Good morning, Springfield.

Tabitha is a 13-month-old brown tabby with white markings who arrived as a stray on August 11 and is now at the Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center ready for a loving home.

The cat is spayed, microchipped, current on vaccinations, tests negative for FIV and FeLV, and is available for adoption for $25 through the end of September.

Midas—who is two years old and friendly—has been at Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center since May and is now available for adoption.

He was well behaved at an off-site event on Saturday and awaits a loving home.

WAND has released a guide to fall festivals featuring events such as pumpkin patches, haunted houses and parades across the region.

The guide lists details like a Springfield fundraiser on September 25 from 5:30-8 p.m.—and it will be updated as new events are added throughout the season.

Comedian Jeff Dunham will perform his Artificial Intelligence Tour at the Bank of Springfield Center on April 11th, 2026; tickets go on sale September 29th at 10 a.m.

A survey by GasBuddy shows that gasoline prices in Illinois dropped 8.2 cents per gallon to $3.35 over the past week.

Prices are 7.9 cents lower than last year and 5.4 cents lower than a month ago.

Four UIS alumni were honored during Homecoming Week at the Alumni Gala on September 20 — retired Justice Robert Carter received the Alumni Achievement Award, while Joyce Nardulli, Tami Silverman and Mallory Wescott were recognized for distinguished service, humanitarian efforts and rising contributions.

District 186 has not hired ASL teachers because qualified candidates did not meet the license requirement—superintendent Jennifer Gill said the program will start once the right teacher is found.

Citizen Darcy Zook expressed her concerns at a recent school board meeting.

UIS held a groundbreaking ceremony on Sept.

19 for its new Library Commons, a $42.5 million, three-story facility that will combine library, academic support and student services into one hub. The building will open in fall and meet LEED Gold certification standards — reflecting a commitment to student success and sustainability.

Illinois has adopted a new law known as Senate Bill 2323 to help human trafficking survivors—state agencies will work together to improve training, screening and support—and Governor Pritzker said it will give victims the care they need.

At The Rail on Monday, Pleasant Plains freshman Leo Niebrugge won the individual title with a two over 74—Williamsville Bullets won the team title with an 18 over 306.

Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show

10 AM – 6 PM — Illinois State Fair Campground — Free Parking — Explore a dazzling array of gems, minerals, and fossils with activities for all ages.

Carve for the Carillon

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate fall by carving pumpkins in a community tradition with laughter and creativity.

2025 GSDCA National Specialty Show

Event duration: Oct 17-25 — Illinois State Fairground — Entry fees vary — Celebrate the love of German Shepherds with competitions and exhibitions.