Good morning, Springfield.

Faith Coalition for the Common Good held an expo at Comer Cox Park today to bring community members together to discuss environmental changes.

Brandon Derman of the Environmental Justice Task Force and UIS professor Dr. Lesa Johnson highlighted that local organizations such as Memorial Health and the Illinois EPA play key roles in community learning—organizers built on a trial run from last year and welcomed regional groups.

ICE canceled a meeting on Friday with Illinois lawmakers—who had asked to visit the Broadview detention center amid protests—and rescheduled it for October as state leaders and Gov. Pritzker demanded answers on enforcement policies.

The Illinois Springfield men’s tennis team opened its fall season on Saturday at the ITA Midwest Small College Regional in Allendale, Mich. hosted by Grand Valley State—singles play began at 8:00 a.m. and doubles started at 5:00 p.m., giving new players their debut while the tournament will continue through the weekend.

The Illinois Springfield volleyball team lost 3-1 to Lewis on Friday night at TRAC, dropping their record to 6-5 overall and 0-1 in the league.

The Prairie Stars led the first set with 19 kills (with key plays by Cox, Sledge, and Mendelblatt) but then fell behind as Lewis rallied in later sets.

The State Journal-Register held an athlete of the week poll featuring 12 nominees for Sept.

22-27—voting closed at noon on Friday.

On Saturday morning, Ali Londrigan won the 2025 Solon Invite with a time of 17:53—helping Glenwood beat Rochester by two points.

The Illinois Springfield women’s cross country team will compete Saturday at the Lucian Rosa Invite hosted by Wisconsin-Parkside at the Wayne E.

Dannehl Cross Country Course in Kenosha—where the championship 6K will start at 9:30 a.m. and an open race will follow at 11:00 a.m., with UIS facing Southwest Baptist in their first head-to-head matchup with regional implications.

The UIS men's cross country team will head north this weekend to compete at the Lucian Rosa Invite at the Wayne E.

Dannehl Cross Country Course in Kenosha, Wis. They are ranked 28 nationally and will run a championship race at 10:15 a.m.—facing eight nationally ranked programs as they test their speed on the rolling, wooded terrain.

The UIS men's soccer team fell 2-1 to Rockhurst on Friday night after taking an early lead with a goal by Robin Lemke Bergseth.

They struggled after a red card and later conceded a winning goal in the 70th minute — the team now prepares to face Southwest Baptist on Sunday in Bolivar at 2:30 p.m.

Athens lost the first set 25-21 to New Berlin but won the next two sets 25-14 and 25-17 to reach Monday's Sangamon County Tournament final against Pleasant Plains.

Meanwhile — the Pretzels will face Williamsville for third place at 6 p.m. on Monday.

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.

Dads to Doulas Workshop

3-8 p.m. — 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL — Free entry — Empower fathers with vital knowledge for maternal health and infant advocacy.

Wicked Which? Paint Night with Ashley Blake

1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — All ages welcome — Unleash your creativity at a Halloween-themed paint night with Ashley Blake.