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🌱 Patch AM: Why a Springfield roommate ended up jailed after a basement lock-in

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Good morning to you Springfield! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Springfield roommate ended up jailed after a basement lock-in
  • How will Springfield’s $2 million boost change homelessness services?
  • How a stray traffic ticket helped Springfield police track a shooting suspect

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

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the hammer say after getting an A on a test? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 54 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Thursday: Afternoon rain; windy, temps: high: 58, low: 42.
  • Friday: A shower in the a.m.; cloudy, with a high of 49 and low of 38 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Roommate dispute leads to vehicle theft and arrest in Springfield (foxillinois.com) — Springfield police arrested a 36-year-old man after a late-night dispute in a home on South 14th Street, where he allegedly locked his roommate in the basement and took his SUV. The victim escaped through a window, and officers later found the suspect outside the residence, where he admitted to the incident and was also found to have a no-bond Macon County warrant.
   

2. $2 million investment aims to provide permanent housing solutions in Springfield (wandtv.com) — A new $2 million investment is boosting Springfield’s efforts to move people from homelessness into permanent housing and rapid rehousing programs. Local nonprofit Helping Hands, now operating from a larger Shale Street facility, says the funding will expand services but stresses that more mental health support and affordable housing options are still urgently needed for Springfield’s most vulnerable residents.
   

3. Springfield police arrest man after tracing traffic ticket linked to reported shooting (foxillinois.com) — Springfield police used a traffic ticket that reportedly flew from a pickup to help identify a suspect in a Jan. 4 shots-fired incident near Canedy and Henrietta. Officers later found ammunition in the truck and a .380-caliber pistol with a defaced serial number in a related home search, and took the 24-year-old man to the Sangamon County Jail.
   

4. IL Department of Early Childhood to officially launch this summer (wandtv.com) — A new Illinois Department of Early Childhood, based in state government in Springfield, is set to officially launch July 1 and take over major childcare and early intervention programs. State leaders say consolidating services will improve quality and access, while some lawmakers worry about added bureaucracy and taxpayer costs. Local families and providers should expect gradual transitions over the next six months.
   

5. Bailey Leach, Plains girls basketball sink SHS comeback (sj-r.com) — Springfield High’s girls basketball team nearly erased a late deficit before falling 50-40 to Pleasant Plains, highlighting a busy week for Springfield-area prep hoops. The roundup spotlights standout performances from SHS, Lanphier, Rochester, Lincoln and several nearby schools, giving local fans a quick snapshot of who’s heating up on the court this week.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Henry is running loose west Washington area
    Please don’t chase! Please call (217)415-2807 if you see this guy!! (Nextdoor West Side)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost ferret!
    Freddy was LOST on January 4, 2026 in Springfield, IL 62707 near Piper road Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Grandview Ave/Wolfe St)
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  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Breakfast Team Member- Stevenson Dr. 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 nailed it!
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