Hello Springfield! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Robby Robinson Set to Rock Out LIVE @ The Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center 10-05-2026 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Program gives local high schoolers hands-on medical experience (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield high school juniors and seniors are spending two days at the University of Illinois Springfield and UIC's Springfield nursing campus, trying out real medical simulations and shadowing college students. The free Nurse for a Day program aims to ease the local nursing shortage by giving teens hands-on practice with high-tech mannequins and a close look at healthcare careers.
2. Man arrested after deadly weekend crash in Springfield (wandtv.com) — A 27-year-old man has been jailed without pretrial release after police say he ran a red light at South 5th and East Laurel in Springfield, causing a crash that killed 62-year-old Darren Polk. Investigators allege alcohol and cannabis were involved, and describe how officers later confronted the driver at the hospital, where he allegedly tried to discard cannabis before giving a blood sample.
3. A Q&A With Carolyn Austin (springfieldbusinessjournal.com) — Springfield-born Carolyn Austin, now CEO of AgeLinc, explains how the regional aging agency connects older residents and caregivers with critical services and emergency help. She talks about rising local needs for affordable senior housing, more nursing home beds, and support for family caregivers, while urging residents to advocate for Social Security and explore careers in aging services.
4. The secret to staying young (springfieldbusinessjournal.com) — A 93‑year‑old former Springfield restaurateur is still playing pickleball three days a week at the Springfield Racquet and Fitness Center, inspiring players decades younger. His story doubles as a guide to the city's booming pickleball scene, from park district courts to local leagues, and shows older residents how the sport keeps them active and social.
5. Pet blessings offered at HSHS hospitals across central Illinois (wandtv.com) — Springfield pet owners can have their animals blessed at HSHS St. John's Hospital on the Pavilion Lawn this Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1:30 p.m. The free event welcomes all pets on leashes or in carriers and honors St. Francis' love for animals, with additional blessing events scheduled at other central Illinois HSHS hospitals.
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Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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