Good morning, Springfield.

Young people from Illinois and beyond joined the 80th annual Lincoln Pilgrimage in Springfield on Sunday, marching from the Lincoln Tomb to the Old State Capitol.

Around 600 scouts and supporters enjoyed clear skies—visiting multiple historic sites as they celebrated Lincoln's legacy.

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Make A Noise Ensemble will close its season with a free experimental music show on Friday, May 2 at the Visual & Performing Arts Building’s Polly Roesch Music Room.

The ensemble, led by Ron Silver, includes UIS students, faculty and local musicians and will perform works by Pauline Oliveros, Steve Reich + Francis Schwartz along with a new collaboratively composed piece.

Illinois now offers a new student loan program that lets residents attend in-state schools without needing a co-signer.

The Funding U Illinois No-Cosigner Loan features fixed annual rates between 7.99% and 9.49% and is managed by the Treasurer's office & private lenders to cover costs beyond grants and scholarships.

Insurance companies in Illinois have limited liability coverage for community foster agencies, raising costs and cutting options for these groups.

Some agencies warn that higher bills may force staff cuts and service limits—lawmakers are considering short-term fixes to help protect the state care system.

Mayor Misty Buscher announced that Springfield will host a series of departmental open houses on May 3 for the Fire Department, May 22 for Public Works, June 18 for the Police Department and July 16 for City Water, Light & Power to boost community engagement.

Free round-trip bus tokens are available at Municipal Center East — 800 E. Monroe Street — and the Community Relations Office at 1450 Groth Street for residents with a valid photo ID.

The Springfield Fire Department provided mutual aid to responders in Pleasant Plains after a structure fire was reported in the 8000 block of Prairie Creek Road — units B01, E08, and T01 responded while county police managed traffic control.

Community-based foster agencies in Illinois are facing an insurance crisis as companies limit coverage and raise premiums, which has forced some agencies to cut staff and services and risks sending more foster children back to state care—lawmakers have proposed bills to offer limited immunity and form a task force to find a solution.

This month, visitors from Springfield can take a 4-hour drive to Metropolis to celebrate National Superhero Day today—where they can see a 15-foot bronze Superman statue, visit a museum of memorabilia, and enjoy nearby outdoor activities at Fort Massac State Park.

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.

Capital City Biathlon & 5K

6:00-10:30 a.m. — Danenberger Family Vineyards — Register online for entry fee — Test your endurance with a mini-biathlon and 5K run.

Little Miracles 5K

A fun 3K/5K run/walk for all ages and abilities! The race will support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to continue funding a variety of items/programs to support our tiniest patients at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital.