Good morning, Springfield.

Ameren has announced $10M for energy bill assistance programs in Illinois and Missouri as colder weather approaches; $5M is set aside in Illinois for eligible households, small businesses, nonprofits, and veterans (applications are available online on a first-come, first-served basis).

Photographer Mikel Conrad launched his '250 Faces of Service & Sacrifice' project to honor veterans by capturing their portraits, including Korean War veteran Ron Camillo.

The tribute preserves the moving service stories and will be shared with the Springfield community.

University of Illinois researchers said the 2025 closure of Viper Coal Mine in Sangamon County left dozens of energy workers jobless because Knight Hawk Coal did not file required closure notices — giving state officials little time to help.

Lincoln Land Community College students will debut a gourmet menu at Bistro Verde, including a black bean burger, for dine-in service starting Oct.

28. A take-and-create meal on Oct. 30 will support the LLCC Foundation + culinary creativity.

Springfield School District 186’s Superintendent Terrance Jordan said last Monday that bus operations are improving when he met with First Student officials — he set a 95 percent on-time goal and urged additional driver training in student management.

Lincoln Land Community College will host its annual Haunted Lab event on Friday, Oct.

23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at upper Sangamon Hall on its Springfield campus (5250 Shepherd Road), where children with a parent can enjoy free science demonstrations, hands-on activities and interactive stations in Halloween costumes.

Illinois consumers received over $750,000 in refunds from digital asset kiosk operators under crypto regulations.

Over 450 refund requests have been processed since August 2025, with an average of $1,656 per claim as the Digital Asset Kiosks Act enforces consumer safeguards.

State funding of over $615,000 supports tourism projects in Springfield, boosting local attractions + promoting Route 66 history with new downtown murals and expanded History Comes Alive events.

State Sen. Doris Turner announced the funds to drive tourism and local economic growth across Central Illinois.