Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
Good morning, Springfield.
🚧 Accidents
Springfield firefighters responded to a fire at Curve Inn on Stevenson Drive around 9 a.m. Friday, Feb.
20 — the cause remains unknown as onlookers gathered to view the burned building.
Crews responded at about 9 a.m. Friday to smoke calls at the Curve Inn in Southern View, where strong winds fanned flames that partly collapsed the beer garden roof; no injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.
🎭 Culture
Black History Month celebrations continue this weekend in Springfield at the Old State Capitol and during Black Children's Book Week with free books at 1:30 p.m., plus the Black History Bowl at Springfield Southeast High School at 2 p.m.—a Black Leaders History Hike will trace Oak Ridge Cemetery next weekend.
🎓 Education
Gov. Pritzker and lawmakers want districts to ban cell phone use during class to help students focus.
The bipartisan plan, which allows exceptions for emergencies and special needs, will be discussed during a House Education Policy Committee hearing Wednesday in Springfield.
🏛️ Government
University of Illinois Springfield is hosting a free virtual lunch webinar on Feb.
24 at noon via Zoom to preview key 2026 primary races. Experts including Matt Geras + Hans Hassell + Kristina LaPlant will discuss political contests and answer audience questions.
🏈 Sports
The Springfield Prairie Stars women's basketball team edged Lewis 59-56 on Saturday with a decisive fourth-quarter surge that yielded 19 points off turnovers—marking their third straight GLVC win.
UIS will host Upper Iowa at 1:00 p.m. today as the team continues its conference play.
Illinois Springfield men's basketball won a 63-58 game over Lewis on Thursday night at TRAC with strong bench play; the team now prepares for Senior Day at 3:00 p.m.
The Illinois Springfield women's tennis team played a 10:00 a.m. exhibition match Friday at Springfield Racquet and Fitness Center against Illinois State and will travel to Springfield, Mo. for matches on Sunday at Drury and Monday against Evangel following schedule changes.
The Illinois Springfield baseball team is set to play a non-conference four-game split-site series against Missouri-St. Louis, with Friday’s doubleheader at CarShield Field in O’Fallon starting at noon and Saturday’s doubleheader in Springfield at 11:30 a.m.; fans should check updated details due to weather-related adjustments.
🎉 Springfield Events
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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.
Candlebox in Concert
7-11 p.m. — Boondocks — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary Seattle rockers Candlebox live during their Can't Quit You Tour.
Chunky Blanket Making Class with Jayme
2:30-5:30 p.m. — B's Creative Studio — $75.00 — Learn the art of hand knitting as you create your own cozy chunky blanket while making new friends.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
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💼 Springfield Job Board
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📣 Springfield Announcements
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