Good morning, Springfield.

Jobi Tabb, a social worker at Springfield Memorial Hospital since 2000, was named Colleague of the Year 2025 for her respectful care of patients + colleagues.

She was honored after previously being recognized as Colleague of the Month in February 2025.

Lincoln Library will celebrate its 140th birthday on Monday, February 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Carnegie North in Springfield.

Guests will enjoy cake, the opening of a 1976 cornerstone time capsule (showing the library's rich history) and a slideshow of past moments.

A new tourism initiative will highlight Springfield’s Black history by focusing on key sites east of 11th Street & the city has already committed $1.3 million to the project, with major destinations currently under review.

New SNAP work requirements will take effect Feb.

1 – adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents must log 80 hours monthly in work, training or volunteer programs to avoid losing benefits, potentially affecting up to 340,000 recipients according to the Illinois Department of Human Services.

New SNAP work requirements will take effect Feb.

1. Adults 18 to 64 without dependents under 14 must work, join training, or volunteer 80 hours each month to keep benefits. Changes set by +One Big Beautiful Bill Act+ threaten benefits for up to 340,000 Illinois residents, officials say.

Illinois health officials reported that this flu season is the worst in over 15 years, noting at least 100 deaths and three pediatric fatalities.

They stressed that vaccination helps prevent severe flu as cases rise in multiple regions, including West Chicago, Bellwood and Rockford+ Metro East, Peoria and Champaign.

UIS men's basketball returns to TRAC today for Springfield Day with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and a 7:30 p.m. tip-off against Lincoln, then plays Missouri St. Louis on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. as part of Family Day presented by the Bank of Springfield.

UIS women's basketball will host a Springfield Day game today at 5:30 p.m. with gates opening at 4:30 and a Family Day game on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at TRAC, featuring local giveaways and events celebrating women in sports.

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.

Snow Tulips Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost mentioned — Enjoy a relaxed afternoon painting a winter scene of snow-covered tulips with guided instruction.

Stay & Play

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free — Enjoy engaging activities and themed stations for toddlers and children every Thursday morning in February.

Stained Glass Hearts Crafting

3-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create beautiful stained glass hearts and other shapes in this fun craft program for children.