Good morning, Springfield.

Feeding Springfield is asking for donations after a fire damaged a local transitional housing site for people recovering from addiction in Springfield.

The outreach group seeks men’s clothing, new socks, hygiene products, and winter gear + essential items to help those affected.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving held an annual vigil Thursday night at 6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church to honor victims of impaired driving + the event featured name readings, a poem, and mission speakers, drawing about 50 participants.

Owner Yolonda Rice will renovate the historic King’s Daughters Home (over 100 years old) that was damaged by a fire in early March into affordable lodging for nursing students and travel nurses.

Rice said the project remains on track with construction expected to begin this summer.

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association advanced the top 16 contenders in its Makers Madness contest with nearly 80,000 votes cast, and voting remains open at makersmadnessil.com through March 29; the awards luncheon will be held April 15 at the Governor's Mansion.

UIS Chancellor Janet L.

Gooch will host a conversation with former Congresswoman Cheri Callahan Bustos on Apr. 7 at the UIS Student Union Ballroom — the event will explore authentic leadership from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. before a free reception follows.

The University of Illinois Springfield is partnering with Parkland College to offer community college students a transfer pathway that includes coordinated advising, milestone-based financial support, and a dedicated transfer coordinator before completing their bachelor’s degree.

The agreement will remain in effect through June 30, 2029.

Lincoln Library and Decatur Public Library face steep digital e-book costs as online circulation grows; they back HB5236 to cap publisher restrictions and high prices on digital materials for better patron access.

Local libraries are struggling with high e-book costs as digital reading grows; the Decatur and Lincoln libraries are backing HB5236 Digital Library Protection Act — a bill aimed at lowering publisher prices and easing long hold lists for patrons.

Kamryn Hoffman's hat trick and two assists powered Springfield High to a 5-1 win over University High on March 26 in a Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois game of the week.

The Senators improved to 4-0 while the Pioneers fell to 2-1.

Springfield hit a record 91-degree temperature on Thursday, Mar.

26 (the second time in March since 1907) as student-athletes played baseball, prompting coaches to stress hydration; Friday's forecast shows a low of 24 degrees.

Illinois Springfield outfielder Kaden Griffitts was named the NCBWA Division II Midwest Region Player of the Week after his key series win over Drury.

He hit a go-ahead grand slam and multiple home runs — efforts that boosted his season stats and helped secure wins Friday through Sunday.

Toddler Time Storytime

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