Good morning, Springfield.

The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies is hosting its 23rd annual Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture called 'Lincoln and the Age of Disruption' at 6:30 p.m. on October 16 at the UIS Student Union Ballroom—featuring Jon Grinspan from the Smithsonian and Colleen Shogan, the 11th U.S. archivist, who will connect history to today; registration is encouraged.

Advance Illinois’s report finds that student performance in Illinois has stabilized after the pandemic—while educational attainment has increased, academic proficiency remains low and equity gaps with affordability challenges persist for families and students.

Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton released her 29-point economic agenda for her 2026 Senate campaign yesterday in Springfield, calling for a $15 federal minimum wage, expanded insurance coverage for birthing options and an increased Earned Income Tax Credit for low- and moderate-income workers + her plan mirrors Governor JB Pritzker’s approach.

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation launched a $50.6B six-year plan today that will invest over $200M in Springfield to upgrade roads and bridges.

The plan funds reconstruction on Interstate 55 and Illinois 97—improving key corridors and creating jobs statewide.

On Tuesday, Springfield City Council pressed officials over the low number of local minority businesses and contract workers.

Thirty percent of city contract labor was performed by minority workers—only 25 percent of whom were local—and officials said a business education program will help meet the goal of 50 percent local hiring.

Today, Lincoln Home National Historic Site in Springfield temporarily closed its Visitor Center and ended guided tours due to the government shutdown — outdoor visits remain allowed.

Other nearby sites such as the Dana Thomas House, Illinois State Museum, and Old State Capitol continue to welcome visitors.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is hosting foreign grain buyers on a reverse trade mission amid tough tariffs—Chinese buyers have not yet purchased soybeans—and a 2024 tour generated about $159 million in trade.

Camp Butler National Cemetery held a semi-annual service Wednesday to honor unaccompanied and unclaimed veterans who died without family—recognizing Navy, Army and Air Force members like James Beck.

The ceremony acknowledged their sacrifice and devotion to protecting our freedom.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton released her 29-point policy platform for her 2026 Senate run that adapts Gov. Pritzker’s successes to federal law—she plans to raise the minimum wage, cap credit card rates, and expand tax credits for families while pledging to refuse corporate PAC contributions even as a PAC linked to Pritzker has launched support.

The Illinois Springfield women's cross country team earned its first ranking when it was placed at No.8 in the NCAA Division II Midwest regional coaches' poll released Tuesday by USTFCCCA.

The Prairie Stars finished 11th at the Lucian Rosa Invite and will race at the Lewis Crossover on Oct. 11 in Romeoville—aiming to build momentum ahead of the NCAA Midwest Regional Championships on Nov. 8.

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.