Good morning, Springfield.

Yesterday, Oak Ridge Cemetery unveiled a new monument honoring Gold Star families as part of a community tribute.

The monument recognizes families of service members who died in battle, accident, training or illness according to mom Vonda Rodgers.

The Springfield Fire Department announced that an interior remodel began Saturday at Fire Station 9 on Chatham Road to update firefighters’ living and working spaces—the department will post progress updates on Facebook as work continues.

Illinois residents who use the Affordable Care Act marketplace will have open enrollment from Nov.

1 until Jan. 15, 2026 as the state launches its new Get Covered Illinois platform to offer over 1,100 plans; Director Ann Gillespie said up to 30% of policyholders may drop coverage if rising costs remain high—special enrollment periods will also be available for pregnancy and tax filing.

Eight players from the Central State Eight Conference have qualified for the state tennis finals — Chatham Glenwood advanced four players after winning the Mount Zion sectional on Oct.17 and senior Ellie Surges captured her first sectional title by defeating second seed Ella Sandgren in a three-set match.

The Illinois Springfield men's soccer team lost 2-1 to Maryville Friday night at home as Jack Hudson scored first before Maryville tied with a penalty kick and then took the lead with a late goal—dropping the Prairie Stars to 2-8-3 in GLVC play.

They will host McKendree today at Kiwanis Stadium at 2:30 p.m.

UIS women's soccer lost 2-1 to Maryville on Friday at Kiwanis Stadium—dropping their record to 3-7-3.

The Prairie Stars will host McKendree today at 12:00 p.m.

The Springfield volleyball team won its Midwest Regional Crossover match by a score of 3 to 1 against Lake Superior State on Friday afternoon, with key player Makenna Cox recording 20 kills—helping the team post 63 kills and 58 assists overall.

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.