Good morning, Springfield.

Illinois recorded $703M in film production spending in 2025 due to expanded tax credits and a Film & TV Workforce Training Program that trained 550 individuals; the efforts supported over 18,100 industry hires while Governor Pritzker’s investments aim to attract more major projects.

Gas prices in Springfield reached $3.98 today, marking a 38-cent rise from last week and a $1.15 increase from a month ago.

AAA reports the average price is 71 cents higher than a year ago — when it was $3.27.

Nearly 70 medical students celebrated their National Residency Match Program results on March 20 & will start their residency training soon.

Many will stay nearby after graduating from SIU School of Medicine this May.

Illinois food producers and small agricultural businesses may apply for a share of $3.6 million (applications close March 27) through the Local Food Infrastructure Grant to upgrade cold storage, processing equipment and refrigerated transportation systems; funds will be disbursed in June.

Tia Rapps of Springfield Memorial Hospital urged residents to be screened for colorectal cancer during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Free at-home screening Fit Kits will be available March 25, 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Memorial Drive Thru Lab (call 217-788-4400 for details).

The State Journal-Register has relaunched its spring athlete of the week poll, inviting readers to vote every hour until noon on Friday, Mar.

27 & determine the next featured athlete.

The State Journal-Register has announced its Wrestler of the Year and All-Area Team for the 2025-26 season, honoring Springfield area athletes.

Repeat champions like Cody Moss and Justin Zimmerman were recognized for their strong performances at state finals.

Toddler Time Storytime

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