Good morning, Springfield.

Helping Hands shelter is nearing full capacity as rising housing costs force more residents to seek help; extra cots in common areas now accommodate overflow while community groups work to support those in need.

Visit Springfield is offering a free ambassador course that trains local residents to become tourism experts and guide visitors around the city.

The program includes 39 lessons and has already enrolled 150 participants.

REEL USA, a French-based crane manufacturer, bought the former Howden Fan building on Mayflower Blvd and made a $1.6m investment in a new facility.

The company plans to begin with 10 employees and grow to up to 100 workers in the coming years.

Sculptor Thad Duhigg’s art exhibit 'the neophobic kingdom' opens Jan.

12 at LLCC’s Trutter Museum — on Menard Hall’s upper level — and runs weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; a public closing reception is set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12.

Lincoln Land Community College launched its new Professional Development Institute offering workforce training and continuing education with a 50% discount on courses until Jan.

30. The institute provides in-person & online courses for professionals in leadership, tech, and workplace safety.

Local dieticians in Springfield reacted to the new inverted food pyramid (released Jan.

9) and noted that the update may reshape community nutritional guidelines to promote healthier eating.

Jason Simontacchi, a former Major League pitcher and Springfield Cardinals coach, will be the guest speaker at the 2026 UIS First Pitch Event on Saturday, Jan.

24 in the UIS Student Union Ballroom. The event starts with a 5:30 p.m. happy hour + a program at 6:00 p.m.

Four Unit 4 school athletes won gold medals at the Illinois Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament last month in Champaign + they qualified by winning at both regional and sectional rounds among more than 5,800 bowlers statewide.

Springfield's Prairie Stars beat Quincy 91-60 at Pepsi Arena on Thursday night, claiming the BOS Traveling Cup and marking their first-ever 6-0 start in GLVC play.

The team will play against Truman State at 3:00 p.m. today.

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.

PMP Exam Preparation Course

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Contact for pricing — Enhance your project management skills through a comprehensive 4-day workshop with certification guarantee.

Bath Bombs and Body Scrub Workshop

3:00-4:30 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create a thoughtful Valentine gift with handmade bath bombs and coffee body scrub in a fun, messy setting.

Super Bowl LX Celebration

5-10 p.m. — 5th Street GEM — In person — Enjoy an evening of football, snacks, and good vibes at the Super Bowl LX Party.