Good morning, Springfield.

Rock Creek Cemetery is set for a volunteer cleanup event this Sunday at 11 a.m. in Springfield — volunteers will work on cleaning gravestones, including those for military veterans, as organized by Gina Gillmore-Wolter and Paul Golladay.

Toys R Us will return to Springfield as a new store opens soon at White Oaks Mall, expected to launch in the coming weeks in time for the holidays.

The opening is part of a nationwide rollout of 120 locations, allowing local parents to share the nostalgic experience with their children.

Comedian Charlie Berens is bringing his Lost & Found Tour to Springfield — tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Sept.

25 and his performance is set for Feb. 7 at the UIS Performing Arts Center.

EAA Chapter 770 invites Springfield locals to its 4th Annual Wings and Wheels Fly-in & Car Show at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport on Saturday, Oct.

3 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; the fundraiser offers unique cars and aircraft displays, museum tours with free admission, and discounted helicopter rides to support its Aviation Scholarship Program.

Gas and diesel prices climbed in central Illinois as of Monday when AAA reported regular gas averaged $4.90 per gallon and diesel jumped 28 cents to $6.51 nationally (placing a strain on fuel-dependent drivers).

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will host a 2-day Illinois history conference on Oct.

1 and Oct. 2 that will first highlight Mary Todd Lincoln with biographer Lois Romano & then feature the history of bicycling with author Christopher Sweet at the museum.

The school board approved a Fiscal Year 2027 budget with nearly an $11M deficit after state reimbursements came in only 68 percent (regular education) and 55 percent (special education), increasing the district’s shortfall by $3M.

Board members said they will consider job cuts and other measures to reduce costs.

A new report showed that Illinois fell short of its net zero goal by 2050, as emissions were reduced by only 53% from 2005 levels.

Experts said a significant investment may boost progress & help the state meet its targets.