Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield hosts a busy weekend with the Color Me Holi 5K run at Washington Park Saturday at 10 a.m.—a fundraiser for community gardens—and an Earth Awareness Fair at Union Square Park on Sunday, offering families a chance to enjoy seasonal outdoor fun.

Springfield craft grower Lincoln Labs LLC (the only local applicant approved) received a $750,000 state equity loan on April 21 through the state's Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program that supports inclusive cannabis business growth.

Christina Shutt & Ian Hunt will discuss their award-winning book 'Lincoln: The Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation in 100 Objects' today at 7 p.m. at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, with doors opening at 6 p.m. for a companion exhibit until April 26.

Sangamon County Board has launched the 2026–2027 Senior Showcase, an art competition for high school seniors that will run through a public exhibit at the county building from December through February, with artwork drop-off at Springfield Art Association from November 16 to November 18 and prizes for top entries.

High school juniors and seniors can apply for summer healthcare bootcamps at HSHS locations in Springfield, Decatur & Effingham.

The free sessions will be held in June and July with applications due May 2.

Aaron Graves said 45 union members lost their jobs due to budget shortfalls in District 186 (with a $13.7M deficit), while superintendent Jennifer Gill noted four teachers were let go; the board re-elected Erica Austin and Buffy Lael-Wolf and hired SPD veteran Josh Stuenkel as director of safety and security.

IDOT announced Work Zone Safety Awareness Week yesterday at headquarters in Springfield with nine-year-old Harper Stork sharing a safety message for motorists and road crews.

State Police reported 640 work zone crashes so far this year and warned that more road projects are expected.

OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois announced plans to open its pediatric specialty care center to provide specialized care for local children — officials say the facility will serve community families soon.

Local organizers have planned an event supporting veterans with fitness, pain management, and community connection today in Springfield & will offer practical health resources and activities for their well-being.

Glenwood beat Rochester 3-2 on Apr.

21 with a walk-off win in the seventh when Lohrenz drove in the winning run after Kiel homered and Feld hit a sac fly; the team is now 14-1 and will play Pekin Saturday as Rochester hosts MacArthur tomorrow.

Highland Cow Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost info provided — Unleash creativity as you paint a quirky Highland Cow masterpiece under expert guidance.