Springfield
Sunrise
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Karma is a friendly 1-year-old pit mix featured as APL Pet of the Week and available for adoption at the Animal Protective League on 1001 Taintor Road. The shelter is open every day (noon to 5 p.m.). WNNS
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport is offering lower fares and shorter wait times for winter travelers starting in January and continuing in February. Local passengers can take advantage of improved connections, including quick access to Chicago + extensive flight options to warm-weather destinations. The Sangamon Reporter
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The PPS board narrowed its superintendent search to two candidates on Jan. 8 and will interview them next week to choose a new leader (details pending). 25 News
- ➤ The new state Department of Early Childhood will launch on July 1 by merging childcare, early intervention services and daycare licensing into one agency. Gov. Pritzker said the change follows Senate Bill 1 signed two years ago to support young children’s early learning. WYMG
- ➤ Springfield Minority Business Institute will begin in February with classes on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to support minority business owners; the multi-week program concludes with a graduation ceremony on April 1 at the University of Illinois Springfield. WMAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Gyms saw a strong new year start as many made exercise a top resolution, but experts from Springfield Clinic & UIS predict motivation will fade by February since studies show most people quit early. FOX Illinois
- ➤ Local clinics in central Illinois are urging residents to schedule annual wellness exams and stay on top of screenings to catch health issues early — a crucial step in rural areas and for seniors. WAND-TV
- ➤ HHS is changing the national vaccine schedule by recommending fewer doses for hepatitis, rotavirus, HPV, COVID-19 and flu. Sangamon County officials say local clinics will continue to offer the full range of vaccines despite the advisory update. FOX Illinois
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Mt Pulaski Hilltoppers beat the Athens Warriors by outscoring them 21-6 in the fourth quarter on Thursday night, moving their record to 16-0. They will travel to Warrensburg Latham on Monday as Athens hosts Illini Bluffs on Saturday. WNNS
- ➤ Springfield High School boys basketball coach Kevin Causley is serving a suspension for two games after a college player joined team drills, violating IHSA rules. He missed Tuesday's win over Urbana and will miss Friday's contest at Willard Duey Gymnasium because the team is under season-long probation. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Kayla Rice was named Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month for December 2025 after a six-game stretch that set a UIS record with 10 steals on Dec. 1 (her brother Jordan Rice won in November, making them the first sibling duo to earn the honor). University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Glenwood wrestling celebrated senior night yesterday when the Titans won dual meets by outscoring Jacksonville 75—4 and Rochester 59—13 during Central State Eight conference action. WNNS
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Kindergarten Open House at Our Savior's Lutheran School
6-7 p.m. — Our Savior's Lutheran School — Free entry — Discover how your child will thrive in a faith-centered educational community.
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Kids Perler Bead Fun!
3-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free event — Create your own fuse bead design or follow a template at this fun craft program for children and tweens.
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Arctic Lego Build & Play
2-3 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create adorable arctic animals or imaginative creatures with Lego kits in a fun-filled afternoon.
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PMP Exam Preparation Course
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Contact for pricing — Enhance your project management skills through a comprehensive 4-day workshop with certification guarantee.
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Bath Bombs and Body Scrub Workshop
3:00-4:30 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create a thoughtful Valentine gift with handmade bath bombs and coffee body scrub in a fun, messy setting.
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Super Bowl LX Celebration
5-10 p.m. — 5th Street GEM — In person — Enjoy an evening of football, snacks, and good vibes at the Super Bowl LX Party.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Springfield Sunrise
Welcome to the Springfield Sunrise, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Illinois community. If you like the Springfield Sunrise, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.
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