Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 9th of March.
Good morning, Springfield.
🎭 Culture
Springfield's 42nd Saint Patrick's Day parade will occur on Saturday, Mar.
14 at noon with 113 entries and six marching bands marching from Jefferson and Sixth to the Horace Mann lot. Grand marshals Court and Karen Conn lead the event with the theme A Bridge Across Centuries.
📰 Economy
The Illinois Farm Bureau is taking local farmers, including retired farmer David Wirth, on a market study tour to Mexico City starting today — the group will visit a research facility that studies wheat and corn productivity to boost trade opportunities for Illinois agriculture.
🌲 Environment
The Wild Neighbors series spotlights the Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, a common sight in local yards & fields that adapts to suburban life and helps keep plant growth in balance.
Although some gardeners report frustrations with nibbling plants, the rabbit evades predators with quick zigzag runs.
🏥 Health
The Illinois Department of Public Health report shows nearly 3,000 people died while homeless from 2017 to 2023, with deaths occurring 20 years earlier than average; state officials say high housing costs and inequities drive the crisis and plan to use the Home Illinois Plan to ease it.
Barbara Wheatley (lead clinician at Memorial Behavioral Health) explained that the Sunday morning 'Spring Forward' time change may worsen seasonal depression by affecting sleep, medication timing and mood, and advised residents to adjust routines accordingly.
🏈 Sports
The SJ-R has launched a fan poll—featuring eight local nominees for top girls basketball player for the 2025-26 season—that closes at noon on Friday, Mar.
13.
UIS athletics kicked off spring play today with the Prairie Stars competing in the Emerald Coast Classic — they will travel midweek for softball and men's golf before hosting home games on Sunday, featuring softball against Truman State and a baseball series finale.
The MacArthur Generals will face the East St. Louis Flyers today at 7 p.m. at the BOS Center in Springfield in a 3A Super Sectional game with a trip to state on the line; MacArthur enters at 34-1 after a sectional final win while East St. Louis enters at 30-4.
Illinois Springfield baseball won 14-11 over Davenport on Sunday at UIS Baseball Field after coming back from a five-run deficit + the Prairie Stars will face William Jewell Friday at 5:00 p.m. in Liberty, Mo.
🎉 Springfield Events
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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.
Toddler Time Storytime
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Enjoy songs, stories, and activities that foster language skills for toddlers.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
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💼 Springfield Job Board
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📣 Springfield Announcements
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