Good morning, Springfield.

Bella is a 5-year-old Pit Terrier mix who loves outdoor walks and adventures — she is ready to join a new family.

Readers can visit the Animal Protective League at 1001 Taintor Road in Springfield, open every day from noon to 5 p.m.

The 12th Ride in Honor motorcycle event will take place on Oct.

12 as riders register at noon at Staab Funeral Home and depart at 1 p.m. They will visit five memorials—Camp Butler National Cemetery, Veterans Memorial Park Riverton, Spaulding Veterans Memorial, Heart of War Plaza and New Berlin Area Veterans Memorial—before ending with a celebration at VFW Post 755 while funds help a transitional housing program for veterans.

Google Frightgeist released its annual ranking of popular Halloween costumes in Illinois and found that residents, including those in Springfield, are searching heavily for characters from KPop Demon Hunters—such as Rumi, Mira, and Zoey.

Lincoln Land Community College is inviting families to its free Haunted Lab event on October 24 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the LLCC-Springfield campus on 5250 Shepherd Road—children will enjoy hands-on science demos and interactive stations led by club members.

The latest Drought Monitor released today shows that drought conditions have worsened in central Illinois—most areas now experience severe drought while spots near I-80 face moderate dryness.

Forecasts indicate that isolated sprinkles will touch parts of the area tomorrow with sunshine returning at the weekend.

The Massey Commission finished one phase of its work recommending ways to improve local policing—managing director Kelly Hurst said she appreciated the police officer who joined as a community member and noted further meetings are set for Oct.

15 and Oct. 22. Sean Grayson, who claims self-defense in a July 6 shooting, will go to trial on Oct. 20.

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that repairs at the Sixth Street and Interstate 72 interchange in Springfield will begin Tuesday, October 14—weather permitting—and will last for two weeks.

The project will close specific ramps and include an overnight closure on northbound Sixth Street at 7 p.m. on October 23 to replace a damaged steel beam.

Springfield Plastics is hosting its annual 'Drain for the Cure' fundraiser throughout October to raise money for cancer research and prevention.

Donations will go to Simmons Cancer Institute—John Stoddard Cancer Center and Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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.

Flight Instructor Refresher Course

10:00 AM – 7:30 PM — Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center — $65 — Enhance your aviation skills with this comprehensive refresher course for flight instructors.

Ansar Shrine Circus

7-8:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Tickets required — Prepare to be amazed by death-defying acrobats, amazing animal performances, and hilarious clowns.

Springfield Marathon, Harvest Wind Half Marathon & 10K

8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Danenberger Family Vineyards — Check website for registration — Experience a thrilling day of running with a Boston Marathon qualifying course amidst beautiful vineyards.