Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield police arrested 32-year-old K’Shawn Rush on September 6 in the 2200 block of Yale Boulevard after he allegedly struck his girlfriend, abused a stolen dog, and attacked officers — the police used pepper spray and empty-hand techniques to restrain him before hospital treatment and booking on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges — while officials review the incident.

Apartment rents in Springfield increased 6% from last August, with median listings rising from $988 to $1,051 according to Zumper data.

One bedroom and two bedroom prices stayed nearly the same from last month while local rents remain much lower than state and national medians — a trend that shows different market conditions.

Local high school students attended the Nurse for a Day program hosted by University of Illinois Springfield and UIC College of Nursing Springfield Campus to learn about nursing and athletic training facilities.

The program showed that students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing could apply as freshmen and later benefit from Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions—letting them join the UIC Nursing Program as juniors.

Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr. was chosen as the new Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court and is set to begin his three-year term on October 26, making him the second Black chief in state history.

He will oversee more than 900 judges+ his installation ceremony is on October 24 in Chicago.

Researchers from several universities argued in a recent report that Chagas disease may soon be considered endemic in the U.S.—Illinois has found kissing bugs but no cases of the parasite have been reported.

The study notes that while many bugs in other states are linked to the parasite, there is no evidence of human infection in Illinois so far.

A new Illinois law will require insurance companies to cover peripheral artery disease screening for people above age 65 or with risk factors — including smoking and heart issues— and passed unanimously in the legislature; it will take effect on January 1, 2026 — a measure expected to catch the disease early and prevent severe issues like amputations.

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.