Good morning, Springfield.

The Salvation Army will host a donut eating contest on Friday, June 5 in Springfield to raise funds and awareness.

Local police, firefighters and military personnel will join the event as all proceeds support the nonprofit’s mission.

Chumley is a one-year-old tabby who came as a stray on May 26 and is now at Sangamon County Animal Control – on Shale Street – ready for adoption at a special fee of $35.

He is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on his shots.

Olaf, a friendly pittie, is available for foster-to-adopt at Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center — the shelter is open Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The 45th Annual Moss Avenue Sale returns to Moss Avenue in Springfield, offering local vendors and shoppers a chance to buy unique items and crafts.

Event dates and times will be announced soon.

Illinois gas prices dropped nearly 19 cents to average $4.72 per gallon this week, offering relief even though they remain $1.38 above last year's levels; GasBuddy data (from 4,378 stations) shows prices ranging from $3.89 to $5.99 per gallon.

Legislators passed several education bills.

Gov. Pritzker will sign a law banning cell phones during instructional time starting next school year + a new foreign language option lets high school students choose career courses while childcare licensing and in-state tuition measures move forward.

The local NAACP is handing over an alternative expulsion program to The Outlet, which will now include girls and offer job training, financial literacy, and mental health services to keep students on track for graduation in Springfield.

District 186 will support the program by providing teachers, coursework, and laptops.

Crews installed a new skywalk over the Norfolk Southern railway between 9th and 11th streets near courthouse Tuesday as part of the $123M Transportation Hub built with federal and state funds — the bridge will link the transit building with a future Amtrak station and square, complete by late Oct./mid-Nov. 2027.

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is launching public service announcements during PTSD Awareness Month to help veterans and others seek treatment for trauma-related stress.

IDVA Director Terry Prince appears in the campaign to offer hope and connect affected individuals with available resources.

Champion Foods recalled a popular frozen pizza after possible salmonella contamination was detected in the milk powder used for its cheese sauce; Illinois shoppers should check freezers if items were bought from stores (such as Costco and Target).

Getting Started With Wills & Trusts

3:30 p.m. — Edwards Group LLC — Free entry — Learn the essentials of estate planning in this informative workshop for families.

Foodees Fest

1-9 p.m. — White Oaks Mall — Free entry — Experience a weekend of gourmet food, artisan crafts, and family fun in Springfield.

Little Miracles 5K 2026

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Washington Park — Registration fee applies — Lace up for a fun run to support NICU warriors at St. John’s Children’s Hospital.

Teen Art Collage

2-3 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create a summer-inspired junk journal collage on canvas and embrace the messiness of art.

Sponge with Order of The Machine Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of 90’s alternative rock with Sponge and local favorites.