Good morning, Springfield.

On Tuesday, a three-million-dollar Mega Millions ticket was sold at Qik-N-Ez on North Grand Avenue after matching five white ball numbers with a 3X multiplier, and the store earned a 1% bonus of $30,000.

Local businesses got a head start with a six‐week AI workshop launched on Feb.

26 at Innovate Springfield, where firms build automated workflows and UIS students help evaluate real-world solutions.

USCIS data shows Illinois is among the top states hiring H-1B visa workers, with cities such as Chicago, Naperville, Elgin, Decatur, and Springfield ranking among the highest (local industries including education, health care, and manufacturing could be affected by upcoming restrictions).

Soybean farmers in our state will soon receive federal bridge payments to offset losses from last year’s trade disruptions, but many warn the temporary relief won’t fix long-term export challenges amid shifting international markets — a concern that could affect future cost pressures for local growers.

Timothy Killeen said on Wednesday that negotiations over a proposed $1.7 billion funding overhaul for higher education continue, but the University of Illinois System opposes the bills since they could increase tuition as funds shift to underfunded schools.

Springfield residents can secure a passport at a walk-in event hosted by Heartland Credit Union and the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 610 E.

St. Joseph St; applicants must bring a certified birth certificate + valid photo ID, passport photo, and payment.

Walmart Great Value cottage cheese sold from Feb.

17 to 20 was recalled due to liquid ingredients that may not have been pasteurized; customers should return or discard the items with best if used by dates April 1 to 3 as a preventive measure (FDA announced it).

Animal Protective League in Springfield features Otten, a calm 3-year-old tortie with a gentle personality at 1001 Taintor Road where she is available for visitors from noon to 5 p.m.

James Dambacher was approved as the new head football coach at Glenwood High School by the Ball-Chatham Board of Education on Feb.

25. He coached at Auburn and New Berlin and will lead the team to build on its strong tradition.

Pleasant Plains beat Father McGivney 57-23 to claim the 2A North Mac sectional championship after taking a quick 14-0 lead early in the game; they will face the Macomb sectional winner Monday at 6 p.m. at Pleasant Plains as a step toward a state appearance.

Illinois Product Expo 2026

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Orr Building — $10 for wine tasting — Explore local flavors and indulge in wine from 14 Illinois wineries.

Toddler Time at Lincoln Library

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Move, learn, and play with stories, songs, and activities tailored for toddlers and their caregivers.

Candlebox in Concert

7-11 p.m. — Boondocks — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary Seattle rockers Candlebox live during their Can't Quit You Tour.

Chunky Blanket Making Class with Jayme

2:30-5:30 p.m. — B's Creative Studio — $75.00 — Learn the art of hand knitting as you create your own cozy chunky blanket while making new friends.