Good morning, Springfield.

The Fix Our Homes Illinois movement launched with backing from community groups and housing experts to help low-income seniors repair their homes.

The coalition has urged state and city officials to join a town hall meeting on October 4 from 12—2 p.m. at Lincoln Library N. Carnegie Room to improve access to public funding.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority has awarded $2 million to Habitat for Humanity to launch a new round of the Community Impact Fund which gives forgivable down payment grants to help working families buy homes in Central and Southern Illinois.

The program is expected to create 100 new homeowners and reduce mortgage barriers—expanding homeownership opportunities for local families.

Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser said the fatal crash at YNOT Outdoors in Chatham in April likely happened when driver Marianne Akers suffered a medical episode—her Jeep left the road, crashed into a building and struck about 10 children, killing five youths, and tests showed no drugs or alcohol so criminal charges will not be filed while her driving privileges remain cancelled.

Obed and Isaac's launched Bloodline Wheat beer to support pediatric cancer care and promote blood donations that help children get treatment at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois Blood and Disorders Institute—release parties start at 5 p.m. tomorrow at locations in Peoria and Springfield while a monthlong blood drive begins Oct. 4. The initiative was inspired by board member Kristina Bentz whose son has had multiple transfusions.

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents A Radical Turn, a solo exhibition featuring anti-war veteran Aaron Hughes that opens Oct.

13 and runs through Nov. 20, 2025. Aaron Hughes will also give a lecture on Oct. 22 from 6 to 7 p.m.—an exhibition reception will follow from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in room 201 of HSB.

The City of Springfield is finishing summer construction projects as it nearly completes its downtown overlay project — work costing about 13 million dollars on sidewalks, drainage tech, and road rebuilding at key intersections.

Crews will continue work for the next two months while engineers review streets to plan repairs for next season.

The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is closed until further notice because of a government shutdown—outdoor visits to its neighborhood remain available while the Visitor Center and home tours are not offered.

A statewide poll ranked high school football teams by classes from 8A to 1A, showing leaders such as Chicago (Mount Carmel) with 119 points in class 8A and Chicago (Brother Rice) with 130 points in class 7A.

Springfield’s Sacred Heart Griffin placed 6th in class 4A with 50 points.

UIS volleyball will travel to St. Louis to face Missouri-St. Louis today at 6:00 p.m. and play McKendree tomorrow at 3:00 p.m.—after beginning conference play with back-to-back home losses and strong individual efforts from key players.

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.