Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Village of Grandview will build a sports complex with bocce ball and pickleball courts, soccer fields, and a walking path using a $600,000 grant from OSLAD (a state cost-sharing program). Two Springfield projects will similarly benefit from OSLAD funds for park improvements. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Board of Education approved a $10.9B budget request that cuts overall funding while boosting a $350M Evidence-Based Funding formula and adding $151M for MCAT reimbursements — public hearings informed the plan for the upcoming fiscal year in Springfield. Capitol News Illinois
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Organizations across Illinois can now apply for at least $50 million in state grants through the R-3 program. The grants, funded by 25% of cannabis sales tax revenue, opened for applications earlier in January. WAND-TV
- ➤ Springfield received a $600K grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for upgrades to Lake Springfield's Center Park, which will add four pickleball courts, a modern playground, a walking path and improved ADA parking. City officials say they plan to announce construction timelines soon to complete the improvements. ABC 20
- ➤ Suraksha Bhandari (Springfield’s new professional planner) was named in early December and is now working with economic development partners to revitalize downtown and repurpose vacant buildings. She plans to promote affordable mixed-use housing for a more resilient community. WAND-TV
- ➤ Grandview received a $600,000 OSLAD grant to build an outdoor sports complex with courts, fields, and a walking path. Springfield will use its $600,000 grant to upgrade Center Park along Lake Springfield with new pickleball courts, a playground, and ADA parking as planning continues. The Sangamon Reporter
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Glenwood Titans beat Civic Memorial Eagles 60+38 on Wednesday at home in a non-conference game. Star players Jemma Lamb, Ava Bobb and Alexis Neumann fueled the win. WNNS
- ➤ UIS women's basketball returns home to TRAC today for GLVC matchups, hosting Rockhurst at 5:30 p.m. and Southwest Baptist on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.—the Stars aim to climb the standings and offer Teacher Appreciation Night and Faith and Family Day promotions for fans. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ UIS men's basketball returns to TRAC this week with two conference games: hosting Rockhurst at 7:30 p.m. today and playing Southwest Baptist at 3:00 p.m. Saturday; both contests include fan promotions such as Teacher Appreciation Night and Faith and Family Day (with postgame meal and concert). University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ District 186 approved $29,500 to start a middle school wrestling program in seven schools, and fifty to 60 boys and girls began practicing on Dec. 1 under head coach Jesse Stewart and Springfield High’s Sean Kenny. The season runs through Mar. 14 to build skills for high school competition. The State Journal-Register
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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.
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Foster Parent Information Session
6-7:30 p.m. — Monical's Pizza — Free entry — Discover how you can make a difference in a child's life by exploring foster parenting in a supportive environment.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Springfield Sunrise
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