Good morning, Springfield.

Breeonna Roberts presented 'Springfield Wrapped' to the City Council this week and reported that 13 downtown locally-owned businesses closed alongside over 20 citywide amid a population decline (she also noted strong civic engagement and discussions on using cannabis tax investments to support minority-owned businesses).

Obed & Isaac’s The Cidery launches weekly live music every Wednesday and trivia every Tuesday in January.

The taproom opens at 5:00 p.m. to offer locals a warm indoor space with local tunes, food, and craft cider.

The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will launch a workforce development plan that offers resume workshops, job shadowing, and career sessions at local high schools+ the effort is backed by a $797,693 grant approved last month by Sangamon County.

Kidzeum in downtown Springfield received a grant from the National Science Foundation to help design a new STEAM center for hands on learning and problem-solving skills (the project aims to be a model for community based education).

Executive director Leah Wilson said the funding shows national confidence in the museum's approach.

Resident Breeonna Roberts delivered 'Springfield Wrapped' to city council in a recap of the past year's trends in local business closures + population decline amid discussions on cannabis tax revenue supporting neighborhood grants.

She lauded strong civic engagement that may lead to positive change.

Researchers at UIS and SIU launched an ongoing study on cancer spread prevention that uses fluorescent microscopy with red + green markers to track cell interactions.

The project will give UIS students practical experience while they test potential approaches to tumor control.

Springfield residents are joining Dry January to boost their physical and mental health after a season of holiday indulgence.

Health experts advise removing alcohol from homes and social venues (and stocking non-alcoholic drinks) to help meet the month-long challenge.

The UIS men's basketball team beat William Woods 108-67 on New Year's Eve at TRAC, marking its 33rd 100-point game with a 52-point effort from the bench + the team now stands 8-4 and will play a home doubleheader at 6:00 p.m. today against Indianapolis.

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.