Good morning, Springfield.

The Springfield Fire Department & Springfield Police Department were honored for their quick response to a dangerous fire on North 4th Street that involved incendiary devices and led to an arrest.

A ceremony recognized Officer Jarred Spaid with a Certificate of Commendation and awarded citations to several other officers for their teamwork.

Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon identified Ayden Randall Paige, 18, as the teenager fatally shot on the 2200 block of South 14th Street late Monday—two others were injured and taken to hospitals as police continue their investigation.

The Illinois State Board of Education ended school-based ticketing by banning monetary fines, fees, tickets, or citations during school hours—this change aims to stop unfair practices that hurt students of color.

The law allows schools to call law enforcement for serious cases—support and training for trauma-informed practices are also being increased.

Glenwood High School was ranked as the top high school in the Springfield area by U.S. News and World Report, with the Ball-Chatham School District noting on Aug.

20 that the school ranked 105th in Illinois—placing it in the top 6% statewide and top 10% nationally.

Ameren Illinois customers can comment on proposed natural gas rate hikes at a public hearing on Wednesday from 7 to 9:30 at the CMS Regional Complex (4800 West Wabash Avenue) in Springfield.

Comments may also be submitted online or by calling the ICC’s Consumer Services Division (800-524-0795) during business hours.

APL has named Slim as the pet of the week — a gentle 2-year-old Labrador Retriever mix who shows a balance of liking cuddles and enjoying explorations with other dogs and quiet time by himself.

Nearly 120 student-athletes returned last Saturday to launch fall sports including volleyball, men's and women's soccer, and cross country—following a strong finish last season.

Four new head coaches—Laura Ulrich, Josh Edison, Henrique Leal, and Chris Rodriguez—along with nine new assistant coaches were announced to build a stronger Prairie Stars Athletics program.

Balloons Over 66 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Community High School — Registration required — Enjoy a morning 5K run with friends and family in a vibrant community setting.

Springfield Virtual Job Fair

4-6 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention Ctr by IHG — Free registration — Connect with employers and get AI matched for interviews in a virtual setting.

Healing Arts Festival

2-10 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community gathering featuring live music, healthy food, and local art.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 'Pastel Play' Member Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Athens Municipal Library — Free entry — Explore vibrant pastel artworks during this engaging member exhibition.

Tour de Heartland

8 AM – 1 PM — Historic Marbold Farmstead — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a bike ride fundraiser supporting the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association.

Illinois Senior Games

9 AM – 6 PM — Iles Park — Registration open — Compete in various sports including pickleball during this exciting senior Olympics event.

Art Spectacular

10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate 20 years of art and music at Central Illinois' premier fine art fair featuring local and regional artists.

Book Discussion: Thinking Fast and Slow

10 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on behavioral finance inspired by Daniel Kahneman's insights.

Pumpkin Spice Gnome Paint Night with Ashley Blake

1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — Cost includes materials — Paint a cozy Pumpkin Spice Gnome and enjoy fall vibes with fellow art lovers.