Good morning, Springfield.

This weekend, Springfield hosts holiday events.

Join Caroling at the Carillon on Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at 1740 W. Fayette Ave. for bonfires, cookies, and a scavenger hunt, or visit the Holiday Market at the Old State Capitol Plaza on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. for shopping and treats.

Several local retailers offer extended holiday hours through Dec.

23, with Best Buy, HomeGoods, and Marshalls open until 11 p.m. and selected T.J. Maxx stores extending hours, while Target will run from 7 a.m. until midnight and Walmart maintains its regular schedule until 11 p.m.

UIS environmental scientist Kyle Blount shared studies that offer cheaper methods for local weather prediction by using more sensors and ideas like planting trees along sidewalks (a strategy to reduce urban warming).

The research may help inform city planning in Springfield.

Residents raised concerns over a proposed data center at a nearly five-hour county board meeting on Tuesday, Dec.

3. Donald Hanrahan urged board members to secure written guarantees from potential owner CyrusOne (citing vague statements), while others noted noise concerns and job gains.

Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission said power cannot be disconnected for non-payment from Dec.

1 to Mar. 31 if temperatures are at or below freezing and on days preceding holiday weekends (a rule set to keep households safe during winter).

After a year of reviewing community safety, the Massey Commission presented its report to the Sangamon County Board with 26 calls to action driven by local tragedies.

It recommends county-wide psych evaluations for first responders and a spring vote on a tax to fund a mental health board.

The MacArthur Generals won 62-32 at Normal on Tuesday night for a 5-0 season, with Tishawn Clemmons and Khymir Carson leading the team.

MacArthur will host Southeast next Tuesday while U-High visits Springfield High on Friday night.

Springfield High won 80-65 in Tuesday's CS8 meeting with key players Noah Wade, Elijah Wade, Logan Peach and Ed Horton scoring at least ten points (Wade led with 21) as they prepare for Friday's game against U-High while Jacksonville heads to Lanphier.

Sacred Heart-Griffin held a 45-36 win over Glenwood on Tuesday at Jim Belz Gymnasium — juniors Montgomery and Wallace led the effort with 34 combined points.

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.