Good morning, Springfield.

Trigger is a friendly one year old Plott Hound mix who has been at Sangamon County Animal Control for two months waiting for a loving home in Springfield.

The center welcomes visitors Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.+ staff can also help arrange fostering.

After Pope Francis died Monday, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki said the late pontiff taught that amid fear and hardship people must always turn to God—an idea he first heard during his 2019 ad limina visit to Vatican City.

Paprocki added that the church now awaits the election of a new pope who will continue that legacy of compassion and service.

Bishop Paprocki issued a statement remembering Pope Francis who died at 7:35 a.m. on Easter Monday after a 38-day hospital stay.

He recalled meeting the late pope in 2019 in Vatican City and said Francis showed how to live with love and compassion—reminding us all to care for others as the church prepares for the upcoming conclave.

The Springfield Diocese mourned Pope Francis, who died yesterday at 88 after blessing many at St. Peter’s Square on Easter.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki recalled meeting him in Vatican City and said the pope was a witness of love—his kind heart touched many.

City Water, Light and Power set May 8 as the exam date for those who want to become apprentice electricians, with testing held at 2730 Old Rochester Road in Springfield—applicants must sign up early and bring a $15 fee while meeting the required qualifications.

In March, Sangamon County homes were listed for a median of $175,000, which is 6.1% more than February's $164,900 and had a size of 1,640 square feet at $108 per square foot.

Houses moved faster this month—taking 44 days on the market compared to 60 days before—and new listings dropped by 23.3% from last March.

The Illinois Springfield men's golf team started strong at the GLVC Championship in Bolivar — tying for seventh place despite rain and wind delays, with Julien Babineau and Jake Baldin each scoring 71.

The team will resume round two on Monday morning after storm delays.

UIS athletic teams face a crucial week of contests across the Midwest with postseason spots at stake.

Men's golf concluded 36 holes on Monday in Bolivar and may advance to match play today if it finishes in the top four — upcoming matches include women's golf in Coal Valley, home tennis contests, and baseball and softball games in Bolivar, Upper Iowa, and Lewis.

Woodward Community Media Springfield and Channel1450.com will host the fourth annual Channel1450 Awards on Wednesday, June 25 at 6 p.m. at the LRS Hanger to honor local high school athletes from the 2024 to 2025 school year—nominees will soon be announced and tickets will be available for $30 per person or $225 per table starting April 28.

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.

International Carillon Festival

All day — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free entry — Experience a rare musical journey at one of the world's finest carillons in the heart of Springfield.