Good morning, Springfield.

A proposal to add about $1.7 billion in funding for public universities over the next 10 to 15 years met opposition from the University of Illinois System during a Senate committee meeting.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford said the plan aims to help underfunded schools—while U of I officials warned it could hurt institutions that already support many underrepresented students.

Mary Wichman, a student at Lincoln Land Community College, won a gold medal in baking and pastry arts at the Illinois SkillsUSA Championship held in Peoria from April 24–26 — an achievement that shows her strong skills in baking apple pies and cream puffs.

Her win qualifies her to compete at the National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta from June 23–27 — where she will prepare to make seven recipes.

Nominees for The State Journal-Register’s athlete of the week include standout players from girls soccer, baseball, and softball, and voters must cast ballots by noon Friday — last week's winner was Staunton's Kaliana Buehler — with winners to be announced later.

On May 3, 2025, Cale Hatcher pitched 5 1/3 innings of shutout baseball while Sean Lowder earned a save as Pleasant Plains won 3-1 over Teutopolis at Reiser Field—Trager Shultz drove in two runs in the first inning and Henry Thompson scored Teutopolis’ only run in the sixth.

The team will host Sacred Heart Griffin on Monday—hoping to build on the win.

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.

Levitt AMP Springfield 2025 Season

Ten free concerts in downtown Springfield thanks to the Levitt Foundation, PNC Bank, Springfield Area Arts Council & many local partners! Bring your friends, family, dogs, chairs, and picnics or order from the many food trucks and enjoy free, live music every Thursday, May 29 - July 31 on the lawn in front of the Governor's Mansion.

Lick Creek & Folsom Prison Five Concert

6 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — Enjoy great food and cold Coors Light while listening to live country and classic hits.

Dementia Caregiving 101: Nutrition and Activities

2-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Learn about brain nutrition and meaningful activities for individuals with memory loss in this comprehensive caregiver support program.