Good morning, Springfield.

Four new board members joined the Community Foundation board today at 3:30 a.m., including Jim Reed, Larry Sweat, Lisa Wichterman, and Kathy Germeraad.

They bring local experience from education, business, and health — their terms range from two to eight years to support community programs.

Springfield Firefighters responded to a fire in the Target parking lot Friday morning when a garbage truck emitted bright orange flames during routine pickups; crews used water cannons to control the blaze.

Illinois jobless claims fell to 6,989 from 7,700 in the week ending March 14 — the U.S. Department of Labor said.

Overall US claims dropped from 213,000 to 205,000.

Local farmers face higher fertilizer costs as global unrest in the Middle East pushes nitrogen prices higher — UAN28 has risen 13% since February, prompting some growers to switch from corn to soybeans.

Gas prices in Springfield averaged $3.97 per gallon on March 20 amid a three-year high nationwide & a 44-cent increase from last week as reported by AAA.

SIU School of Medicine held a ceremony yesterday where medical students received their residency assignments via the National Residency Match Program.

Students such as Shea Lanier and Maddie Stacey are headed to Indiana University (via emergency medicine and OBGYN) and celebrated with cupcakes (a local tradition).

UIS announced plans for a new Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology that will give students lab and project work in automation and manufacturing and launch in fall 2027 pending approval from the University Board of Trustees and Illinois Board of Higher Education.

The University of Illinois Springfield announced its 2026 Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program, honoring 19 alumni including 10 former student-athletes whose achievements span coaching, analytics, and more.

The program was established by the Young Alumni Committee to recognize early career success.

Illinois Secretary of State's office is now accepting applications for its fourth summer job program, which offers 120 paid roles for students—available statewide including Springfield starting May 18; high school workers earn $17 per hour while college, trade, and graduate students earn $18 or $25 in select positions.

Illinois tax filers are urged to mail returns early to avoid processing delays from USPS postmark changes that may not reflect the actual drop-off date.

The Department of Revenue advises using electronic filing or requesting a manual postmark to meet the April 15 deadline (as officials recommend).

Officials announced a mental health board will form after a referendum passed on Tuesday due to a half-cent county tax increase for mental health services (17,300 yes votes and 15,421 no votes) uniting diverse groups to honor Sonya Massey's memory.

Today, the Glenwood Titans defeated Pontiac on opening day of the Foot and Ankle Center of Illinois Game of the Week — players Irie Lohrenz, Ryleigh Kiel and Coach Vondel Edgar shared postgame thoughts about the win.

Toddler Time Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Enjoy songs, stories, and activities that foster language skills for toddlers.