Good morning, Springfield.

Catholic campus ministries in central Illinois report that more Gen Z students are returning to participate in campus faith activities, and ministry leaders are planning to expand programs to meet the renewed interest.

District 186 invites community members to nominate a favorite teacher or administrator for the Horace Mann awards.

Nominations must be submitted online by Friday, Feb. 27; expanded finalist categories now include seven nominees for Educator of the Year + additional Rising Star slots.

Illinois student loan borrowers may owe both federal and state taxes on forgiven loans (after a law that once shielded them expired), which could lead to a higher tax bill in 2026.

Dr. Michelle Rowland began her role as a gynecological oncologist at OSF Cancer Institute on Friday, Jan.

30; she will focus on expanding specialized cancer care for local patients.

During February, 98.7 WNNS and Impact Life will host a virtual blood drive from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to reach a goal of 98 donations.

Donors are eligible to win a $500 American Airlines Flight Rebate for roundtrip travel from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (the hub for Fly SPI).

Illinois Springfield men's basketball defeated Lincoln 85-76 on Thursday night at TRAC with key plays from Jordan Rice and Isaiah Davis — the Prairie Stars maintained a 45-28 first-half lead and now prepare for their Saturday home game against Missouri-St. Louis at 3:00 p.m.

The UIS softball team will open its 2026 season on Friday in Rosemont at The Dome at Parkway Bank Sports Complex with a non-conference doubleheader against Roosevelt (first pitch at 12:00 p.m.).

They will build on last year’s success with another doubleheader in Springfield on Feb. 25.

Kayla Rice set two records as UIS women's basketball beat Lincoln 67 to 48 on Saturday using 18 points plus five steals; she became the program career leader in steals and in three pointers, and the team is set to tip off its homestand at 1:00 p.m. against Missouri-St. Louis.

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.