Good morning, Springfield.

The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance is partnering with Dominic Watson and CAP 1908 to launch monthly business and community sessions—designed to help local entrepreneurs and residents learn about available growth resources—and will offer free entry.

The first session will be held on September 25th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Cap 1908 building—focusing on business site selection, incentives and cost-effective marketing—and will introduce SSGA to the community.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum added nearly 500 high-resolution images to its online collection that include photos of John Wilkes Booth and scenes related to Lincoln's death — the collection now totals nearly 1,500 items.

University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L.

Gooch and UIS Center for Lincoln Studies director Jacob Friefeld will discuss President Lincoln and his leadership during the Thinkers Series event on Sept. 15 at 5 p.m. at Brookens Auditorium (visitor parking is available in Lot B).

City Treasurer Colleen Redpath Feger earned the CPFA designation from APT US&C and took the role of Second Vice President of the Illinois Municipal Treasurers Association in July — showing her commitment to clear, ethical management of Springfield’s finances.

Schools are back in session in Central Illinois and experts at OSF Behavioral Healthcare say students may feel back-to-school anxiety from changing routines and school incidents—teachers and parents should create safe spaces and watch for signs like nightmares or trouble sleeping.

They also warn that those who have experienced school-related incidents may show higher levels of anxiety.

Many homeowners thought clear tap water was safe but Rick Ray of Rick Ray and Sons Plumbing said water from city supplies or wells can have hidden impurities.

He recommends reverse osmosis systems for drinking water—filters that remove toxins—and offers free testing to help each home get the right solution.

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.