Good morning, Springfield.

This September brings many fall events to Springfield—Pumpkin Creek Farms opens today and local festivals are scheduled, including a Night Glow Festival on Sept.

18, UIS Homecoming Fireworks on Sept. 19, and a Route 66 Mother Road Festival Party on Sept. 26. Residents can join diverse community gatherings featuring car shows, art fairs, and family activities throughout the month.

Today, Springfield hosts a busy weekender with the State Street Autumn Market running from 10am to 4pm, the Annual Art Spectacular at the Carillon open from 10am to 5pm, Party on the Plaza starting at 7pm, and the Menard County Fair Fall Festival continuing until 8pm—high school football also features a 1pm game. Tomorrow, the Ride to Remember 9-11 parade will begin at Hall’s Harley Davidson as more events extend the weekend.

Two Illinois Powerball tickets won $1 million each by matching five white balls in the Sept.6 drawing—five more tickets won $50,000 and four picked up $100,000 with a multiplier.

The record-setting lottery reset its jackpot to $20 million for the next drawing on Sept.8.

Illinois homeowners face risk from a tax sale process that lets investors claim home equity even after a Supreme Court ruling found it unconstitutional—Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas now faces multiple lawsuits.

Lawmakers delayed the fall tax sale until March to allow more time for reform as legal battles and competing proposals continue, raising concerns over potential losses.

Ted Dabrowski, leader of the conservative research site Wirepoints—known for data-driven policy work—announced Friday that he will run for governor in the 2026 GOP primary and named his running mate, Carrie Mendoza, a Chicago-area emergency room doctor.

He has raised $1.2 million and loaned $250,000 to boost his campaign as former state Sen. Darren Bailey is expected to soon enter the race.

After losing by 43 in their first game, the SHG Cyclones came back with quarterback Cam Brinkman and a rushing attack that gained 394 yards to beat Jacksonville 55-20 Friday night at Kraushaar-Rosenberger Field.

The team will face Quincy Notre Dame next—adjusting for injuries and player changes.

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.