Good morning, Springfield.

Today, over 1,000 people gathered at the state capitol — organized by local volunteers as part of the national No Kings campaign — to protest authoritarianism and support non-violent democracy.

Goodwill of Central Illinois is hosting its 17th annual giveaway later this week to thank veterans for their service.

In a separate matter, ISU grad student and teaching assistant Derek Lopez, 27, from El Paso was arrested for disorderly conduct — criminal damage to property.

City Water, Light and Power will install 40 EV chargers at nine Springfield sites by March 2026 — funded mostly by an Illinois grant through a federal infrastructure program.

On Saturday, over 1,000 people gathered by the Lincoln statue near the Capitol in Springfield to protest government immigration actions.

They marched with signs and chants—showing their strong opposition while keeping the event peaceful.

Illinois residents buying plans on the ACA marketplace will face higher premiums next year after enhanced tax credits end due to a federal budget stalemate—state Insurance Department director Ann Gillespie urged consumers to speak with navigators on the new Get Covered Illinois platform during open enrollment from November 1 to January 15.

The UIS women's tennis team opened competition Friday at the Dwight Davis College Open in St. Louis with wins by Ema Norma Bordean (6-0, 6-3), Alisha Deogaonkar (6-3, 6-0), Niamh Grogan (6-4, 6-0), and Cristina Mendoza Romero (6-3, 4-6, 11-9).

Two Prairie Stars players lost their opening matches and will play in Saturday consolation rounds—doubles matchups begin at 5 p.m.—with all finals scheduled for Sunday.

The State Journal-Register calls on local readers to vote for its athlete of the week, with reporter Bill Welt urging participation in the contest.

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.

Firefighters' Lake Club Trivia Night

7-10 p.m. — Firefighters Lake Club — $10 entry — Challenge your knowledge with general trivia and compete for cash prizes.