Good morning, Springfield.

The NAACP hosted its Freedom Fund Gala last night in Springfield to celebrate progress and bolster local unity.

The event recognized civic achievements and outlined plans to support community initiatives.

Growing Strong announced its continued support for survivors amid the Jane Doe movement & is coordinating local programs that began on Oct.

10. The initiative builds on community efforts to raise awareness.

The UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield will host the national tour of the musical Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol in December.

The event (linked to Dolly Parton) will offer a festive holiday experience for local audiences.

The Brick Convention showcased LEGO builds at the state fairgrounds on Sat. and Sun. with creative displays like a Bruce Lee scene from Enter the Dragon (tickets were $14.99 advance or $20 at the door).

Illinois State Police held a full-scale training exercise on Oct.

7 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds with local, state + federal agencies to test their emergency response skills; the drill simulated a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear + explosives threat to build stronger teamwork.

The Restaurant Meals Program is now at 50 restaurants where eligible SNAP recipients use their Link cards to buy meals and help over 400,000 households; IDHS plans to expand the program to every county+ more residents will gain access to prepared meals.

Illinois is offering $1.8 million in grants to farmers, food businesses plus community organizations to upgrade local food infrastructure; grants range from $1,000 to $250,000.

Interested groups can apply based on program details shared early today.

Memorial Health is urging central Illinois residents to get their flu shots early as some regions report rising influenza activity.

The advisory was issued today to help locals protect themselves before the season peaks.

Williamsville senior Joelle Wilson won first place on her home course at the 2026 Sangamo conference girls cross country race on Saturday, and Athens claimed the team title with five runners finishing in the top nine.

Williamsville senior Lucas Hollinshead won the Sangamo conference boys cross country race Saturday morning at his home course with a time of 14:58 — Bullets’ sophomore Ryan Patrick finished second at 15:11 to help secure his team's title.

North Mac freshman Colin Thoroman tied for second in the Class 1A boys golf state final at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington on Saturday, Oct.

10 — he posted five birdies in the final round after a strong start and recently won regional titles.

Glenwood’s Sanvi Modi won the CS8 girls tennis singles title on Saturday, Oct.

10 at the Velasco Tennis Center in Washington Park, while Normal U-High reclaimed the tournament championship by taking first and third in the doubles draw.