Donuts and disinfectant but no drama at Springfield polls during primary election. Updates at sj-r.com

The Ruebling family begins Saturday morning the same way they have most days of the #COVID19 pandemic - sheltering-in-place together in their backyard. "We have each other, Ashley Ruebling said. "That's the biggest part." The family says they enjoy spending more time together.

Deacon Larry Smith leads a procession into the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Ill., that is closed to and empty of parishoners due to #COVID19 pandemic precautions during a livestreamed Easter service.

Protesters gathered outside the BOS Center in Springfield where House will conduct spring legislative session. Gallery: bit.ly/2LIyVj1 #twill

The Illinois House voted 81-27 to remove state Rep. Darren Bailey from the legislative session being conducted at the Bank of Springfield Center for failing to follow new House rules requiring members to wear a mask. #twill

Love this "foot traffic" portrait series from Rich Saal of people in front of his house in Springfield during the pandemic. richsaal.com/foot-traffic

After being removed from the floor for not complying with a House rule requiring face coverings, state Rep. Darren Bailey arrived at today's session wearing a face mask. #twill

Illinois state Rep. Karina Villa donned a thin translucent mask over her face during debate on the House floor as she discussed an unnamed employer that told workers such a mask would offer protection from COVID-19. #twill

Peaceful protests and rallies continued throughout the weekend in the Springfield area. Stories and more at sj-r.com

Remembering Gov. James Thompson's time in Springfield. Gallery: bit.ly/2DMDSqZ #twill

Com. Ed. executive VP for compliance and audit David Glockner questioned during House Special Investigating Committee II's second meeting as they investigate House Speaker Michael Madigan’s role in a bribery scandal involving the utility. Gallery bit.ly/3kZBRYh #twill

Barry was a suit-wearing, Saab-driving managing editor when I started. Still a photographer at heart, he would often check-in on the 2-way radio or help edit film. He trusted and supported the staff who created work he and they could be proud of and they loved him for it.

Small acts of kindness knit a community together and are my favorite things to photograph and share with readers. I know Barry would appreciate how Deb's friends are supporting her today. I'd like to think he'd appreciate this photo, too. Fall pick-me-up sj-r.com/photogallery/L…

Thank you, Bernie. It’s always been a pleasure and a privilege.

My time at the SJ-R is ending. Thanks to all who allowed me to share their stories and to those who support local journalism. Special thanks to all my colleagues past and present, those with bylines and those who work behind the scenes, who have made the past 20 years a pleasure.

On the anniversary of the Dobbs decision that enabled Indiana’s abortion ban, you can review recent abortion context here tedschurter.github.io/indiana_aborti… How far the 2022 annual and monthly totals will differ from 2021 or their historic averages is unknown until full data is released.

In addition to the Indiana Supreme Court upholding the abortion ban today, 2022 data was also released. Shifts in the legal landscape were reflected in the monthly totals while a nearly 300% surge in nonresident abortions pushed the annual total up 13%.

Two Indiana drivers named Howdy Wilcox competed in the #Indy500. One raced in the first 11 events, winning in 1919 after starting second. The other, Howdy Wilcox II, not related, placed 2nd in his only appearance in 1932. From an ongoing project. #rstats #dataviz

Roger Penske’s team has dominated the #Indy 500 though the eponymous founder, former racing driver and current track owner never entered the race. #TeamPenske’s 19 wins and 35 podium finishes are unmatched. From an ongoing project. #rstats #dataviz

The final (center) section of the #Indy 500 project shows the 161 different drivers that have earned a top 3 finish at the Indianapolis 500. Al Unser leads them all with 11 podium appearances. The rest of the project: bit.ly/3sT46RM #rstats #dataviz