Good morning, Springfield.

State Rep. Mike Coffey is encouraging local residents to donate new stuffed animals and blankets to help comfort children at HSHS St. John’s Children's Hospital.

Donations can be dropped off at his district office at the E-1 Stratton Office Building at 401 South Spring Street from March 4 through April 3.

Illinois Lottery player 'Lucky Lady' won a $536M Mega Millions jackpot after buying her ticket online for the March 10 drawing; she said she plans to hold a family meeting to discuss buying a new house and a possible trip.

University of Illinois Springfield will offer a new engineering technology degree this fall to meet growing demands in modern manufacturing, automation, and emerging technology.

The Board of Trustees will consider the program Friday before final approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

The Springfield Police Department promoted three veteran officers on March 17 at City Council Chambers; Detectives Cody Musson and Tamara Russell became sergeants and Sergeant Lloyd Lawson advanced to lieutenant — recognizing their long service.

Sangamon County voters approved a 0.5% tax increase to fund a mental health board that will coordinate local mental health services.

The tax—excluding groceries, medications, and titled purchases—is expected to generate over $14 million annually, and officials will soon decide on board selection and tax start date.

A bill in Springfield would require private insurers to cover heart scans for adults 40 and older.

Lawmakers said early detection is key as heart disease is a leading cause of death (the House Insurance Committee passed it Thursday night) and it now heads to the full House for review.

CWLP announced that registration for the 2026 Lake Springfield boat season is open; renewal licenses mailed for the 2025 season must be returned by June 30 – forms are also available at CWLP Security on Stevenson Drive, the marina and on Cockrell Lane.

IDOT will start a $10.5 million resurfacing of 1.5 miles of Illinois 29 from Magnolia Street to U.S. 51 on Monday, March 23—with upgrades to drainage, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and lighting expected to finish by August 2027.

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.