Good morning, Springfield.

Downtown Springfield Inc. hosts My Heart’s Downtown today to drive free Kidzeum Love Day admission — expected to draw an estimated 500 to 1,000 families downtown.

The event offers promotions, public art and a planned unveiling of a 7-foot heart sculpture in the Old State Capitol Plaza with additional events in March.

The state provided a $465k grant to boost Route 66 attractions in Lincoln and Logan County.

Funds will complete the Museum of Route 66 (set for May) and restore the Mill Museum ahead of the 2026 tourism season.

State lawmakers may pass two bills this spring to expand mental health crisis care and substance use treatment by requiring insurers to provide coverage and lift red tape (including a surcharge to fund the 9-8-8 trust fund).

Lawmakers will debate both measures when they return to the Capitol next week.

The owner of the Adams St. building damaged by fire nearly two years ago plans to seek TIF funds for facade work at 413-415 East Adams after being denied historic preservation tax credits.

He hopes improvements will mask previous damage by fall with tourist season nearing.

The Prairie Stars improved to 5-3 after winning 13-1 and 6-0 over Lake Erie on Thursday at the new Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park.

UIS will begin a 10:30 a.m. doubleheader against Thomas More University today.

The IHSA released the Springfield playoff brackets for boys basketball on Feb.

13. The regional quarterfinals begin on Feb. 23 with local teams set to compete as winners advance to sectional rounds in March.

UIS Prairie Stars are on a four-game road series against Florida Southern at Henley Field in Lakeland, Fla — after sweeping a season opener in Georgia, they played Friday and will have a doubleheader today at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. CT plus a game Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CT.

Illinois Springfield's women's track team is headed to Allendale, Michigan this weekend for the two-day GVSU Big Meet at the Kelly Family Sports Center.

The team will compete in sprints, middle-distance, distance, and field events – live results are available on FloTrack.

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.