Good morning, Springfield.

An EF-2 tornado in Long Creek ripped half of a home’s roof off along Skyline Drive today, though homeowner Ariel Futrell and her 13-year-old son escaped injury; local groups (the Red Cross, Passion Community Church and Dollhouse Realty) stepped in to offer shelter and recovery help.

A series of Good News Only features published late December highlighted uplifting community stories — including local heroes and holiday cheer — that brought hope for the future in Springfield.

Mike and his 16-year-old son Joey Tarczan have restored Ernest Tubb’s 1953 Cadillac Fleetwood, a cherished piece of country music history.

The duo will showcase the car (a tribute to Tubb’s legacy) in central Illinois before returning it to Brady in March.

Amy Beadle from Visit Springfield announced January events including Elvis Himselvis at the Hoogland Center (3 p.m. Jan.

3) and the Harlem Globetrotters at the B.O.S. Center (Jan. 8), with winter farmers markets and a free Ambassador course also available.

A new maternal mortality report shows preventable pregnancy-related deaths increased in Illinois with Black mothers facing the highest risks; Gov. Pritzker signed HB 2517 to require anti-bias training for care providers as part of efforts to improve maternal health.

Medicaid now covers home visits to help families access care.

Today, Springfield Plastics donated over $150K to cancer research and patient care, presenting a $143,550.31 check to Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine and $8,250 to HSHS St. John’s Cancer Center during its annual Drain for the Cure fundraiser.

Visit Animal Protective League & 1001 Taintor Road where Pizzelle, a 6-year-old Siamese cat, waits for a loving owner.

The shelter is open daily from noon & 5 p.m.

Redfin Real Estate released data from January to October showing competitive housing markets.

Springfield ranked 7th with homes selling in an average of 13 days — reflecting tight inventory and strong buyer interest.

Redfin Real Estate released data from January–October 2025, and Springfield ranked seventh with homes selling in an average of 13.24 days — the market showed a sale to list ratio of 99.7% and 1.21 months of supply.

Episode 18 of the Download with DP Podcast (featuring coach Konner Beer fresh off a Waverly championship) outlines his game plan against Routt and culture-building efforts at North Mac while DP previews holiday tournaments and upcoming events on Channel1450.

UIS Athletic Department named AJ Golembiewski as Assistant Athletics Director for Fan Engagement & Revenue Development today at UIS.

A former Prairie Star and Springfield Lucky Horseshoes intern who helped with fan promotions since August, he will lead initiatives to boost game-day revenue for the Prairie Stars.

Kindergarten Open House at Our Savior's Lutheran School

6-7 p.m. — Our Savior's Lutheran School — Free entry — Discover how your child will thrive in a faith-centered educational community.

Kids Perler Bead Fun!

3-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free event — Create your own fuse bead design or follow a template at this fun craft program for children and tweens.

Arctic Lego Build & Play

2-3 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create adorable arctic animals or imaginative creatures with Lego kits in a fun-filled afternoon.