Good morning, Springfield.

Photos from the 2026 Illinois State Fair captured highlights from Aug.

12–22, including Gov. Pritzker’s ribbon cutting and a Twilight Parade featuring classic cars on Route 66 + the Butter Cow exhibit and local contests added charm to the celebration at the fairgrounds.

Springfield now features a 25 foot tall Cozy Dog monument permanently on display at the Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

It was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Aug. 22 and will remain as a year-round tribute to Route 66’s 100th anniversary.

Officials announced a public forum in Springfield will focus on data centers later this week, where experts and community leaders will share a range of perspectives + discuss potential impacts on local technology and business.

Residents can learn more about upcoming developments affecting the community.

Springfield Memorial Hospital urges residents to register as organ donors even if they think some organs may not work; Nurse Manager Valerie Krohe said donors undergo health checks + social reviews to ensure safe donations that could help save lives.

Kids Foot Locker in Springfield now offers popular back-to-school sneakers from adidas, Jordan & New Balance, with deals available until Monday, Sept.

7. Families can shop early to secure styles that combine comfort with lasting appeal for the school year.

The State Journal-Register invites residents to vote for the athlete of the week with the poll closing at noon Friday, Aug.

28. Nominees include local talent from PORTA (Petersburg), Hillsboro, Taylorville, Nokomis, Sacred Heart-Griffin, and Rochester whose performances opened the football season.

Sacred Heart-Griffin receiver Demetrius Roberson caught a go-ahead touchdown on Cam Brinkman's pass with 9.1 seconds left — giving his team a 27-23 win over Lincoln-Way Central in a close game.

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Max Reaves won the ARCA Menards Series 2026 Calypso 100 at the Illinois State Fair, outdueling Carson Brown, Isaac Kitzmiller & Gavan Boschele.

Springfield native Kelly Kovski also won the preceding Sportsman race.

On Sunday afternoon at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, Thomas Annunziata (driver #70 from Nitro Motorsports) competed in event 15 and was seven points short of the ARCA Menards Series lead.

He talked about the title fight and prepping for his first dirt race (a first on dirt) at the fair.