Good morning, Springfield.

On Sunday, May 31, Springfield residents joined a decorated car procession to honor the Black Lives Matter movement and celebrate unity at Cox Park, where three local students were awarded $3,000 scholarships.

Alderman Shawn Gregory and co-founder Sunshine Clemons stressed the event’s focus on community inclusion.

After more than 10 years on Robbins Road, Village Tea Room in Springfield will move to a new location later this summer.

The change marks a big shift for the popular tea room, which has been a local favorite.

Illinois lawmakers approved a budget Monday that increases Evidence-Based Funding by $350 million + restores $47 million in property tax relief for schools, with more than $10.8 billion for the education board boosting school meal programs and transportation, even as advocates say more support is needed.

State lawmakers passed a bill banning cellphones in schools, a measure long backed by Gov. JB Pritzker — who said it will reduce social media distractions and help students focus in class.

Lawmakers passed a bill on Monday that allows rideshare drivers to unionize, and it now awaits the governor’s review.

The measure sets low thresholds for union certification & adds a 4-cent per ride fee to fund a driver support program.

Illinois lawmakers passed House Bill 5090 — letting rideshare drivers unionize after meeting lower signature requirements — and the measure now awaits the governor’s review, giving drivers a chance to bargain for better wages and work conditions.

State Sen. Doris Turner advanced a bill (House adjourned before 4:30 a.m. without a vote) on Sunday night to create a Capital Area Tourism Authority that would expand Bank of Springfield Center, add a downtown hotel, and extend the medical district south to South Grand Avenue.

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill that lets rideshare drivers unionize — it sets low signature thresholds and imposes a 4-cent fee per ride to fund driver support — with the House passing it on Monday and the Senate on Sunday, giving drivers hope for better wages and safer conditions.

Corky Joyner of Joyner Construction has the former Sangamo Club under contract and plans to convert it to 20 to 40 apartments.

He is completing due diligence, including environmental testing, on the downtown property now offered at about $599,000 (a nearly $300,000 price reduction from its original listing).

Glenwood softball beat Washington in the 3A Millikin Super Sectional on Monday, June 1 (with Ava Bobb scoring 4 RBIs and Irie Lohrenz pitching the win) to secure a return trip to State for a second straight year.

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.

Getting Started With Wills & Trusts

3:30 p.m. — Edwards Group LLC — Free entry — Learn the essentials of estate planning in this informative workshop for families.

Foodees Fest

1-9 p.m. — White Oaks Mall — Free entry — Experience a weekend of gourmet food, artisan crafts, and family fun in Springfield.

Little Miracles 5K 2026

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Washington Park — Registration fee applies — Lace up for a fun run to support NICU warriors at St. John’s Children’s Hospital.

Teen Art Collage

2-3 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create a summer-inspired junk journal collage on canvas and embrace the messiness of art.