Good morning, Springfield.

Families can enjoy water rides at Splash Kingdom at Knight's Action Park until Sept.

7. Located off Interstate 72 in Springfield, the 60-acre park offers water slides, a lazy river, and extra attractions, with special promotions (such as Mom's Monday and community discounts) available throughout the season.

Local activists are urging Springfield residents to support food pantries (facing shortages) after new federal SNAP rules cut benefits for many.

They say increased community donations will help fill the gap in supplies.

The Illinois State Fair has introduced new security rules for Grandstand events today — all bags must be clear and no larger than 14 inches by 8 inches, with exceptions for diaper and medical bags; fairgoers will undergo advanced screening and prohibited items like weapons will be confiscated.

The 2026 butter cow — themed 'Miles of Smiles' — celebrates Route 66’s 100th as the State Fair opens today at 7 a.m. in Springfield, with visitors able to explore the Route 66 Experience at Gate 2 and enjoy the Twilight Parade at 5:30 p.m.

Springfield will hold a commemoration of the 1908 race riot at the Three Hot Days in August event by staging Tim Crawford’s play Outraged.

The event will help the community remember its past clearly.

A Ward 4 resident told city council on Tuesday that a contractor flooded her home with blackwater, leaving her displaced (16 months).

Alderman Larry Rockford criticized the contractor and Community Relations Director Ethan Posey promised officials will help her access city resources.

A heat advisory is in effect today from noon to 8 p.m. CDT for parts of central, southeast and west central Illinois as heat index values will reach up to 105, so residents should drink fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room + check on neighbors.

Retired Dr. Babu Prasad donated $1 million on Tuesday to improve the NICU at HSHS St. John's Children’s Hospital in Springfield in honor of his 80th birthday; the funds will buy a temperature-controlled, encased bed for transporting newborns (equipment upgrades aim to boost care for vulnerable babies).

Taylor Farms began recalling its guacamole and dips on Aug.

9 because they may be contaminated with salmonella. The recall affects stores in Illinois and other states, and no illnesses have been reported so far.

Dr. Babu Prasad, retired from HSHS St. John’s, donated $1 million on Tuesday, Aug.

11 to its NICU for a temperature-controlled ambulance bed for newborns+ he celebrated his 80th birthday with this gift and had previously donated a similar amount in 2020.

High school football season starts Aug.

20 and 21 as teams in the Central State Eight & Sangamo conferences begin a nine-game schedule, including matchups in Springfield. Decatur Eisenhower will not field a varsity team for 2026, and affected teams can choose forfeit wins or a new opponent.