Good morning, Springfield.

Downtown Springfield, Inc. named Jay Shanle as its new executive director during its Get Your Kicks Gala on March 26 and he will officially begin his role on April 6.

He previously served as interim director and held communications roles, praising the organization’s collaborative efforts to enhance downtown.

State Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has introduced HB 4253 that would require kindergarten attendance for all children to start school on an even footing.

Supporters say the measure may boost early learning and literacy, and the bill remains in the House Rules Committee.

State Rep. Kevin Schmidt has proposed a bill requiring kindergarten statewide—aimed at giving all children an equal start—while the measure remains in the House Rules Committee.

East St. Louis principal Darla Wall and Rep. Brandun Schweizer support the bill as early learning is vital for literacy.

Residents in Springfield will see the Pink Moon on Wednesday, April 1 when peak illumination occurs at 9:12 p.m. CT if rain holds off, and they can also look for the Lyrid meteor shower peaking around April 21+22 in areas with clear skies.

UIS epidemiologist Jessica Madrigal is hosting workshops today in Springfield to educate residents on radon risks and lung cancer screening while distributing free radon test kits supplied by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

The project partners with local community groups and libraries to survey awareness (according to UIS officials).

UIS softball team split a doubleheader against Missouri S&T on Sunday, winning the first game (7 to 4) and losing the second (5 to 1).

The team will face William Jewell on Friday afternoon in Liberty.

The Tri-City Tornadoes won a 3-2 game against Athens on March 30 as Maebri Bender hit a three-run homer in the top of the sixth, moving the team to a 6-0 record.

Athens will host Delavan Tuesday while Tri-City plays Heyworth Thursday.

UIS's Prairie Stars are back in action Monday and today at the Flyers Spring Invitational at Bolingbrook Golf Club after winning their home tournament last week.

Vilgot Arleback tees off at 9:33 a.m. — the team will face GLVC rivals including Quincy and Rockhurst with live scoring on Clippd.

UIS Athletics has spotlighted athletic trainer Samantha Fuentes during National Athletic Training Month as she supports Prairie Star student-athletes with injury evaluations and recovery plans for men's soccer and men's basketball.

Fuentes in her first year at UIS brings fresh energy and expertise to training and practice.

Illinois Springfield men's tennis lost a 4 to 3 match to Rockhurst on Sunday at Washington Park (the Prairie Stars won doubles and a few singles, but Miran Todorovic's loss gave Rockhurst the deciding point and the team will face Quincy for a 2:00 p.m. match Friday).

Toddler Time Storytime

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