Good morning, Springfield.

Residents at Maple Grove Estates accused the property owner of unfair practices on Mar.

4 + they are urging a review by local housing groups. The owner has not yet responded.

On Mar. 4, a broken cross arm left 1,500 residents in Central Illinois without power (utility crews are working to restore service).

An Upwork survey from November (2025) found Illinois small business leaders spent about 67 workdays a year on non-core tasks that took focus away from strategy.

Over half believed delegating these tasks would improve results and reduce burnout.

The Illinois State Museum opened the MiCasaesTuCasa exhibit today at 502 S.

Spring St (+ free admission) which features student stories told through artifacts, oral histories and cooking videos and runs through May 10.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield now displays Mary Lincoln's rare strawberry dress (donated in 1963 and last shown in 2011).

The dress, part of an ongoing exhibit on Lincoln's legacy, will be on display until April 26.

Visitors at the Hoogland Center of the Arts must now pay for parking at the ramp on Sixth St. and Capitol Ave. since Metropolis took over ownership; fees are $2.49 for the first hour and $1.50 per subsequent hour, with a daily cap of $10.99 (text receipts provided).

Lincoln Land Community College celebrates Women’s History Month with free events at the A.

Lincoln Commons on its main campus at 5250 Shepherd Road. The programming starts today with the HerStory Market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continues with a film screening on Mar. 16 and a lunch discussion on Mar. 26 featuring local women leaders.

Illinois officials are urging residents today to prepare for spring severe weather by assembling a three-day emergency kit, checking insurance policies and learning to shut off utilities — advice from the state emergency team as thunderstorms, flooding and power outages could occur.

Ajinomoto Foods Inc. is recalling 16 Chinese food products sold at Kroger and Trader Joe’s in Illinois because the items may contain glass.

Shoppers should check labels for specific identification numbers and best-by dates and discard or return any affected products.

Normal U-High held off a late rally by the Senators in the sectional semifinal with a 64-54 win.

Cameron Johnson scored 22 points + Springfield High ended its season at 21–13.

Kennedy Osterman of UIS Women's Basketball earned WBCA/D2CIDA National Player of the Week after scoring a career-high 31 points in wins over William Jewell and Rockhurst this past weekend.

The Pewaukee native surpassed 1,000 career points in a two-game stretch, capping her collegiate career with the honor.

On March 4, 2026, Rochester's Kai Bruce hit six 3-pointers for 18 points as the Rockets beat Staunton 52-49 in the Pleasant Plains Sectional semifinals (the team will face Quincy Notre Dame on Friday).

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.