Good morning, Springfield.

Tiffany Mathis-Posey joined the Morning Routine with Rocki & Lacey and talked about her work with the Central Illinois Boys & Girls Club and plans to raise funds.

She said the Great Futures Gala — set for October 16 at LRS Hangar at Capital Airport — will boost support for the club and its programs.

Teams from Ameren Illinois in Springfield and Peoria are competing in the National Gas Rodeo at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, a skills and safety event that began Wednesday and will continue until Friday — the competition tests natural gas operations under real-world conditions. Ameren says its teams showcased their expertise after advancing through four qualifying events.

The University of Illinois Springfield said first-year enrollment increased by 50 to 312—a 19 percent rise from last fall.

The school noted overall enrollment dropped nearly 300 owing to visa delays—a decline in international student numbers.

The Illinois Department of Corrections began scanning prisoner mail on August 14 to block contraband from entering prisons—this emergency rule sends inmates a digital or paper copy of letters and limits publications to those sent from publishers.

Critics have questioned whether this measure, enacted after incidents that hospitalized staff last fall, will actually improve safety.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, members criticized Police Chief Joe Behl for refusing to meet with the Faith Coalition for the Common Good if activist Tiara Standage was present while reviewing a video showing officers beating a domestic violence suspect over the weekend—K’Shawn Rush faces charges of aggravated battery, domestic battery and animal cruelty.

Ald. Shawn Gregory said he talked with the police chief after Springfield released a bodycam video showing a suspect arrested for battery—he noted that not everyone wanting to speak with the chief has been able to do so.

Memorial Health hospitals will offer free breast cancer screenings throughout October for women aged 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured as part of their Mammogram Mondays program—appointments are required to receive educational materials on breast health and self-exam instructions.

Memorial Health hospitals will offer free breast exams in October for women aged 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured for Breast Cancer Awareness month — appointment only since walk-ins are not accepted.

Women will also receive educational materials on breast health and guidance on self-exams.

The Illinois Springfield women's golf team ended play at the UIndy Fall Invitational on Tuesday with a three-round total of 928 that placed them ninth out of 12 teams.

Elaine Grant set a UIS single-round scoring record with a 68 — four strokes under par with five birdies — and the Prairie Stars will compete in the home event at Piper Glen Golf Course on Sept. 15-16.

The UIS women's soccer team will host Ohio Dominican at Kiwanis Stadium on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. — fans are invited to wear blue — as the team seeks its first win with a record of zero wins, one draw and one loss.

Earlier, they played a scoreless draw with Kentucky Wesleyan and lost 3 to 0 to West Alabama.

UIS will host Purdue Northwest at 7:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium on Wednesday—fans are encouraged to wear blue as the Prairie Stars aim for their first win this season.

UIS came off a 2-0 loss and a 2-2 draw while Purdue Northwest suffered losses with few shots in their early games—both teams will look to improve their records in the matchup.

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.

Carve for the Carillon

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate fall by carving pumpkins in a community tradition with laughter and creativity.