Good morning, Springfield.

Letter Carriers (via USPS) are hosting their annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive today, where residents can leave nonperishable food donations by their mailboxes for pickup along regular routes.

The food drive aims to collect 11,000 lbs to help families facing tough choices across central Illinois.

The Fat A 5k race begins today at 10 a.m. next to the Old State Capitol and covers two laps downtown.

Officials said streets were blocked at 9:30 a.m. for the event, which will raise money for local charities, and a preview street party was held Friday night.

Downtown Springfield hosts the Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity this weekend.

Friday features live bands from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday offers a 10 a.m. race with a street party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (family and arts events round out the weekend).

Illinois Product Farmers Market opened its season Thursday evening at the State Fairgrounds — featuring live music, food vendors, family activities and prize drawings at The Shed on Central Avenue.

Hosted by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the market will run every Thursday through September except during the State Fair.

Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest steam train, will be on display at West Chicago on June 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will pass the Amtrak Depot in Springfield on July 18 between 10:45 & 11:15 a.m. as it tours to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

Route 66 Motorheads is hosting a Centennial cultural program on June 6 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to celebrate Tomasz Sobania’s 3,300-mile marathon across America.

Registered 5K runners may attend an exclusive program at Motorheads featuring live check-in and a performance by Dagga (with guests).

Students at Ridgely Elementary were celebrated at a special assembly for being chosen in the annual Illinois State Fair Postcard Contest.

The winning designs by kindergarten through fifth grade students will be featured at the fair in August.

Illinois lawmakers questioned progress under the Evidence-Based Funding plan for public education on May 8, saying they need more data to gauge improvements.

They plan to seek further details in upcoming sessions.

Springfield held its annual Illinois Police Officers Memorial on Thursday to honor officers who died in the line of duty.

Mayor Misty Buscher and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias stressed police commitment to community safety + remembered the fallen, including two officers from 2025.

City officials will remove downtown parking meters this month to beautify the area and keep parking free—visitors still must follow posted time limits.

The change aims to encourage more shoppers and diners in Springfield.

Good News Only shared uplifting posts featuring cup cakes and runaway goats along with stories on the graveyard shift, mental health awareness, hidden talents, and kind strangers, posted May 6 and 7 to brighten the community today.

Highland Cow Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost info provided — Unleash creativity as you paint a quirky Highland Cow masterpiece under expert guidance.

Paint with Ashley Blake

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Cost covers materials — Enjoy a creative night painting a whimsical library gnome with guidance from Ashley Blake.