Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Sangamon County Board hosted an opening reception on Feb. 10 for new art exhibits at the Sangamon County Building. The exhibits, organized by the Springfield Art Association and featuring local artists (including pastel works and stained glass projects), will remain until the end of April. The Sangamon Reporter
- ➤ Illinois 250 Commission launched the Passport to Illinois travelogue linking 56 historical sites including Springfield at a news conference at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum on Wednesday, and residents can now download it with physical copies arriving in libraries in March. WYMG
- ➤ Springfield celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s 217th birthday today with events at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and free admission at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum starting at 9 a.m.—the museum features a dulcimer performance and a rare Emancipation Proclamation. FOX Illinois
- ➤ Country singer Bailey Zimmerman will perform on Aug. 14 at the Illinois State Fair Grandstand during Ag Day. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 13 via Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $55 to $130 + an optional $30 pre-show party ticket. The State Journal-Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ball-Chatham Community Unit School District will ask voters on March 17 to approve a $110 million bond to upgrade aging school buildings that struggle with heating and safety; Superintendent Dr. Becca Lamon said the improvements will fix boilers, water lines and fire systems. WYMG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A recent court ruling upheld the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, which will prevent credit card companies from adding fees on tips and sales at local businesses starting July 1. Local retailers stand to gain while banks intend to appeal the decision—further review may delay the law's full implementation. WYMG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Springfield women's basketball team Prairie Stars defeated Missouri S&T 66-45, marking their third consecutive win as they showcased strong defense. Kayla Rice scored 25 points & six threes while coach Olivia Birt praised the team's performance. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Today, UIS Softball begins a series of 10 games at the Springfield Clinic Dome at Scheels Sports Park, including a four-team tournament at 12:00 PM and more matches on Feb. 13. The dome (196,625 sqft) is the world’s largest indoor facility of its kind. WYMG
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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.
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Stained Glass Hearts Crafting
3-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create beautiful stained glass hearts and other shapes in this fun craft program for children.
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Illinois Product Expo 2026
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Orr Building — $10 for wine tasting — Explore local flavors and indulge in wine from 14 Illinois wineries.
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Toddler Time at Lincoln Library
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Move, learn, and play with stories, songs, and activities tailored for toddlers and their caregivers.
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
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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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