Good morning, Springfield.

Local community members, including veterans and educators, recalled the Sept.

11 attacks on its 25th anniversary and discussed lessons of unity and bravery — reflections that highlight lasting impacts on lives and society.

Springfield High School dismissed students early on Thursday, Sept.

3 when a water main break forced the dismissal at 10:30 a.m.—officials confirmed that after-school activities continued as planned while parents were advised to monitor for any schedule changes.

Mercy Health welcomed a new class of interns at its Springfield and Urbana hospitals as the 2026-2027 school year began.

Project SEARCH started on Aug. 19 in Springfield and LIFE Transitions began on Sept. 1 in Urbana (both programs help students gain hands-on healthcare skills).

At Wittenberg, Duke, the campus safety division’s first therapy puppy, was introduced on Aug.21 and will soon start his formal training on Sept.28 in London; he is set to join campus duty in mid-October.