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🌱 Patch AM: Why Springfield’s cat cafe is becoming a nonprofit in 2026

Also check out The Elegant Wedding Expo-Springfield, IL on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Hi there, Springfield! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Springfield’s cat cafe is becoming a nonprofit in 2026
  • Are Springfield police doing enough to stop deadly speeding on Wabash?
  • How a late-night IHOP visit turned into mob action charges

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Springfield.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I got fired from the M&M factory. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 37 and low of 20 degrees.
  • Sunday: Turning cloudy, temps: high: 38, low: 31.
  • Monday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 51 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cats' Pyjamas Cat Cafe to transition to nonprofit organization following Adams St. fire (wandtv.com) — A beloved downtown spot, the Cats' Pyjamas Cat Cafe in Springfield is shifting from a small business to a nonprofit after the 2024 Adams Street fire and ongoing financial pressures. The change will let the cafe seek grants, accept tax-deductible donations, and expand volunteers so it can keep serving as a public foster home and community gathering place for cat lovers.
   

2. Springfield aldermen concerned about traffic crashes and bad driving (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield aldermen are pressing police leaders on whether enough is being done to curb dangerous driving after a fatal crash on Wabash Avenue killed a local woman. Officials discussed stepped-up “wolfpack” patrols, staffing levels, and even using billboards and public messages to warn drivers about speeding and distracted driving in city corridors.
   

3. IHOP brawl leads to charges for five after fight breaks out among diners (newschannel20.com) — Springfield police say a pre-dawn brawl at the IHOP on Sunrise led to five people facing charges including aggravated battery, mob action, and criminal damage. Officers arrived to find tables shoved around, glass shattered, and minor injuries reported, with witnesses describing a fight that started between two women and quickly drew in others.
   

4. Springfield man arrested for the unlawful use of a weapon (newschannel20.com) — Springfield police arrested resident Amaurion Bond after responding to a report of a possible firearm in a car near the IHOP on Wabash Avenue. Officers say they recovered a gun with a loaded magazine but no round chambered, along with a small amount of cannabis, and report that Bond lacked both a FOID card and concealed carry license.
   

5. Oh baby! Meet the first newborn of 2026 in Springfield (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield’s first baby of 2026, Theodore Barker, arrived at 12:41 a.m. New Year’s Day at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, healthy and already home with his parents. The first-time mom and dad share how a difficult start to 2025 turned into a joyful, full-circle moment, with the hospital marking the milestone with a basket of baby supplies.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost Puppy.
    Is someone near S Meadowbrook missing a long hair spotted puppy with orange collar? It’s been running around our street. It won’t let me near it. … (Nextdoor Archer Elevator)
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    When I was younger, certain ages seemed so far away and now, looking back, those memories really highlight how quickly time moves. Sometimes I wish… (Nextdoor E Jefferson St)
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Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I kept throwing out all the W’s.
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