Good morning, Springfield.

On Monday, March 2, regular gas in Springfield was $2.91, and experts warn that rising Middle East tensions may push prices higher soon if oil flows are disrupted.

High schoolers visited the Capitol this week to push for stricter rules on drug use and to lower the legal blood alcohol content from 0.08 to 0.05, aiming to boost youth voices in local prevention + protect community health.

The Springfield Police Department has launched the free Blue Envelope Program in partnership with The Autism Hero Project to help drivers on the autism spectrum easily present driver’s license, registration + insurance documents during interactions; envelopes are available at local police, HOPE Cafe, YMCA Downtown, YMCA Kerasotes, and Springfield Community Relations.

State Sen. Graciela Guzmán is pushing to introduce NEST, a program that would give Medicaid-eligible moms $4,500 with $1,500 in the third trimester + $500 monthly for six months after birth.

Supporters say the plan could reduce preterm births and ease NICU admissions.

Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 1443 and Senate Bill 66 to establish a Health Care Availability and Access Board that will review drug prices and set limits if affordability challenges are found.

The proposal, first introduced in January 2025, remains pending committee assignments.

Tommy is a friendly, 7-year-old orange and white cat who arrived on Feb.

26 through owner surrender and is now available for adoption at Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center on Shale Street. He is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and tests negative for FIV and FeLV while his adoption fee is reduced to $25.

On March 6 at 7:45 p.m. CT, the Prairie Stars will face the McKendree Bearcats in Quarterfinal 4 of the GLVC Men's Basketball Championship Tournament at the Mark Twain Building.

A win will send the team into the semifinals on March 7.

UIS athletics will have a busy week starting today with Indoor Track and Field Championship selections on NCAA.com, followed by contests in Women's and Men's Tennis, Baseball, Softball, and Men's Basketball and a spring opening for Women's Golf in Destin; teams aim to boost regional standings.

Senior Isaac Cortes led the Prairie Stars at the GLVC Indoor Track and Field Championships this past weekend, placing 10th in the 5000 meter run.

Head coach Emmons King said the team gained valuable experience as they look forward to outdoor meets later in March.

Madelyn Miller-Ross won her first track title on Sunday at the GLVC Indoor Championships at the University of Indianapolis campus by finishing the 3K in a record 9:41.03—she pulled away by over 13 seconds.

She is now inside the NCAA Division II cutoff and will race at the national meet in Virginia Beach on March 13 if she qualifies.

The Ball-Chatham Board of Education approved hiring James Dambacher as the new head football coach at Glenwood High School.

Dambacher, who coached at Auburn and New Berlin High Schools, said he is honored to join the team — aiming to build on the program’s foundation and develop student-athletes.

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.