Good morning, Springfield.

Mike Murphy of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce highlights a fall job fair on Aug.

25, 4 to 6 p.m. at Crowne Plaza and Shoes, Brews, and Biz on Oct. 15, 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the LRS Hangar, where local restaurants and breweries offer samples (including dessert horseshoes).

Illinois State Fair officials host a kickoff event at the Illinois Products Farmers Market at The Shed on Thursday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. — offering discounted passes, giveaways, and a preview of fair food from three vendors to get families ready for the fair from Aug.

13 to 23.

A recent poll (Community's Choice Awards) named Springfield's best Mexican restaurant, giving residents a guide to top-rated Mexican food in town.

Local venue The Muni is set to present Frozen this weekend at 8:30 p.m.—cast members appeared on WTAX Morning Newswatch to preview the production’s blend of laughs and heartfelt moments.

Illinois gas prices rose last week by 10.3 cents to $4.23 per gallon—drivers now pay 17 cents more than the national average; experts noted global tensions contributed to the increase.

Dr. Amy McEuen of UIS published her book on ecological thinking & appeared on WTAX Morning Newswatch in Springfield to discuss her work.

She used her sabbatical last spring to write the guide aimed at sharing her classroom passions with a broader audience.

Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2427 on Tuesday, requiring school districts to enforce bell-to-bell phone bans for K-8 students and limit high school use to lunch and passing periods.

The state board will release a model policy on Sept. 1, and plans must be final by the 2027-28 school year.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law to ban cellphones during school hours; the State Board of Education will share a template on Sept.

1 so districts can update policies for students, with younger students restricted from device use from the first bell to the final bell and high schools given an opt-out option + exceptions for medical, special education and emergency needs.

Springfield will host the inaugural season of professional women’s baseball this weekend at Robin Roberts Stadium & local fans gathered Tuesday to celebrate the legacy of former players who helped pave the way.

The opening game will feature the New York Heights facing the Los Angeles Queens.