Springfield
Sunrise
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Heartland Housed has helped over 400+ people exit homelessness since 2019 but still aims to reach 765 each year as rising rental costs challenge their efforts; the group uses a street team and a new app to better support those sleeping outdoors. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Sangamon County Historical Society is accepting applications for historic special projects with completed forms due by April 20. Award winners will be announced — at the Annual Meeting in June. WAND-TV
- ➤ Krista Phillips, 21, from Effingham County was crowned the 2026 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen at the IAAF convention at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield on Sunday evening; she will host the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair while finishing a business degree at the University of Illinois-Champaign. WAND-TV
- ➤ Erika Harold, former Miss America—now executive director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism—spoke at the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast in Springfield on the MLK holiday. She quoted Dr. King’s call for justice and stressed more work is needed in our community. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sangamon County schools are expanding esports programs to give students new competition opportunities. The Springfield Capitols team practices at Lanphier High and joins programs at Chatham Glenwood, Lincoln Land Community College, and U of I Springfield — where students compete in games like Rocket League. The Sangamon Reporter
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sullivan has joined Decatur in urging residents and businesses to conserve water amid a drought that started in August. Wells in the community are under strain as rainfall remains well below average — residents are asked to limit non-essential water use until conditions improve. WAND-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield hospitals must sign a referral for NICU babies under 2.2 lbs to connect families with early intervention services; the new law took effect Jan. 1 & the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will manage the program starting July 1. WAND-TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Health experts warn that frigid temperatures may cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes, urging residents to dress in layers and limit outdoor time. Carle Health advises those with symptoms such as numbness or pain (especially among the young, elderly, and homeless) to seek care promptly. ABC 20
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Springfield High trailed Manual by 26 points in the second quarter but rallied close before falling 69-65 on Jan. 19. The Senators will face Southeast in the City Tournament on Thursday night. WNNS
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Snow Tulips Paint Night with Ashley Blake
2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost mentioned — Enjoy a relaxed afternoon painting a winter scene of snow-covered tulips with guided instruction.
-
Stay & Play
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free — Enjoy engaging activities and themed stations for toddlers and children every Thursday morning in February.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first draft of anything is garbage.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Springfield and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Springfield Sunrise
A free Springfield community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://springfieldsunrise.com/sitemap