Good morning, Springfield.

Workers took down the AB-Mill water tower on November 25 in Springfield as part of The Pillsbury Project—ending its 96-year presence on the skyline.

Moving Pillsbury Forward will salvage the tower’s top ball as a memorial while other structures at the site will be demolished by the end of March 2026.

The Gables is lighting up for the holidays with Light Up The Gables on Friday, November 28—Black Friday—with a tree lighting, parade and family events featuring story time in Curate igloos, cookie decorating, ornament making and live music.

Families will also see Santa and Mrs. Claus, Abe and Mary Lincoln along with a kickoff performance by Springfield’s most rockin jam band at 5:10 p.m.

The Pillsbury Project reached a milestone when workers tore down the AB-Mill water tower (built in 1929) on November 25; they safely cut its legs and dropped the structure.

Volunteers plan to salvage the tower’s top ball (a memorial piece) as demolition of the remaining buildings continues until the end of March.

Sangamon County Animal Control and Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control partnered to improve care for animals that are neglected or abused—officials noted that over $55,000 was spent on emergency visits last year and more than $12,000 in the past three months to cover needed treatments while five officers handle calls with only two vets working limited hours.

Springfield is hosting a Holiday historic homes tour from Nov.

29 to Dec. 20 that invites visitors to explore five decorated landmarks and learn about the city’s heritage. The Governor’s Mansion requires advance registration (photo ID needed) and all sites will be open from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (guiding sessions last about 20 minutes on select days).

Ameren Illinois residential gas customers will see an average increase of $3.65 on their bills in January after the Illinois Commerce Commission cut the rate hikes to less than half of Ameren's original request.

Ameren said its use of underground gas storage lowers winter supply costs — consumer advocates warned that the increase will strain household budgets.

Illinois officials from the Department of Innovation and Technology and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency advised residents to use safe online habits during holiday shopping and travel.

They said people should slow down before clicking links—shop with trusted stores and check their accounts regularly to avoid cyber-attacks.

UIS Athletics is marking 15 years of Division II membership by honoring the 2012 UIS Softball Team—a pioneering squad that earned its first NCAA berth with a 36–22 overall record and a 22–12 conference mark while capturing the GLVC West Division Regular Season title.

The team, inducted into the Prairie Stars Hall of Fame in 2022, advanced to championship games in both the GLVC Tournament and NCAA Division II Midwest Regional Tournament.

Illinois Springfield women's basketball beat St. Francis 76-56 at home using strong defense—forcing 26 turnovers into 27 points.

Kennedy Osterman led with 22 points in the Prairie Stars' first home win as their conference play begins on Saturday at Missouri–St. Louis.

The IHSA is considering a proposal to add 16 teams per class to the football playoffs, increasing the total from 256 to 384 teams.

The changes include moving the season one week earlier by dropping scrimmages—member schools will vote on the proposals in December and, if approved, the new plan will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddie Miller-Ross finished 84th in the Division II national cross country meet in Kenosha, Wisconsin (making her UIS team's first female individual Great Lakes Valley Conference champion).

UIS coach Emmons King said the team celebrates her achievement as the Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K fundraiser attracts over 1,100 runners today at 8 a.m.

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.

Dual Piano Christmas

7 p.m. — Hoogland Center For The Arts — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of holiday favorites and comedic improvisation on dual pianos.

Town Snowman Paint Night With Ashley Blake

1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — Supplies included — Unleash your creativity while painting a winter wonderland masterpiece inspired by Snowman Town.