Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, run by the Energy Assistance Foundation, helps Illinois households earning just above LIHEAP limits pay utility bills. Ameren has provided an extra $2 million for 2026, and eligible customers can get a one-time grant up to $500 (heating season from Oct. 1 through May 31). WAND-TV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ At 1:27 a.m. Jan. 20, a 3.8 earthquake shook Ohlman near Taylorville with no damage reported as residents in Carlinville, west Springfield, and surrounding towns felt the quake (USGS). The State Journal-Register
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance highlighted 2025 milestones including the completed Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park, expected to bring 250,000 visitors and 25 million dollars, and planned REEL USA Corp’s new industrial crane facility — its efforts have driven over 2.25 billion dollars in economic growth since 2018. WMAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Public School Board met Tuesday night to review a detailed process using 18 focus groups to choose a new superintendent. Although assistant superintendent Terrence Jordan scored highest, a vote was postponed until legal counsel reviews his contract draft. WYMG
- ➤ The Illinois Retail Merchants Association launched the Illinois Retail Scholarship Challenge to invite high school seniors to join teams and tackle real retail challenges with scholarship awards up to $60,000. Proposals are due by March 30. WYMG
- ➤ The Illinois Retail Merchants Association has launched a new scholarship challenge that invites high school seniors to team up to solve retail problems. Participants must submit proposals by March 30; teams can win up to $60,000 in scholarship funds, supported by the Illinois Department of Commerce + Economic Opportunity. Capitol City Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois residents have a new guide for filing state and federal taxes in 2026 — an update that outlines key changes and deadlines. The instructions offer clear steps to help taxpayers complete their returns on time. The State Journal-Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Clinic's board has named Rebecca Birenbaum as its eighth CEO starting March 16 — she will take over from acting CEO Jen Boyer following Ray Williams’ retirement. WYMG
- ➤ Carolyn Oldenburg was named Foundation Director for Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach and began leading fundraising efforts on Jan. 20. She brings over 20 years of fundraising experience and will oversee efforts at affiliated HSHS hospitals in Springfield. WYMG
- ➤ Springfield Clinic has named Rebecca Birenbaum as its new CEO, effective March 16, after a national search. Birenbaum, with 25 years of experience (most recently as COO at Vancouver Clinic), will lead the clinic in delivering patient-focused care. WYMG
- ➤ Springfield Memorial Hospital’s Family Maternity Suites was honored by the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative with the 2025 Illinois Birthing Hospital Quality Excellence Award for its work in safe care for mothers and babies. The unit also earned awards in 2024 for initiatives promoting birth equity and reducing cesareans. The Sangamon Reporter
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sports fans in Springfield can take part in the 21st Annual All Sports Trivia Night on Sunday, Feb. 15 at KC Hall, Iles & Meadowbrook Road, with doors opening at 5:00 p.m. and trivia starting at 6:00 p.m.; tickets cost $15 per person with tables of 10 preferred. WMAY
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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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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.
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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
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
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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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