Good morning, Springfield.

Two Men and a Truck in Springfield is hosting its 'Pack the Truck for Pets' donation event to collect supplies for the Animal Protective League today at Pet Supplies Plus on East Sangamon Avenue — the event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and accepts pet food, blankets, and toys.

Illinois state fairs drew over 1 million visitors in 2025—723,079 at the Springfield fair and a record 282,202 at Du Quoin, both setting new attendance records this year.

The strong turnouts boosted ticket, ride, and livestock sales across the state.

Stand-Up for Sojourn is holding its sixth annual comedy event as tickets go on sale to benefit Sojourn Shelter and Services, which has helped domestic violence survivors for 50 years.

Local comedians will perform to raise funds and awareness for the cause.

The Illinois Department of Revenue announced a Tax Amnesty Program that will let residents and businesses pay overdue taxes without penalties from Oct 1 to Nov 17.

Eligible taxes from periods ending after June 30, 2018 and before July 1, 2024 must be paid in full during the window — taxpayers can file returns online, by mail, or in person.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has begun resurfacing a three-mile stretch of Wabash Avenue from Robbins Road to MacArthur Boulevard—work that will occur mostly at night with lane closures affecting side street access.

The 5-million-dollar project is expected to finish by early December.

Sangamon Mass Transit District is buying 19 new buses with federal grant funds to replace vehicles from 2013 and 2014—Manager Steve Schoeffel said 30 of the 56 bus fleet will use compressed natural gas and new buses will arrive in 12 to 18 months.

The UIS men's soccer team ends a three-game road stretch today with a GLVC match against Rockhurst in Kansas City and will travel on Sunday to face Southwest Baptist in Bolivar — they come off a 5-3 win at Truman State where five players scored and the goalkeeper spot was rotated.

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.

Wicked Which? Paint Night with Ashley Blake

1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — All ages welcome — Unleash your creativity at a Halloween-themed paint night with Ashley Blake.