Good morning, Springfield.

Local food banks in Central Illinois are preparing for a possible interruption of SNAP benefits on Nov.

1 due to a 28-day government shutdown—demand has nearly doubled from last year. Community organizations urge cash donations and volunteering to help seniors, children, and families—Eastern Illinois Foodbank and Hope Center are coordinating additional support.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture said fairgoers will get discounts on fair passes starting Nov.

1 — Mega Passes cost $70, Jumbo Passes are $80, and 11‑day adult and senior admission books are priced at $45 and $30 respectively. The Blue Ribbon Cookbook is available for $20 for pick‑up and $25 if shipped, and holiday gift boxes will go on sale starting Nov. 10 at $60 and $40.

At a ceremony on Oct 27 at the Illinois Old State Capitol in Springfield, the UIS-hosted Samuel K.

Gove Illinois Legislative Internship Hall of Fame inducted five members including Phil Draves, Andrew Freiheit, Brian Hopkins, Steve McClure, and Laura Zaremba. The event honored distinguished public service—three inductees are UIS alumni and the plaque now lists 81 names—highlighting the legacy of former interns.

Judge P. Kevin Castel ruled in favor of publishers such as Gannett, owner of The Springfield State Journal-Register, in a case that claimed Google abused its dominant ad placement technology— the ruling follows findings from an earlier antitrust trial and now requires publishers to prove their damages. Gannett called the decision a major legal win while Google did not answer requests for comment.

Seventy-eight high school students gathered in Springfield at the University of Illinois Springfield to join State Senator McClure’s Youth Advisory Council and learn about the legislative process and civic participation.

The program featured a mock legislative session where the Springfield Mayor + Illinois Auditor General explained their roles in government.

After a routine mammogram, nurse Amanda Meyer was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer and had two lumpectomies and a month of radiation—early detection saved her life—and she now works as a navigation nurse to guide patients through treatment.

Redfin Real Estate compiled a list of Springfield’s highest-value homes using Redfin Estimate data from September 11 — the report includes 22 listings with values reaching nearly $1.88 million, highlighting properties on Linden Ln and Lake Shore Dr.

Brody Green made a big save in penalty kicks and Keaton Marconi finished the sudden death round to give Glenwood a 2—1 win over Waterloo in the 2A Mascoutah sectional semifinal on Wednesday evening.

The Titans saw Chase Cambell score in regulation before Isaiah Mallery tied the game for the Bulldogs, and Glenwood will face the winner of the Althoff—Triad game in the sectional championship on Saturday at 11 a.m.

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.

Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo

5-9 p.m. — Henson Robinson Zoo — Entry Fee Applicable — Experience a magical stroll through thousands of lights and delightful holiday treats.