Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield readers voted United Community Bank as the best workplace in the 2024 Official Community Choice Awards—BRANDT and HSHS St. John's Hospital finished as runners-up.

Nominations for the 2025 awards began on June 2 and voting ended on Aug. 25, with winners set to be announced on Nov. 3.

The Springfield-Sangamon County board approved a resolution to contract a new exhibit on the 1908 race riot—this exhibit will explain how an angry mob attacked Black neighborhoods after two Black men were transferred following serious accusations.

A Springfield-Sangamon County board approved a contract for a new exhibit on the 1908 race riot that will feature at the Transportation Hub—visitors will soon have the chance to learn about this key part of local history.

Ryan McCrady from the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance joined the Morning Routine with Rocki and Lacey to explain local growth plans—he highlighted new projects like Scheel’s Sports Dome and potential data centers that could boost Springfield's economy.

A federal court lawsuit between the Wyndham hotel's owners and their insurance company may cost Springfield over $500K a year in hotel tax revenue if claims of intentional damage prove true while the 30-story building remains closed.

Both sides have requested a jury trial set for June 29 — 2027, and the case could alter the city’s tax intake if the ruling goes against the hotel’s management.

The Asian Student Organization has revived its campus presence by launching Mahjong Wednesday at the University of Illinois Springfield this October—Jerry Wang, the new president, says the event will help students learn the game and share cultural traditions.

Today, the Illinois Department of Human Services will present a street sign at Lincoln Magnet School at 10:30 a.m. to honor the student-led project Fishing Tales & Bytes of Wisdom, which won the Governor’s Hometown Award and Silver Governors Cup—marking the first time Springfield has received this recognition.

With Halloween near, local health experts advise Springfield residents to moderate candy consumption and choose low sugar and allergen friendly products at stores like HyVee and County Market — a step to avoid energy crashes, poor sleep and long term health issues.

Mental health centers and local schools are also expanding support and education to help people manage stress and anxiety.

Three Ameren Illinois linemen from Marion are set to lead a team of linemen from Illinois and Missouri at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, held October 17-18.

The team will compete in four events, including Hurtman Rescue and Pole Climb — and the delegation includes 21 linemen, six apprentices, and several judges from both companies.

Three Ameren Illinois linemen—Jason Novak, Austin Lewis, and Clayton Gulley—will lead a team from Illinois and Missouri at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas starting October 17.

The team will compete in four events including the Hurtman Rescue and Pole Climb as they aim to secure a second straight championship.

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.

Flight Instructor Refresher Course

10:00 AM – 7:30 PM — Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center — $65 — Enhance your aviation skills with this comprehensive refresher course for flight instructors.

Ansar Shrine Circus

7-8:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Tickets required — Prepare to be amazed by death-defying acrobats, amazing animal performances, and hilarious clowns.

Springfield Marathon, Harvest Wind Half Marathon & 10K

8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Danenberger Family Vineyards — Check website for registration — Experience a thrilling day of running with a Boston Marathon qualifying course amidst beautiful vineyards.

Firefighters' Lake Club Trivia Night

7-10 p.m. — Firefighters Lake Club — $10 entry — Challenge your knowledge with general trivia and compete for cash prizes.