Good morning, Springfield.

Illinois Product Farmers Market starts its 19th season this Thursday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds and runs weekly through September, featuring food trucks, face painting, Touch-A-Truck, live music by Not Petty plus matching LINK benefits from the state agriculture department.

AAA reported gas prices jumped to $4.45 per gallon yesterday, May 3, putting local drivers on notice for higher fuel costs.

The increase may affect gas stations around Springfield as market trends push prices upward.

UIS will hold its 55th commencement on Saturday, May 9 at the Bank of Springfield Center with two ceremonies at 12:30 p.m. + 5:30 p.m., featuring 1,020 graduates and an honorary degree for alumnus W.

Robert Felker.

Eyes Up Equestrian welcomes young riders to learn horseback riding and build essential life skills at its local facility.

Launched yesterday, the program offers guided lessons to boost confidence and improve riding ability.

Dylan Waguespack showcased an hourglass diorama at Conservation Science Day on April 23 at the Capitol that highlighted how intact wetlands offer flood prevention, recreational, and educational benefits after a Supreme Court ruling removed 90 percent of state wetlands from protection.

The National Weather Service report says that April pulled Springfield out of drought conditions with 6.35 inches of rain, making it the 13th wettest month on record; daily rainfall peaked on April 27th when Springfield had 3.62 inches of rain & Lincoln had 2.7 inches.

On Conservation Science Day, Dylan Waguespack used an hourglass-shaped diorama to show how wetlands help with recreation and flood prevention after a Supreme Court decision removed 90 percent of Illinois wetlands from protection.

The event (hosted by the Illinois Environmental Council) in Springfield focused on raising community awareness of these lands threatened by development.

Springfield Memorial Hospital earned Level 4 Epilepsy Center accreditation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers today, recognizing its advanced testing and treatment options for hard-to-control seizures.

The three-year award runs until 2028 — a boost for local health care.

Dr. Nicole Florence of Memorial Wellness Center says deep breathing and healthy habits like walking, balanced meals, hydration, and sleep can help manage stress by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) when the body feels challenged.

She warns that constant stress may lead to long-term health issues.

SHG athletic director Bob Brenneisen confirmed on Saturday that former assistant coach Mike Gaffney returns as head coach of the Cyclones girls basketball team, replacing Dave Andrews.

Gaffney plans to use his 11 years of experience with SHG — including lessons from coach Klunick — to lead the team to success.

Women’s Pro Baseball League will begin its inaugural 15 game season on Aug.1 at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, featuring teams from New York, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles with the postseason starting Sept.9 + fans can join the First Pitch Club for early ticket access.

High school girls soccer playoffs in Springfield are set with teams like Springfield High, Pleasant Plains, Williamsville, and Litchfield earning top seeds.

Games run from May 19 to May 26 and the tournament page will be updated with results as matchups progress.

Highland Cow Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost info provided — Unleash creativity as you paint a quirky Highland Cow masterpiece under expert guidance.

Paint with Ashley Blake

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Cost covers materials — Enjoy a creative night painting a whimsical library gnome with guidance from Ashley Blake.