Good morning, Springfield.

Tickets remain available for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway as the countdown to selecting a winner nears; Springfield residents can buy tickets before the drawing takes place.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are returning to Springfield from southern Texas and Central America, and experts note that unusual weather may affect migration timing.

The Audubon Society will host a free event on April 16 — sharing migration, habitat, and feeding tips.

The Wild Neighbors series shows that opossums help balance the local ecosystem in Sangamon County by eating insects, rodents and ticks.

They are nocturnal and use a survival tactic — playing possum — to avoid predators.

Kincaid residents received notices on Wednesday about elevated lead levels in some homes.

Mayor Tony Pezze said the village finished replacing older pipes — with more than 100 lines set to be replaced next, so homeowners should verify if their service lines are affected.

Illinois officials are planning to sue the EPA after a federal policy change may extend coal-fired power plants' operations.

The move could delay the state's clean energy transition & affect rural jobs as experts urge stronger state support.

Illinois taxpayers are advised to mail returns early because new USPS procedures may delay postmark dates on mailed documents; Director David Harris said requesting a manual postmark or filing electronically remains the best way to meet the April 15 deadline.

Sunday night, a tree knocked down a primary power line on West Edwards Street — leaving over 150 CWLP customers without power from West Lawrence to South Pasfield and prompting crews to work swiftly to restore service.

Springfield Memorial Hospital will launch its Mindful Miles walking challenge on May 1 to boost mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Residents can sign up via Memorial Health social media or using the Pacer App (code 'M-H-Walks') and are encouraged to walk 50 miles over the month.

Springfield native Major Clay, a former high jumper and two-time state champion, will run in the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20 for Peace Runners 773 & to raise funds for wellness programs.

He recently received positive news from his doctor about a lung issue.