Good morning, Springfield.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is recognizing May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month to honor foster families that open their homes to vulnerable children.

The agency offers ongoing training, monthly stipends and a new certification program under the KIND Act to support caregivers.

Downtown Springfield Inc hosted an ask me anything event at First Presbyterian Church (5:30 to 7:30) on Thursday to discuss downtown’s future; Jay Shanle, the new executive director, said upcoming projects will expand the medical district and ease building codes to draw more residents and businesses.

Sangamon Auditorium in the Public Affairs Center is undergoing a $1.25 million refurbishment with new seats, carpeting, and lighting, and it is set to reopen in October.

The project updates the 45-year-old venue that has hosted music stars and marquee events.

On April 30, AAA reported that gas prices in Illinois reached over $5 in some areas while Springfield stations averaged $4.55 per gallon.

Prices may stay high this summer due to increased driving demand (with oil prices over $100 per barrel) and seasonal shifts in fuel blend.

Teacher Matt Maton, who began teaching 31 years ago and joined Springfield Public Schools 26 years ago, was named Horace Mann Educator of the Year today (celebrating his ongoing learning and growth).

On Monday evening, five EF-1 tornadoes passed through central Illinois, with paths near Mount Pulaski, Chestnut, DeWitt County, and Mahomet.

A tornado near DeLand and Weldon — with winds of 100 mph — damaged an elementary school roof, and classes resumed today.

State Sen. Mattie Hunter proposed a ban on PFAS in beauty products on Apr.

29 at the statehouse in Springfield—her bill would make it illegal to manufacture or sell cosmetics containing any of 11 PFAS chemicals linked to cancer and weakened immune systems.

State lawmakers and the Michael J.

Fox Foundation are pushing to ban paraquat, a pesticide linked to Parkinson’s disease, for local farm communities. Senate Bill 3161 would take effect Jan. 1, 2027 (with exemptions for research) if passed.

Today, thousands face losing SNAP benefits under new work rules that could impact up to 150,000 residents while local food pantries already deal with increased demand, with groups planning to add fruit + water supplies to bolster services.

The Women’s Pro Baseball League released its inaugural season schedule; four teams from New York, Boston, San Francisco, and LA will begin play at Robin Roberts Stadium on August 1 — each team playing 15 games before playoffs begin in September.

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.