Good morning, Springfield.

Illinois students entered a statewide art contest celebrating America's 250th anniversary, and the winners will have their artwork displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Top entries from four age groups were announced today, including work by a Springfield student who highlighted Abraham Lincoln’s legacy.

City officials are finishing downtown beautification projects, including new planters & 30 banners, to welcome a record-breaking number of visitors in April that are expected to boost local businesses by $20-30 million.

The University of Illinois Springfield hosts a spring Lunch & Learn series at Illini Country Club — 1601 Illini Road, with events on March 25, April 15, and May 14 featuring topics on money history, constitutional interpretation, and global geopolitics.

Doors open at 11 a.m. with a $50 lunch.

A proposed bill, the Rev.

Jesse Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Act, would require high schools to offer voter registration to eligible students, state Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet said. The measure, which cleared the House Ethics and Elections Committee on March 18, may gain bipartisan support as discussions continue.

Sangamon County voters approved a .5% tax increase to fund a mental health board that will coordinate services from local providers and support community care, with more than $14 million expected annually; officials will soon decide the board's start date and membership.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that required pre- and post-shift tasks count as hours worked — a decision that could force companies to pay employees for extra time — and the case involving Amazon returns to the Seventh Circuit for further review.

Animal Protective League at 1001 Taintor Road in Springfield is offering Beans, a 1-year-old black pit mix with a loving personality and growing leash skills, for adoption or foster care — homes without children are preferred, and the shelter is open daily from noon to 5 p.m.

Illinois Springfield baseball will host Drury this weekend in a four-game GLVC series starting today; the Prairie Stars are riding momentum after a sweep + the Panthers are battle-tested from recent wins, with all games streaming live on the GLVC Sports Network.

UIS softball will host Rockhurst Hawks on Saturday and Southwest Baptist Bearcats on Sunday at noon doubleheaders at the UIS Softball Field (streams are available on the GLVC Sports Network) as the Prairie Stars continue their strong GLVC play.

Chunky Blanket Making Class with Jayme

2:30-5:30 p.m. — B's Creative Studio — $75.00 — Learn the art of hand knitting as you create your own cozy chunky blanket while making new friends.

Toddler Time Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Enjoy songs, stories, and activities that foster language skills for toddlers.