Good morning, Springfield.

Governor JB Pritzker released numbers Tuesday showing that the Illinois State Fair drew 723,079 visitors—marking the second-highest crowd in its history and 16,000 more than 2023.

A record of 15,532 people attended Megan Moroney's concert—while the DuQuoin State Fair reported over 282,000 visitors.

On April 28, a crash at the YNOT Afterschool Program in Chatham killed five children and injured five others—parents of one victim recalled their daughter who was about to graduate and urged justice as officials continued investigating and cancelled driver Marianne Akers' license.

Comedian Jeff Dunham, known for his ventriloquism and puppeteering, will perform at the BOS Center on April 11 at 5 p.m.—pre-sale tickets begin Sept 26 at 10 a.m. and general ticket sales start on Sept 29 as part of his Artificial Intelligence tour.

Lincoln Land Community College's Trutter Museum and Murray Gallery in Springfield is hosting the exhibit Echo—showing sculptural work by Amir Hamamy Roosi—from September 29—October 31 with viewing hours at 8 a.m.—4 p.m. An artist discussion is scheduled for October 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the gallery.

Brandon Derman, an associate professor of environmental sciences at UIS, was named University Scholar for 2025 for his work on climate justice and teaching.

He will receive $15,000 a year for three years to support his research and projects in Springfield.

Over $227,000 in funding was secured to support four literacy programs in Springfield and Decatur as part of a $28 million award to upgrade library systems—Baby TALK, Richland Community College, Fishes & Loaves Outreach Ministries, and Lincoln Land Community College will use the funds to improve reading, writing, and math skills.

Mayor Misty Buscher has launched Springfield Community Connections to help residents meet city leaders and get access to needed resources.

The series will hold its first event on Sept. 29 at Papo’s Café—where attendees can speak one-on-one with city agency representatives.

Today, the Illinois Supreme Court disciplined several attorneys for misconduct—Steven Jacob Barkin was disbarred for misappropriating $393,000 and Charles F.

Morrissey for $388,000 while others received suspensions for false billing and improper client conduct. The actions emphasize the court's commitment to upholding professional ethics in the legal field.

The City of Springfield Office of Public Works announced road closures for the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival—5th Street between Jefferson and Jackson and 6th Street between American Legion Drive and Jefferson will be closed starting noon Friday, Sept.

26. On Saturday, Sept. 27, 6th Street north of Cook Street will be closed from 6 a.m. until it reopens at 3 p.m., with all roads open by Sunday evening.

IDPH issued fall vaccine guidance on September 24 that urged residents to follow traditional vaccine schedules even though new federal standards reduced access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The guidance includes a statewide order to ensure access—reverting to the CDC schedules set in August.

Mosquito traps in Petersburg and Athens caught insects that tested at the maximum level for West Nile Virus, and Menard County will stay marked positive for the rest of the year—residents are advised to drain standing water and use EPA-registered repellents to protect themselves.

At Weibring Golf Club, Normal U-High’s Natalie Ocheltree earned medalist honors with a one under 70 while the Pioneers won the conference title with a score of 303— the event was held on Wednesday.

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.

Dads to Doulas Workshop

3-8 p.m. — 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL — Free entry — Empower fathers with vital knowledge for maternal health and infant advocacy.