Good morning, Springfield.

The city will host a free shredding event at Chamberlain Park on Tuesday, April 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and a family Earth Fair at Union Square Park on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with activities, exhibits, and food trucks.

Comedian Bert Kreischer will bring his Permission to Party World Tour to UIS Performing Arts Center on Dec.

12 — tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. April 10, with prices from $39.75 to $125.

TISLA reported new federal rules for Parent PLUS loans will limit borrowing to $20,000 per year and $65,000 per student, so local schools advise students and parents to consult financial aid offices and consolidate loans by July 1 to secure income-based repayment options.

Illinois’ top K-12 educator Tony Sanders recommends a $350M increase in evidence-based funding for FY 2027, with $300M for districts and $50M for tax relief.

State Rep. Blaine Wilhour prefers lower funding and tax breaks for private school donations as the legislature aims to adopt a budget by May 31.

Gov. Pritzker has urged Congress to pass a bill allowing yearlong sale of E15 gasoline to help stabilize fuel and food prices for farmers; Agriculture Director Costello said the plan could boost corn and ethanol demand as the House returns from spring break Monday (action is needed this month).

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski announced a $76,000 federal grant on Monday at Lincoln Land Community College to cover the $4,500 license fee for 17 veterans to earn their commercial driver’s license — a step that will help them become truck drivers.

The Sangamon County board may vote Tuesday on a CyrusOne data center that would use 600 megawatts, create 100 jobs, and yield $6 million in yearly tax.

Local groups remain concerned about grid strain and farmland heat — concerns raised when the vote was tabled last March.

Illinois Department of Transportation and local law enforcement are stepping up distracted driving checks this April to target texting, social media, and video use while driving.

The campaign supports NHTSA safety efforts and urges drivers to silence notifications and pull over — aiming to reduce accidents and injuries.

State agencies in Springfield urge residents to learn about chemical risks during Hazardous Materials Awareness Month.

Officials from emergency management, environmental protection, and fire services say local facilities report chemical inventories and that knowing safety markings can aid first responders during spills — a key safety measure.

Richie Snider earned his first GLVC Pitcher of the Week award after pitching five shutout innings against Truman State to help Illinois Springfield to a 7-5 win this past weekend; he is set for a 2:00 p.m. road game at UMSL on Tuesday as the Prairie Stars continue their winning streak.