Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield police are investigating a shooting on the 700 block of Livingston Street where a male victim was taken to HSHS St. John's Hospital with serious injuries but is stable + officers taped off the emergency room entrance to collect evidence from his vehicle.

Cristobal Santana, a Chicago man accused of shooting an Illinois State Trooper near Toronto Road at 10:50 p.m., began his trial today at Sangamon County Circuit Court—he faces multiple felony charges including attempted murder after police pursued and arrested him at 2 a.m.

More Illinois parents are choosing homeschooling and private schools over public ones to give their kids an education that matches their family values — concerns over low test scores, teacher shortages, and upcoming proposals for stricter oversight are fueling the trend.

Lawmakers plan to revisit these measures in 2026 as debates about parental rights continue.

The Glenwood girls cross country team is preparing to chase a third straight state podium finish; the team was 2A champions in 2023 and finished third last year—now ranked first in 2A.

Coach Mike Garber along with runners Ashlyn Chopra and Ali Londrigan said they will build on their success as the season begins.

Courtney Beard’s Williamsville Bullets won the Sangamo conference last season but fell short in the regional title game, and the team will be young this season because many top players graduated.

Local reporters (Hannah Holliday and Remi Schleyhahn) provided their preview of what to expect from the team.

North Mac Panthers won six games in 2024 and earned a playoff spot by winning three close contests before losing in round one to ALAH — the team now aims to break its playoff drought.

QB Chase Millburg, RB Kadin Casey and Coach Robbi Howard shared their views on the team and outlined plans for an improved season.

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.