Good morning, Springfield.

Families are invited to enjoy free Zoo Booth events from Aug.

24 to Dec. 16, where live animals are on display; bat and birdhouse workshops will run in Oct and Nov to offer hands-on wildlife learning.

Legends Entertainment has now opened in Springfield, offering bowling, arcade games, and outdoor fun (including a local-favorite food court) for visitors looking for a new entertainment option.

Giant City State Park will mark its 100th anniversary as an Illinois state park in 2027, and the Department of Natural Resources is inviting visitors to share memories and photos for a yearlong display.

Submissions are accepted until Nov. 30 (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in person).

Gas prices in Illinois ticked up by 8 cents last week to $4.36 a gallon — a 13-cent rise from a month ago — outpacing the national average of $4.05.

The Unit 5 board approved plans to remove portable classrooms and expand its special education program to help students in local schools.

The board voted on these changes during a recent meeting.

District 186 Superintendent Terrance Jordan visited Jefferson Middle School yesterday on the first day of school, meeting with students and staff; he will visit the rest of the district's schools over the coming week.

The Kidzeum has received nearly $150,000 from the National Science Foundation to plan a new STEAM center in its expanded space (the former Cliff Hotel).

The museum is inviting community input during the process and expects an initial plan by next year.

Joanne Bardwell proposed free admission at school sports events for high school students and discounted rates for younger students accompanied by an adult at the latest District 186 board meeting in Springfield; she said this change would help boost support for athletes, cheerleaders, and band members performing before empty stands.

Springfield Memorial Hospital has expanded its DOGtors on Call program with four new certified therapy dogs, thanks to a $4,500 grant from the Springfield Memorial Foundation (the dogs help bring comfort to patients and staff).

Rochester volleyball rallied to win the season opener by sweeping the Taylorville Tornadoes 25-19, 25-15 at Dolph Stanley court Monday evening — the team will host the defending 3A state champion U-High Pioneers today in CS8 action — showing strong early season promise.

Springfield native Kelly Kovski announced his retirement from ARCA after finishing seventh on the Springfield Mile today.

He will race one last time for an ARCA win at the Du Quoin State Fair on Sept. 6.