Good morning, Springfield.

Families at Willard Airport (Savoy) welcomed returning soldiers from the 232 Combat Sustainment Support Battalion after they completed over 200 missions in eight countries, providing logistical support for rail operations.

The Springfield YMCA will mark 60 years of its youth soccer program by dedicating the field in honor of founder Harold Christofilakos — the last founding member — at Friendly Fields Soccer Complex on April 18.

The dedication will include his family and current youth players.

Chemring Energetic Devices (from Downers Grove) produced the NASA Standard Inhibitor that went on Artemis II and was named 'The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois' in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association contest (which received 167,000 votes for about 150 nominees).

Springfield will host the 2026 Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference from Oct.

8-11 to celebrate the centennial of the historic highway, with keynote speaker Michael Wallis and executive director Ken Busby joining for tours, panels, and workshops.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Midwest gas prices rose for the eighth week with Monday's average at $3.89 per gallon, up from $3.77 last week+ they are 5.7% lower than the national average as traders brace for seasonal demand and potential oil flow disruptions.

Carlock and Glenn Elementary Schools stayed open after months of community discussion — school board officials confirmed the decision at a meeting on Wednesday, Apr.

15 — ensuring local students continue learning.

Illinois lawmakers are reviewing a bill to ban cellphone use in public and charter school classes (inspired by a Chicago school policy) after the measure passed the House Education Committee on March 25; if approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Pritzker, schools must comply by the 2027-28 school year.

Sangamon County is accepting applications for its new mental health board created under a half-percent sales tax approved by voters; officials reported 32 entries so far and expect more by the Monday, April 20 deadline.

Once formed, the board will set operating procedures and allocate community funds by year’s end.

Sangamon County is reviewing 32 applications (and counting) for its new mental health board created after voters approved a sales tax increase to boost mental health services, and the county must receive applications by Monday, Apr.

20.

Data from Realtor.com shows that in January, median home sale prices in Sangamon County reached $199,155 (up 7.7% from December's $185,000), with single-family homes at $200,000 and condos dropping to $172,000.

Sam Antonacci—a Sacred Heart-Griffin graduate—singled in his first MLB plate appearance for the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, Apr.

15 against the Tampa Bay Rays. The left-handed hitter, a top prospect, is expected to man left field as Springfield’s growing baseball presence continues.

Glenwood beat Routt 9 — 2 at Bob Erickson Field in Community Park on April 16.

Dylan Huff steadied his pitching after a rough start while Quinten Hale led a strong offensive push, giving the Titans their tenth win in a row.