Good morning, Springfield.

The City of Springfield will demolish dozens of blighted properties as residents face issues like fly-dumping and falling home values—local groups plan to clean up houses and stop squatters before further damage worsens.

Dr. Diane Rutledge—an educator and community leader with over fifty years of service—was named Springfield’s 63rd First Citizen Award recipient at a ceremony at Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park.

An original edition of the Gettysburg Address is on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum through December 1—only five handwritten copies exist and free admission will be available on November 19 to honor the speech's anniversary.

The UIS Visual Art Gallery will host an online silent auction until December 4 to mark its 50th anniversary, and it will hold an in-person exhibition from December 1 to December 4 showcasing paintings, sculptures and photographs by local artists.

Director Allison Lacher shared the details on WTAX Morning Newswatch, noting the event highlights a range of contemporary art works.

A PPS bus driver was honored on Nov.

12 for his quick action when he helped a student during a medical emergency on a Springfield bus — his swift response ensured the student received timely care.

Springfield residents will have a chance to attend a public hearing on a proposed data center project in Sangamon County at 5:30 p.m. Dec.

3 at the Bank of Springfield Center downtown—community members can listen to presentations for and against the project and share their views.

The Sangamon County Mental Health Commission approved a report on Nov.

10 — a plan backed by 89% of survey respondents — that recommends a new 708 Mental Health Board to boost mental and substance use services. A referendum on March 17 will ask voters to support a 0.50% countywide sales-tax increase — a measure expected to raise about $14.7 million each year — county officials said.

The Great Lakes Valley Conference announced its 2025 men’s soccer postseason awards on Tuesday—Illinois Springfield forward Robin Lemke Bergseth became the first Freshman of the Year in UIS history—and awarded senior defender Mitch Olenick the James R.

Spalding Sportsmanship Award.

A new women’s professional baseball league launching in 2026 will hold a news conference on November 17 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum to announce its partnership with Golden Rule Entertainment.

The announcement may lead to Springfield hosting games at Robin Roberts Stadium, sparking local interest in women's baseball.

Lutheran High celebrated college signings for two athletes on November 12th.

Caleb Cox will play baseball at Northern Illinois and Carter Matteson will play soccer at Grinnell College.

On November 11, the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association released its complete 2025 all-state team list & detailed selections by class with honorable mentions.

The list shows that playoff quarterfinals will begin November 14 and championship games are set for November 28-29 at Illinois State University in Normal & will start the postseason.

Ten student athletes at Glenwood signed on Wednesday morning to continue their college careers and represent five sports—tennis, cross country/track and field, baseball, volleyball, and softball.

They signed with colleges such as Wartburg, Dayton, and Lincoln Land Community College, among others.

Firefighters' Lake Club Trivia Night

7-10 p.m. — Firefighters Lake Club — $10 entry — Challenge your knowledge with general trivia and compete for cash prizes.

Live Music at BuzzBomb with Ryne Thorson

8-9 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Cost info not provided — Enjoy live music performances while savoring craft brews.

Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo

5-9 p.m. — Henson Robinson Zoo — Entry Fee Applicable — Experience a magical stroll through thousands of lights and delightful holiday treats.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Family-friendly event — Sing, dance, and play alongside Elmo and friends in a fun celebration on Sesame Street.

Frostbite Festival

9 a.m. — AMF Springfield Lanes — Check event page for registration costs — Participate in the 62nd annual Frostbite Festival with 2 mile and 10 mile races.

Holiday Cheer Paint Night with Ashley Blake

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Free entry — Unleash your inner artist and get festive with a fun paint night experience.