Good morning, Springfield.

A new local event called You Gotta Eat — Spudtacular was announced on Feb.

12 to showcase potato dishes from local vendors. The celebration will take place in Springfield and promises creative culinary treats for community food lovers.

Eight Sangamon County educators were recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education early this morning for their dedication in schools, including four from Springfield School District 186; a banquet to honor the winners is set for Apr.

18.

Illinois public health departments lost $100M in federal funding on Feb.

12 due to politically driven cuts, officials said—six programs, including HIV prevention and chronic disease surveys, were affected.

A new law prohibiting swipe fees on tips cleared a major court hurdle Tuesday, giving Illinois businesses until July 1 to finish compliance measures.

Implementation has already been delayed by a year to allow time for the legal dispute to settle + businesses prepare.

On Wednesday evening, three GOP Senate candidates debated their plans in Springfield.

Don Tracy, Jeannie Evans and Casey Chlebek had low poll support but stressed a chance to flip a long-held seat (with Tracy self-funding his campaign) ahead of the March 17 primary.

February is Teen Dating Violence Prevention month as studies show one in three teens may face abusive relationships.

Ron Homann of Sojourn Shelter and Services advises parents to watch for warning signs - like checking phones and mood changes - and offers free presentations and confidential support to families.

OSF Healthcare named Dr. Saima Husain as its advanced heart failure transplant cardiologist in Springfield on Feb.

12 (the institute confirmed the appointment).

Whisslee, a charming 2-year-old black and white pet, is ready for adoption at the Animal Protective League at 1001 Taintor Road (open daily from noon to 5 p.m.).

Illinois Springfield softball will host the UIS Springfield Clinic Classic on Thursday and Friday at the Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park, 3751 Imagineer Drive.

The 10-game homestand features collegiate matchups with free admission for UIS students + free parking.

UIS Athletics highlights Taryn Christy as one of 15 standout student-athletes celebrating 15 years of NCAA Division II membership.

A trailblazer in cross country and track from 2018 to 2022, the Geneva native broke barriers by earning championships and All-American honors, setting records that defined Prairie Stars' legacy.

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.