Good morning, Springfield.

On Saturday, April 26, Springfield will host a drug take back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Public Health (2833 South Grand Avenue); the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration will collect old tablets, capsules and patches while not accepting syringes, sharps and illicit drugs.

A 23-year-old Springfield man was arrested Monday afternoon for first degree murder and possession of a weapon by a felon in connection with the fatal shooting of Camren White, who was shot on April 7 in the 800 block of West Lenox—he was later apprehended by U.S. Marshals near Seventh Street and South Grand Avenue—and is now receiving treatment at a local hospital for injuries.

Some international students and recent graduates at University of Illinois Springfield lost their F-1 visas as part of a nationwide immigration crackdown that also affected Urbana-Champaign; the university contacted the affected students+ offered them resources to speak with an immigration attorney. Many of those impacted had not been notified about the visa revocations.

On Thursday, the Illinois Senate passed a bill that requires guns to be stored safely when minors might be around and fines gun owners up to $1,000 if a minor or prohibited person gains access—with fines rising to $10,000 if the gun is used to kill someone.

The bill also cuts the reporting time for lost or stolen guns from 72 to 48 hours and now heads to the House floor for debate.

On Thursday the Senate passed a bill that reforms the Prisoner Review Board by allowing victims to file impact statements and receive notice before an inmate is released—Senate President Don Harmon said the reform also updates board member qualifications and term lengths.

The bill now awaits action in the House to become law.

After finishing the women's golf event at UMSL on Monday, UIS athletes have a busy week with track & field contests in Azusa and Indiana, a baseball series against Rockhurst that includes Senior Day, softball against William Jewell, tennis at Lewis, and men’s golf beginning postseason play in Bolivar on Sunday.

Crafting a Business Plan for Success

11 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain expert guidance on creating a solid business plan covering all essential aspects for your venture's success.

Building A Website Presence

6:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Learn essential tips for creating or improving your online presence.

Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Erin's Pavilion — Check website for ticket prices — Experience a magical candlelight tribute to the timeless music of Coldplay performed by the Listeso String Quartet.

LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs: Get Your Brand Out There

10 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free — Discover how to use LinkedIn to enhance your business networking and marketing efforts.

Starting Your Own Business

9:30 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain essential knowledge and confidence to launch your business with planning, setup, and financing tips.

Lawn Mower Clinic

Get your lawn mower ready for the season! The Springfield Jaycees will service push mowers that are in working condition (Must be able to start prior to servicing and we will start it with you at pick up) for $65.

Financing Your Business: Loans, Capital, And Financial Visibility

12:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Explore funding options and strategies to secure capital for sustainable business growth.

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Concert

7:30 PM - 12:30 AM — UIS Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of classical music featuring Ravel and Shostakovich performed by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Milkweed Giveaway

8 a.m. - 10 a.m. — Washington Park — Free — Celebrate local pollinators with a milkweed giveaway and learn about planting pollinator gardens.