Good morning, Springfield.

Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center in Springfield welcomes Carter, a 3-year-old tabby who arrived on April 28 as an unchipped stray.

The cat is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and FIV/FeLV negative and is ready for adoption at a discounted fee of $35.

Streak, a two-year-old volunteer favorite with a challenging adoption history, is available for foster or adoption at the Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center (shelter hours: Monday-Friday 10:30-4:15, Saturday 9:00-1:00) in Springfield.

The Animal Protective League is featuring Eleanor, a 5-year-old Basset Hound/Pit mix with a loving and calm nature available for foster or adoption.

Visit their shelter (1001 Taintor Road) daily from noon to 5 p.m. to meet this sweet dog.

Home Depot's online Decor Days sale began on Thursday, May 7 and runs through Wednesday, May 13, offering up to 50% off furniture, decor & patio items for a spring refresh; Springfield shoppers can save on stylish essentials.

Levitt AMP Springfield will host free family-friendly concerts every Thursday from May 28 – July 30 downtown at 4th & Jackson next to the Governor’s Mansion; the event will start at 6:00pm with a kids kickoff at 6:30pm, followed by an opener and headliner, plus food trucks and free activities.

Lincoln Land Community College named Todd Creal as athletic director — an experienced coach who led teams at Westminster and Millikin.

A native of Brighton with degrees from Illinois College and Western Illinois University, Creal will work to enhance the student-athlete experience on campus and in the community.

State lawmakers reviewed the progress of the Evidence-Based Funding formula amid budget talks as data showed many school districts still fall short of funding targets — with 63% under 90% and some below 70%.

Lawmakers said closing the gap might require an extra $3 billion to fully support schools.

Lawmakers have questioned the evidence-based Funding formula as most of Illinois's 851 public school districts remain underfunded ahead of the 10th-anniversary milestone.

Senate Bill 3701 will require full state funding for schools to meet adequacy targets starting next fiscal year.

At Black Farmers and Growers Lobby Day held at the Capitol on Wednesday, Cate Caldwell and State Rep. Sonya Harper explained how Black farmers face challenges from land loss and lending discrimination.

Harper noted that the state's $2.5 million support for disadvantaged farmers has yet to benefit many.

On Wednesday, troopers who died in the line of duty were honored at the Illinois State Police Memorial Park near headquarters (built in 2018).

Director Brendan Kelly said no new names were added to the memorial this year while heritage foundation director Jarod Ingebrigtsen stressed that their service must be remembered.

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.

Paint with Ashley Blake

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Cost covers materials — Enjoy a creative night painting a whimsical library gnome with guidance from Ashley Blake.