Good morning, Springfield.

Alwan and Sons apologized after its automatic sprinkler system went off during the 'No Kings' protest on Oct.

20+ the company dispelled a rumor involving a ram and said the trigger was accidental while it works to prevent a repeat incident.

Speaking before a House committee, Illinois Manufacturers’ Association boss Mark Denzler said tariffs help stop unfair trade practices—he added that steady rules are needed since changing tariffs make planning hard and a drop in international travel could cut spending.

Several haunted attractions are open around Springfield and nearby towns through Nov.

1, including Carter Brothers Haunted Hayrides at 1580 S. Sherman Blvd. that runs 7 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for $15, and Abe’s Haunted Hollow at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library with free entry on Oct. 25 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.—other events include the Springfield Hauntings walking tour on Oct. 24, 25, and Nov. 1, Terror On the Square in Petersburg, Area 66 Haunted School in Livingston, and Boo Crew Haunted House in Mechanicsburg with varying fees.

Springfield and Sangamon County are aiming to attract major technology investments—focusing on building new data centers to support growing demand for cloud computing and AI.

These projects may create more than 50 jobs each and generate up to $50 million in annual property tax revenue over the next decade—boosting the local economy.

Crews are demolishing the Pillsbury Plant in Springfield as a 100,000 sq. ft. building is already down and a nearly 160 ft. tall bulk storage is 80% leveled—this week workers will remove the remaining silver paint from the 224 ft. head house—and over the next six months five more tall buildings will be torn down to ready the site for a new light industry aimed at boosting jobs and economic activity.

Gas prices in Illinois dropped 12.4 cents since last week — now averaging $3.06 per gallon — and were 31.2 cents lower than last month while also being 30.8 cents lower than the same time last year.

A new state report shows 2,740 inmates are enrolled in college programs and 2,047 remain on waiting lists—figures that point to high costs limiting expansion.

Rebecca Ginsburg said Illinois started these programs in the 1950s but now lags behind states like New Jersey in offering wider access.

Illinois Department of Human Services said that SNAP benefits will be delayed on November 1 due to a federal shutdown, affecting 1.8 million people statewide—over 22,000 in McLean, 38,000 in Peoria and Woodford combined, and roughly 15,000 in Tazewell.

At the Illinois Capitol in Springfield, the No Kings rally drew an estimated 1,000—4,200 participants as one of the 2,700 nationwide events, officials said.

Springfield’s Sangamon County Animal Control has Marty, an 8-year-old beagle mix brought in after a confiscation who is available for foster care, foster-to-adopt, or adoption.

The shelter is offering a limited-time $25 adoption fee and is open (Monday-Friday 10:30-4:15 and Saturday 9:00-1:00).

The Sangamon County Animal Control — Adoption Center in Springfield now has Monk, a friendly 3-year-old tabby cat who was surrendered on October 9 after his owner passed away.

He is neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated, and the shelter encourages local residents to meet him soon.

The UIS women's soccer team lost 1—0 to McKendree on Sunday at Kiwanis Stadium.

Head coach Scott Myers said the team will regroup and host Indianapolis on Oct. 26 at noon.

The UIS women’s golf team is wrapping up its fall schedule at McKendree’s Bearcat Dual Gender in Caseyville today—six Prairie Stars seek to build on their recent third-place finish at the Bill Crabtree Invitational.

The team will compete against nine GLVC and regional programs as they close the season.

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.