Good morning, Springfield.

Electric bills will be higher next month—Commonwealth Edison customers will pay about $10.60 extra monthly and Ameren customers may see a roughly $45 increase depending on usage.

Lawmakers in Springfield are weighing energy reforms to ease rising costs and grid stress as high demand and shrinking supply threaten future reliability.

UIS Athletics maintained academic success in spring as 238 student-athletes posted a combined 3.55 GPA, with every team earning at least 3.25; 57 athletes achieved a perfect 4.0—an academic milestone that highlights their effort—while women’s cross country led with a 3.86 GPA.

The department celebrated this record and will continue to support student success in both sports and studies.

Illinois lawmakers passed two bills this week to support mothers—one mandates paid time off for pumping breast milk and the other allows certified nurse midwives to aid home births in maternity care deserts.

Both bills now await the governor’s approval.

State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) led a bipartisan Senate vote to pass House Bill 1141, which requires insurance plans to cover all medically necessary anesthesia services without a time limit, a change prompted by earlier proposals to cap coverage that led to public outcry.

Auburn won a 1-0 game over Carlinville on May 24—Meena Taylor pitched a shutout while Addison Wheatley hit a RBI triple that sent the team into the 2A Macomb sectional.

The Trojans will face Olympia on Wednesday.

Pleasant Plains skipper Dave Greer and senior pitcher Sean Lowder discussed their regional championship win and announced the team will face sectionals next week at home (their discussion followed the win on May 24).

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.

Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale

11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Admission details not provided — Explore a variety of watches and clocks at this community-sponsored event.

Friends of the Farmers Market Brunch

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Union Square Park — Celebrate local agriculture with delicious farm-to-table dishes and community vibes.

Sangamon County Fair

7 p.m. — Sangamon County Fairgrounds — Family-friendly fun — Experience a Midwestern tradition with concerts, rides, and animals as you kick off the summer.

R and B Live Summer Party

7-10 p.m. — Curve Inn — Free entry — Get ready to groove at a night of soulful music and good vibes.

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.

Virtual Tour of Springfield Supportive Living

9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Springfield Supportive Living — Free entry — Explore award-winning amenities and activities at one of the highest-rated senior living communities.

Camp Invention: Discover at Lincoln Magnet School

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Lincoln Magnet School — $175 — A STEM summer program that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills for kids entering grades 1-6.