Good morning, Springfield.

Canadian company REEL plans to open its first US factory in Springfield; the facility will create 100 permanent jobs and boost the local manufacturing sector as the firm highlights the city’s central location and skilled workforce.

Matchbox Twenty will perform at the Illinois State Fair on Aug.

16 at the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage in Springfield; tickets go on sale Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.

A Northwestern and ClientEarth USA report warns inactive oil and gas wells could cost taxpayers over $1 billion to clean up if companies avoid plugging.

IDNR is using federal dollars from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to plug dangerous wells + weak oversight leaves many sites at risk.

Tax season advice comes from Brian Kearns of Haddam Road Advisors.

He recommends that Springfield residents review last year’s return and gather receipts as small adjustments now may help avoid a large refund by April 15.

Tax advisor Brian Kearns advises residents to review last year’s return, gather W-2s and receipts, and plan IRA and RMD contributions before the April 15 tax deadline.

His guidance comes as tax season begins and small changes now may improve future refunds.

Illinois Springfield's softball team won 4-0 over Cedarville and lost 5-4 to Shorter at the Chattanooga Invitational on Saturday, improving to a 4+2 record.

The Prairie Stars showed strong pitching and timely hitting in both games.

Illinois Springfield baseball won 7-6 on Saturday with a three-run ninth inning rally to sweep the series and stay 3-0.

They will head to Lakeland for a four-game series Feb. 13—15.

The PORTA Lady Jays improved to 7-0 in the Sangamo after a 45-15 win over Athens on Monday night, with Aubrey Vogel scoring 16 and Allison Vogel 10.

They will host Pleasant Plains for the title on Wednesday.

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.

Toddler Time at Lincoln Library

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Move, learn, and play with stories, songs, and activities tailored for toddlers and their caregivers.