Good morning, Springfield.

The Illinois Local Holiday Market will be held on Nov.

29 at the Exposition Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.—the event will feature more than 70 vendors, Santa for photos from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and a children’s play area hosted by Little Lincoln's Toy Shop with hands-on activities; entry costs $5 for those 13 and older.

On Thursday at 11:30 a.m.—Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center and St. Martin de Porres Center held a ribbon-cutting event at their new pet-food pantry at 1725 South Grand Avenue East to help pet owners in need.

Four family members of Illinois governor candidate Darren Bailey died in a Montana helicopter crash on Wednesday—the victims were his son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, according to his campaign.

Amazon opened a new distribution center near the intersection of Bissell Road and Dirksen Parkway on Oct.

9 (spanning 71,000 square feet) to speed up deliveries for Springfield residents. The facility (which is hiring workers for the busy holiday season) will give residents faster package arrivals.

Triple-A reported that gasoline prices increased over the past day to $3.20 per gallon for regular fuel, with prices being seven cents higher than yesterday and 11 cents more than a week ago — although the cost remains unchanged from one year ago.

The average price in Illinois is $3.25 as a BP refinery fire near Whiting and trade tensions boost wholesale prices.

UIS alumna Carmen Llopis Fabra was named one of the Top 30 finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award, which honors top female student-athletes for academics, athletics, and service.

One national honoree will be chosen this fall from among the finalists.

Rudy is a 12-year-old Plott Hound mix (nicknamed Cowboy) known for his lively zoomies and warm cuddle time, and he is featured this week as a cherished pet in Springfield.

He greets everyone with a friendly spirit and shows that age is just a number when it comes to having fun.

The Illinois Springfield men's indoor track and field team was ranked 10th in the 2026 GLVC preseason coaches' poll announced Wednesday.

The Prairie Stars, led by coach Emmons King and standout Isaac Cortes, will open the indoor season in January—aiming to build on last season's performance.

The Illinois Springfield volleyball team returns to GLVC play today as they face Southwest Baptist at 6:00 p.m. in Bolivar, Mo—before playing Drury in Springfield, Mo on Oct 25 at 3:00 p.m., with both matches streaming live on GLVCSN.

The Prairie Stars come off a strong showing at the Midwest Regional Crossover highlighted by Makenna Cox’s accolades.

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.

Live Music at BuzzBomb with Ryne Thorson

8-9 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Cost info not provided — Enjoy live music performances while savoring craft brews.