Good morning, Springfield.

On Friday, May 1, a May Day event took place at Duncan Park where local unions and community groups presented family-friendly activities (food, art, music, and interactive displays) to celebrate workers’ rights.

The final Smokey Bones restaurant in Springfield closed on Tuesday, Apr.

28 (2660 S. Dirksen Parkway) as FAT Brands shifts its focus following its Chapter 11 filing. The closure marks the end of Illinois’ remaining chain barbecue spot amid nationwide shutdowns.

Communities along historic Route 66 celebrate its 100th anniversary with events, car rallies, and music festivals in May, June and October—featuring a Big Foot gathering in Livingston on May 9, a Jeep Run from Litchfield to Granite City on June 6, and a car rally in Collinsville on June 20.

Illinois State Board of Education is asking lawmakers for $200,000 to develop a new way to count low-income students as federal SNAP and Medicaid changes have led to declining enrollments.

The board plans to explore alternative methods to ensure proper funding for schools.

Local organizers have announced Brats For The Cure, a charity fundraiser featuring bratwurst and family fun to support cancer research that is scheduled to take place soon in Springfield — residents are invited to join and help raise funds.

Lincoln Land Goodwill hosts a bridal event in Springfield featuring donated wedding dresses, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices.

Shoppers can browse tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (the event will later tour Champaign on May 23, Quincy on May 30, and Chatham and Bloomington/Normal on June dates).

Sacred Heart Griffin grad Rosie Bartletti led UIS to a 3-0 win over Lewis Saturday with six perfect innings & Bailey Masching drove in a run as Bartletti went 2-for-3 in seven innings allowing one hit.

The SJ-R held online hourly voting for its athlete of the week (April 27 to May 2), giving local sports fans a chance to shape the contest outcome.

On Saturday, Dunlap maintained its top spot in the Mid-Illini softball standings with a shutout win over Metamora thanks to Sutton Centoni’s three-hitter.

Local teams Illini Bluffs, Normal West and Peoria Notre Dame also earned wins in regional contests.

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.