Good morning, Springfield.

Mayor Buscher announced a series of Community Connections events—hosted by every alderperson with senior city staff in each ward—to boost local engagement building on earlier efforts.

The events will offer residents more opportunities to meet city officials and connect with city services.

Illinois State Police warns drivers to slow down and share the road with farm equipment during the fall harvest season—motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and increase following distance to help reduce crashes when tractors are on the road.

Yesterday, Beer Lovers Day celebrated craft beer as Springfield locals visited local breweries like Obed and Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery—offering unique, locally made brews—and Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. The event marked a growing trend in the market, which now sees craft beer holding nearly 25% share—an indication of creative brewing in the area.

The Illinois Springfield men's cross country team won the 10th Annual Prairie Stars Invitational team championship on Friday evening at the UIS Cross Country Course with a score of 25 points & newcomer Colin Graham placed third while the team prepares for the Bradley Intercollegiate on Sept. 19.

On Saturday the UIS volleyball team earned two wins at TRAC by sweeping Kentucky Wesleyan in the morning and defeating Roosevelt in straight sets in the afternoon—improving their record to two to one at the start of the season.

Coach Ulrich noted that Makenna Cox, Kendall Johnson, and Erica Sledge led the offensive and serving efforts and the team will travel to Canton, Ohio next weekend.

On Friday evening, Springfield's women's cross country team won the 10th Annual Prairie Stars Invitational with a team score of 19 as senior Madelyn Miller-Ross set a course record of 18:01.07 and the team took the top four spots—marking UIS's third consecutive sweep.

They will race next on Sept. 19 at Bradley Intercollegiate at Detweiller Park.

UIS men's soccer hosted its home debut on Sept.7 at Kiwanis Stadium at 1:00 p.m. as they played against No.7 Saginaw Valley State.

The Prairie Stars, coming off a 2-0 loss at Alabama-Huntsville, looked to turn their season around — the teams are tied 1-1 in their history.

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.

Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show

10 AM – 6 PM — Illinois State Fair Campground — Free Parking — Explore a dazzling array of gems, minerals, and fossils with activities for all ages.