Good morning, Springfield.

At the Illinois State Fair, judges declared a tie for the Golden Abe award—Backdraft BBQ’s brisket cheesesteak and Tikka Street’s Dubai strawberry cup took top honors while Miss Peggy’s orange strawberry shake-up finished third.

Conservation World showcased Illinois’ natural environment at the state fairgrounds on Kids Day with interactive exhibits where families tried archery, BB guns, and learned about local fireflies—spurring interest in conservation and offering quiet sensory spaces while kids 12 and under earned free entry.

Illinois has enacted statewide e-bike regulations in response to rising injuries among children (spurring debate over safety and parental accountability) as officials and advocacy groups push for clearer guidelines to improve rider safety.

CWLP is offering a 10% rate discount to seniors 62+ who meet income limits to help reduce monthly electric bills.

Eligible residents must show proof of age and income when applying at the Customer Service Office at Municipal Center West, 300 S. Seventh St., Room 101.

Plato’s Closet launched its 'Find the Fit that Fits You' campaign on Aug.

15 that turned a store into a simulated school hallway — letting teens test their first-day outfits and boost self-confidence. Local families can visit select stores to shop for gently used, trend-driven clothing.