Good morning, Springfield.

The Purple Coalition held its first listening session on Monday evening at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Springfield where dozens of community members and local leaders shared ideas to improve civic engagement — organizers plan a second session on November 21 to gather more feedback.

Connect Transit introduced a new route map linking riders to local food banks— the update was published on November 4 and aims to improve food access for residents.

The City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works will host the 5th Annual Pumpkin Smash at Lake Springfield Beach House on November 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—offering pumpkin smashing, free shredding, food donations to support the Central Illinois Foodbank, food trucks, and a Touch-a-Truck display. The event will also give a free reusable bag to the first 100 people who attend.

Levi— a lively one-year-old dog—has been at the Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center since July and is now ready for adoption or fostering.

The shelter welcomes visitors Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center is overflowing with kittens as Yvonne — a playful 6-month-old tabby — arrived on August 27 as a stray; she is spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated and adapts best when paired with another kitten of her age.

Springfield Public Schools board learned from focus groups that the new superintendent should have strong financial and operational skills—an insight that came as all groups cited district deficits as a top concern.

The application deadline was extended from Nov. 14 to Dec. 5 to give more people a chance to apply and the new leader will start in July after Superintendent Gill retires.

Today, the November full moon—known as the Beaver Moon—will reach peak brightness at 7:19 a.m. CT in Illinois as clear skies and mild temperatures create ideal conditions for stargazing from dark rural areas.

This supermoon is the closest and brightest of the year, offering a rare opportunity to view a celestial event as noted by NASA.

IDOT will host a career fair in Springfield at the Harry R.

Hanley Building on S. Dirksen Parkway on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—job seekers can speak directly with agency offices about current and upcoming positions and apply on-site.

A new study from the University of Illinois Springfield found that the diabetes drug sitagliptin – used to control blood sugar – may also protect blood vessels and support heart health.

The researchers reviewed clinical trials and lab tests and say its low cost could offer an affordable option for patients when newer drugs are not an option.

Tomorrow, workers will remove the last silver coating from the Headhouse and bring down the iconic Smiley Face from the 180-foot Turbo Building.

A 200-foot crane and 8,000-pound wrecking ball — starting at 8 a.m. — will begin demolition that will reduce the building to less than three stories later this week.

Rochester beat Pleasant Plains in straight sets by winning the first set 25-14 and the second 38-36.

The team will play Quincy Notre Dame tomorrow at 6 p.m. for the 2A Beardstown sectional championship.

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.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Family-friendly event — Sing, dance, and play alongside Elmo and friends in a fun celebration on Sesame Street.