Good morning, Springfield.

The Feral Funders will host the Wigs and Muumuus fundraiser on Saturday, Oct.

17 at AJ's Corner in Chatham to raise money for animal rescues. The event will run from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and aims to unite community members + support local animals in need.

Carve For the Carillon runs Oct.

10–11 at Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — volunteers carve provided pumpkins from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. while local agencies sell pre-sale tickets. Washington Park hosts jack‑o‑lantern displays with food vendors on Oct. 16–17 and a pumpkin grab on Oct. 18.

Illinois gas is 40% higher and diesel 80% higher than a year ago, costing $4.741 and $6.774 per gallon respectively, state data shows.

A Joliet refinery resumed operations & global tensions impacted supply while officials paused a scheduled gas tax increase until January.

UIS welcomed Monday morning’s Makers on the Move bus tour, marking the launch of its new Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology program.

The weeklong tour (with 40 stops) highlighted employers’ need for skilled technical professionals.

Teresa Ramos now heads the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, which launched July 1 to combine preschool, home visits, and child care licensing services into one agency for families.

Ramos said the new department is set to deliver more coordinated state services — a historic shift in early childhood support.

A paving project is underway on Stevenson Drive between Adloff Lane and the I-55 ramps after work began Oct.

5. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes & allow extra time while lanes are closed until the project ends this week.

The FDA said over 122,000 cases of select 28-ounce Gatorade bottles have been recalled nationwide, including in Illinois, due to undeclared dyes (Yellow No. 5 and Yellow No. 6) that may cause temporary health issues.

Sangamon County Animal Control warns that a virus called panleukopenia is affecting cats at its shelter, urging residents to avoid bringing stray cats unless necessary.

The facility is moving healthy cats into foster homes to reduce the risk of spread.

Feline panleukopenia (a highly contagious virus) was identified at Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center on Monday, Oct.

5. The shelter advised residents to avoid bringing stray cats to prevent further spread.