Good morning, Springfield.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois will host the Great Futures Gala at LRS Hangar on Oct 16 to support youth programs, featuring auctions, raffles and gourmet food—tickets bought by Sept 30 may win game passes for the Ohio State vs. Illinois football game.

The Springfield Area Arts Council is launching Art Hunt—a month-long public art scavenger hunt in Sangamon and Menard counties that runs through October—to invite locals to explore regional art.

Daily clues on social media will lead participants to public art spots where photo entries earn weekly prize draws and support the council's programs.

The Macon County Conservation District will host a native seed collecting event on October 4 from 9-11 a.m. at Friends Creek Conservation Area where volunteers will walk through prairie habitats to gather seeds for restoration projects — equipment is provided and no prior experience is needed.

Former Governor Jim Edgar's funeral took place Saturday at Central Baptist Church downtown as family, friends, and political leaders like Rev.

Dr. JA Stang and Governor JB Pritzker gathered to honor his service and lasting legacy—his support for community programs and the Edgar Fellows program continues to inspire.

Lawmakers are debating an energy bill that would ease nuclear power rules and add a charge on electric bills to fund battery storage projects.

The proposal may be approved this fall or delayed to spring as lawmakers review cost savings for ratepayers.

The Illinois Springfield men's cross country team ran on Friday evening at Detweiller Park and finished fifth out of 23 teams—Daniel Giacomini led with a 26 minutes, 21 seconds finish while freshman Charlie Borlin made his 8K debut.

The team will field its full squad on Sept. 27 at the Lucian Rosa Invitational at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course.

The UIS men's soccer team lost 2-0 to Quincy on Friday at Kiwanis Stadium and dropped to 1-3-1 overall—0-2 in GLVC play as Quincy scored late in the first half and early in the second half while goalie Joe Brudnak made six saves.

The team will travel today for a noon kickoff against Truman State in Kirksville.

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.

2025 GSDCA National Specialty Show

Event duration: Oct 17-25 — Illinois State Fairground — Entry fees vary — Celebrate the love of German Shepherds with competitions and exhibitions.