Good morning, Springfield.

Wooden It Be Lovely, a nonprofit helping women overcome challenges by teaching furniture refinishing, candle making and sewing, opened its new workspace — 1140 W.

Governor St. — to provide job training and support.

Illinois Assistive Technology Program will use Meta AI glasses to help adults with disabilities work as new rules close sheltered workshops.

The nonprofit received a Meta grant and will give the glasses to roughly 25 people — helping them read instructions and learn job tasks.

Attendees headed to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand from Aug.

13-23 must follow clear bag rules and pass security screening at the gates. Parking is available at designated areas and cashless concessions will serve food & beverages to ensure a safe experience.

Pray for Hayes will hold a music festival on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Spartan Sports Park in Chatham to support 2-year-old Hayes Johnson after his near-drowning; organizers Amy Fullerton & Celeste Malham aim to raise up to $100,000 through music, family fun, and an online silent auction.

Starting in the 2029-2030 school year, high schools will use both female and male manikins during CPR training to prepare students for real emergencies.

The new law aims to reduce CPR response gaps by ensuring training is inclusive.

Springfield officials removed a homeless encampment today + the action is part of ongoing efforts to maintain safe, orderly public spaces.

Ridge Avenue at Dirksen Parkway is closed today because a break in a 10-inch water main and needed valve repairs are underway.

The closure from Dirksen Parkway to 30th Street is affecting water service and traffic, so motorists are advised to use alternate routes — drive carefully.

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Springfield residents will enjoy a planetary alignment before sunrise, a partial solar eclipse visible with special eclipse glasses at 1:46 p.m., and a peak Perseid meteor shower under a new moon sky.

Redfin compiled mid-year housing market data showing that in Springfield the median sale price (up 7.2% YoY) rose to $203,878 with 205 homes sold and 486 active listings from January to June; 66.8% of homes sold in two weeks, signaling faster turnover despite ongoing affordability concerns.

Springfield High School will begin its 2026 football season on Aug.

21-22 as the team prepares to compete for an expanded 48-team playoff format. The season will feature key matchups through Week 9.

Executive Office Administrator

Performs highly responsible, diversified, and complex administrative and operational support to assist the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Office in fulfilling the administrative and operational functions of the Springfield Housing Authority (SHA), including coordinating the daily operations and management of the Executive Office. Uses considerable independent judgment and initiative in office management, report writing, newsletter and press release development, and interpreting and articulating federal regulations, SHA policies, standard operating procedures, PHAS, SEMAP, and Public Housing Agency Plan submissions.

Senior Financial Officer

The Senior Financial Officer is a responsible senior management position that will support the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in overseeing all financial functions of the housing authority, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, MIS, procurement oversight, and audits.  This is a strategic succession planning role, with the selected candidate expected to transition into the Chief Financial Officer position within 2-3 years, depending on performance and organizational readiness.