Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield is launching the Minority Business Institute today with classes throughout February and March to help minority business owners and nonprofits; sessions run Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in local locations, and the program concludes with a graduation on April 1 (at the University of Illinois Springfield).

A college student at a local university turned a simple act of kindness into a movement that inspired nearly 1,000 students yesterday, and the student hopes the effort will continue to grow.

UIS professor Siddharth K.

Upadhyay co-authored a national study showing employees with disabilities perform comparably to non-disabled peers, though they earn less and face higher levels of discrimination. The meta-analysis reviewed over 14,000 articles (50 studies, 5.7 million workers) to highlight unmet workplace needs.

Illinois schools will soon receive incentives to expand dual language programs under House Bill 3026, which requires a plan by Dec.

15 and recognition options for bilingual students in Pre-K, fifth, and eighth grades. The law costs $8,000 to implement and aims to improve academic achievement and cultural preservation.

People going to events at Scheels Sports Park can buy alcohol under a new liquor license approved by city council on Jan.

6. The license allows sales outdoors and at the Springfield Clinic Dome (mobile units will operate only on site).

Central Illinois faces increased emergency room visits due to respiratory illnesses as Memorial Health, Carle and OSF advise residents to contact primary care or use urgent care for minor symptoms & get a flu shot amid staffing challenges.

The Pleasant Plains Cardinals won 33-14 over Williamsville on Thursday night and remain 14-0 this season.

They travel to Pittsfield today while Williamsville will head to Auburn on Thursday.

Three first-round games in the 100th Sangamon County Tournament unfolded Monday at LLCC Cass Gym.

Pawnee, led by Gavin Greer's 13 points, beat Buffalo Tri-City; New Berlin edged Athens; and Pleasant Plains secured a wire-to-wire win as teams prepare for Tuesday matchups.

Pleasant Plains used a 9-0 start to defeat Lutheran High 45-30 and will face Williamsville in today's quarterfinal.

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.

Foster Parent Information Session

6-7:30 p.m. — Monical's Pizza — Free entry — Discover how you can make a difference in a child's life by exploring foster parenting in a supportive environment.