Good morning, Springfield.

A car show to benefit St. Jude is scheduled in Springfield—organizers say car enthusiasts will soon gather to support the charity.

Del’s Popcorn Shop in Springfield announced on August 15 that it will permanently close as the owner retires — leaving residents with one less venue for gourmet popcorn and caramel apples.

Customers can still order treats online or visit the shop’s other locations in Mt. Zion and Decatur.

The Illinois State Fair ended today after an 11-day run—breaking attendance records and boosting the local economy with an impact of over $100 million in Sangamon County.

Visitors from 48 states helped local hotels, restaurants and gas stations thrive.

The U.S. Department of Justice demanded that Illinois hand over its full voter registration database including sensitive details such as driver’s license numbers and partial Social Security numbers—after the state board provided a redacted list on Aug.

11; Gov. Pritzker later claimed the request may be used to allege election fraud while defending Illinois’ decentralized system.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed a law Friday that requires the Illinois Department of Corrections to report data on hospice care for prisoners.

The department must submit annual demographic reports by December 1 each year—starting when the law takes effect on January 1.

At the Illinois State Fair today, several attendees received treatment for heat-related illnesses as heat indices passed 105 degrees—officials reported that cooling centers and extra water are available and warned similar conditions will continue tomorrow.

The IVC Grey Ghosts finished last season by winning three of four games and return seven defensive starters to boost their high-tempo offense.

They will start the 2025 season today at home against Monticello’s 3A state runner-up+ fans and players are eager for the opener.

The UIS athletic department announced Friday that single-game tickets for the Prairie Stars volleyball season are on sale, with adult tickets priced at $8 and youth tickets at $5 for ages 5 to 17 while children under 5 are admitted free.

Season passes are available at $30 for adults and $10 for youth and can be bought online or at the UIS Athletics Box Office — youth entry now requires a purchased ticket.

Vachel Lindsay Home Guided Tour

9:45-10:15 a.m. — Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site — Free entry — Explore the legacy of poet Vachel Lindsay with art displays and a chance to win his collected works.

Balloons Over 66 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Community High School — Registration required — Enjoy a morning 5K run with friends and family in a vibrant community setting.

Springfield Virtual Job Fair

4-6 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention Ctr by IHG — Free registration — Connect with employers and get AI matched for interviews in a virtual setting.

Healing Arts Festival

2-10 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community gathering featuring live music, healthy food, and local art.

Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 'Pastel Play' Member Show

10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Athens Municipal Library — Free entry — Explore vibrant pastel artworks during this engaging member exhibition.

Tour de Heartland

8 AM – 1 PM — Historic Marbold Farmstead — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a bike ride fundraiser supporting the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association.

Illinois Senior Games

9 AM – 6 PM — Iles Park — Registration open — Compete in various sports including pickleball during this exciting senior Olympics event.

Art Spectacular

10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate 20 years of art and music at Central Illinois' premier fine art fair featuring local and regional artists.