheim Road was not connected to any other event that day.
Officials do not believe anyone else was involved.
“We recognize the significant public interest generated by the law enforcement response and roadway closures. The involvement of highly specialized federal, state, and local resources was necessary to safely process the scene and ensure public safety. We are grateful to the public for their patience and cooperation as the matter was ongoing,” federal officials said.
I-290 was shut down for nearly nine hours Thursday during the investigation.
Chopper 7 flew above the scene as a Volkswagen SUV in a middle lane sat with its windows blown out. A bomb squad unit from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office with guns drawn appeared to investigate the SUV.
On Thursday afternoon, an evidence tent was erected around the SUV. Evidence markers were also strewn across the highway as local and federal agents descended on the scene.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division were also involved in the investigation.
Federal officials said there is no known threat to public safety.
Full statement from federal officials:
“Following a coordinated investigation led by the FBI and ATF with instrumental support from a number of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and emergency responders, investigators have determined that the June 4, 2026, incident on I-290 near Mannheim Road was an explosion that resulted in the death of one individual. No evidence was found to indicate this was connected to any other event or that any other individuals were involved.
Additional details regarding the identity of the decedent and manner of death will be released by the Cook County Medical Examiner.
We recognize the significant public interest generated by the law enforcement response and roadway closures. The involvement of highly specialized federal, state, and local resources was necessary to safely process the scene and ensure public safety. We are grateful to the public for their patience and cooperation as the matter was ongoing.
Additional details will be released, as appropriate.”
The video in the player above is from a previous report.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
-
West Virginia3 minutes agoJustices argue debt enforcement efforts are hurting The Greenbrier – WV MetroNews
-
Wyoming6 minutes agoElection Q&A: Neil Jeske for Wyoming House District 59
-
Crypto11 minutes agoTop 100 Bitcoin Treasuries Now Hold 1.26M BTC
-
Finance18 minutes agoRockford’s finance and personnel committee rejects lone bid for a program meal service
-
Fitness21 minutes agoJennifer Aniston, 57, says she’s stronger now than in her 20s – and credits one simple training shift
-
Movie Reviews33 minutes ago‘Jean-Michel’ Review: Jean-Michel Basquiat Finally Gets the Fantastic Documentary He Deserves
-
World41 minutes agoWar latest news. Iran, Israeli retaliation triggered: explosions in Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan. Tehran missiles on Israel. Trump: return to negotiations
-
Lifestyle1 hour agoAs ‘The Book of Mormon’ turns 15, its original stars pop in to say ‘Hello!’
