🌱 Patch AM: How expiring tax credits could spike Springfield marketplace premiums in 2026

Hello Springfield! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How expiring tax credits could spike Springfield marketplace premiums in 2026
• How did Springfield’s Catholic Charities earn national recognition this year?
• Which new projects just got the green light this week?

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Springfield, IL.

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and misty, with a high of 54 and low of 44 degrees.
• Thursday: Mainly cloudy, afternoon mist, temps: high: 54, low: 49.
• Friday: Mostly sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 61 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Marketplace health insurance deadline nears (illinoistimes.com) — If you buy health insurance through the ACA marketplace, expect higher 2026 premiums as federal tax credits expire, hitting Sangamon County residents especially hard. Enrollment for 2026 coverage runs through Jan. 15, and Springfield residents can get free, in-person help from Springfield Urban League or Central Counties Health Centers to compare plans and avoid gaps in coverage.
   

2. Springfield Diocese Catholic Charities achieves national re-accreditation in its centennial (timestribunenews.com) — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has earned national reaccreditation during its 100th year, affirming the quality of services it provides from its Springfield office and across 28 counties. The review by the Council on Accreditation confirms strong management, counseling, and basic-needs programs, and local residents are invited to learn more or support its work.
   

3. Building permits – Dec. 15 to Dec. 21 (springfieldbusinessjournal.com) — Recent building permits include several accessory structure projects for Legacy Park Sports on Imagineer Drive and a demolition permit for Memorial Health System on North Fourth Street. These approvals signal ongoing investment and redevelopment in the local commercial and medical corridors, with project values ranging from about $8,000 to $74,000.
   

4. Stations Rally Listeners for Millions in Holiday Charity Drives. (insideradio.com) — Springfield’s classic rock station WYMG used listener donations to grant 10 Christmas Wishes, helping local residents with groceries, gifts, utilities, medical bills, and even home repairs like a furnace and washer-dryer. Station leaders say the Springfield community consistently steps up when asked, making the annual Rock-A-Thon and other efforts a bright spot for neighbors facing hard times.
   

5. Convicted felon arrested with loaded gun and heroin in stalled vehicle (newschannel20.com) — Springfield police arrested a 39-year-old man Sunday after finding him slumped in a stalled car on North 8th Street with a loaded revolver and suspected heroin, according to authorities. Officers say he lacked a valid FOID or concealed carry license and has a lengthy prior record, and he now faces multiple weapons, drug, and driving charges.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday December 27

• The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Springfield, IL
  Maldaners Banquet Hall , 222 S 6th St , Springfield
  6:00 pm

📣 Springfield Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 24

• The Fiber Circle
  Chatham Area Public Library District , 600 E Spruce St , Chatham
  6:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Member Open Agility Practice
  Capitol Canine Training Club , 209 E Walnut St , Chatham
  5:00 pm

Friday December 26

• HS Boys'/Girls' Basketball Tournament
  Rochester Elem EC-1 Sch Rochester, IL 62563
• Weekly Card and Board Games
  Chatham Area Public Library District , 600 E Spruce St , Chatham
  1:00 pm

Tuesday December 30

• Tuesday Happy Hour
  Buzz Bomb Brewing Co , 406 E Adams St , Springfield
  3:00 pm
• AKC Fetch Test
  Capitol Canine Training Club , 209 E Walnut St , Chatham
  4:30 pm

Wednesday December 31

• New Years Eve!
  Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum and Entertainment Complex , 600 Toronto Rd , Springfield
  8:00 pm

Monday April 27

• Springfield, IL
  840 S Spring St , Springfield
  1:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Springfield PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• University Cosmetology School, Springfield, Illinois
  My husband, with dementia, needed a haircut before the holiday gatherings. The reception staff could not have been more kind. I had to leave to… (Nextdoor Archer Elevator)
• Our cat Wesson is missing.
  Please contact us if you find him. 217-415-2527 Wesson weighs about 20 lbs very friendly and knows his name. Please let us know if anyone sees him… (Nextdoor Bradfordton Road)

• Five Below, Inc. posted a job opening for Seasonal Freight Associate in Springfield. Apply here.
• Illinois Attorney General posted a job opening for Legal Secretary, 25-46, General Law Chicago in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.

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: I got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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