Good morning, Springfield.

Drivers in Springfield can expect gas prices to rise by 25 to 30 cents this year after the state opted out of a waiver for E-10 during summer months; officials hope the decision will spur federal approval for E-15 (a fuel with higher ethanol).

Today, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is urging the state to allot $15 million for Black HIV/AIDS care in the upcoming FY 2027 budget—an effort to address a 39% new diagnosis rate among Black residents.

Local advocates say this move will help Black-led organizations strengthen community health services.

Illinois lawmakers have filed a bill to let IDPH create a health misinformation response unit while offering public health literacy grants to schools and community groups; state representatives will review the measure on Feb.

17, and it requires organizations reporting health information to disclose funding sources + cite facts.

Illinois Springfield men's basketball secured an 85-71 win over Maryville at Moloney Arena Thursday night with 12 three-pointers and 23 assists, and will face No. 23 McKendree in Lebanon at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

IHSA released the Springfield area girls basketball playoff pairings on Friday, Feb.

6, showing five teams with No. 1 or No. 2 seeds. Regional quarterfinals will start on Saturday, Feb. 14.

The UIS women’s tennis team visited Thomas More on Friday, Feb.

6 at the Five Seasons Tennis Center and recorded mixed results. Highlights included a tight 7-6 (5), 6-4 win at No. 1 singles and a 7-5 doubles win, setting the stage for improved play as the season unfolds.

Volunteer registration is now open for this year’s Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS.

The PGA-sanctioned tournament will take place from June 22 through 28 at Panther Creek Country Club, and it seeks over 500 volunteers to fill 20+ committees.

Former Prairie Stars pitcher Esteban Hernandez signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves on Feb.

3 + was assigned to the Florida Complex League on Feb. 4; he had a standout season at UIS with a 6-0 record that propelled him into the professional ranks.

The Springfield Figure Skating Club will host its showcase “Spotlight On Ice: Hits and Heroes” next month at their home rink — the event will feature local skaters demonstrating their early morning routines and skill-building techniques.

The Springfield Figure Skating Club will host its showcase Spotlight On Ice: Hits & Heroes next month at the Nelson Center.

The event will feature young skaters who practice early mornings & work hard to perfect their routines.

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.

Illinois Product Expo 2026

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Orr Building — $10 for wine tasting — Explore local flavors and indulge in wine from 14 Illinois wineries.