Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
Good morning, Springfield.
🏘️ Community
Due to forecasted cold weather, the Illinois Product Holiday Market has moved indoors to Union Station in Springfield.
The market runs Friday, Dec. 5 through Sunday, Dec. 7 with operating hours of 4p–9p Friday, 11a–5p Saturday, and 11a–4p Sunday.
🌲 Environment
Illinois paint buyers have faced a new fee on larger purchases since Dec.
1 as part of a PaintCare recycling program run by the Illinois EPA + the fee covers collection, transportation, processing and public education to reduce leftover paint waste.
🏛️ Government
Gov. Pritzker signed a bill Tuesday that lets the Illinois Department of Public Health set vaccine rules for the state.
The law, passed in October, gives the advisory committee power to follow science and require state insurance to cover vaccines — from the flu to COVID-19.
Gov. JB Pritzker signed House Bill 767 in Chicago Tuesday, Dec.
2, allowing the Illinois Department of Public Health to issue state-specific vaccine guidance based on scientific input from an advisory committee + experts from the CDC and WHO. The law ensures state-recommended immunizations are covered by insurance.
🏈 Sports
The Prairie Stars track teams are set to begin their indoor season, with the women's squad starting at the GVSU Holiday Open in Allendale on Dec.
5 and the men's team debuting in January at the GVSU Bob Eubanks Open; postseason meets begin in Indianapolis on Feb. 28.
The University of Illinois Springfield is adding women’s flag football as its 18th varsity sport and will begin recruiting in fall 2026 — ahead of a spring 2027 season.
Home games will be played at Scheels Sports Park.
DP, Leanna and Michael begin week one of the COUNTRY Financial High School Football UPickEm Podcast this Saturday at the BOS Center—discussing eight games at the Capital City Showcase.
Listeners can make picks to win a $30 D’Arcy’s Pint gift certificate every week.
UIS announced today that women's flag football is added as its 18th Prairie Star sport, with games to be played at Scheel’s Sports Park.
The university is recruiting a head coach + students to join the team, which will compete in spring 2027.
🎉 Springfield Events
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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.
New Year’s Eve Celebration with Lick Creek
7-8:30 p.m. — Boondocks — Ticket required — Celebrate New Year’s Eve with live country rock music from Lick Creek in Springfield.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
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💼 Springfield Job Board
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📣 Springfield Announcements
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