Springfield
Sunrise
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ APL highlights Dusty, a 1-year-old pit mix with a joyful personality – he has improved his leash skills and loves walks; he is available for adoption or foster care at the Animal Protective League at 1001 Taintor Road, open daily from noon to 5 p.m. WNNS
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ This fall, SHG Key Club volunteers began helping students at the RYSE Afterschool Program and now send five members every week to mentor unhoused youth. WNNS
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Two Illinois high school students drafted a bill to require vape makers to fund and set up disposal programs for used electronic devices. The bill (filed Jan. 29 and referred to committee Feb. 2) gives producers two years to comply, with potential civil penalties up to $10,000 for violations. WYMG
- ➤ Governor JB Pritzker has ordered flags at all state agency buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Reverend Jesse Jackson (celebrated for his civil rights legacy); the flags will remain lowered until sunset on Saturday, Feb. 28. WYMG
- ➤ Gov. Pritzker said the Bears’ statement did not confirm a move to Indiana even after Hoosier lawmakers passed a bill to form a public stadium authority near Wolf Lake + Illinois officials now await more details from the team. Capitol News Illinois
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Meijer recalled over 211,500 baby sleepwear sets on Feb. 19 after tests showed the garments did not meet flammability standards. Customers who bought these items at Meijer (in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Kentucky) from Dec. 2024 to Oct. 2025 should return them for a refund. The State Journal-Register
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Area high schools including Springfield High and Chatham Glenwood will face tough competition Saturday at the IHSA boys swimming sectionals held at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center in Edwardsville, as local athletes aim to break records and qualify for state finals. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ UIS Athletics is celebrating 15 years of NCAA Division II membership by honoring standout distance runner Blake Jones for reshaping the program since 2018. His record includes nine All-GLVC honors and multiple national qualifiers (a legacy that inspires future athletes). University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ UIS Men's Basketball hosts Lewis at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Upper Iowa at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at TRAC. The team, looking to rebound in the GLVC standings, will mark Senior Day by honoring cancer fighters, survivors, and local heroes with pregame recognitions and fan events. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Senior Madelyn Miller-Ross earned her third GLVC Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week honor after running 9:35 in the 3,000 meters at the GVSU Big Meet on Feb. 13–14 and 2:21 in the 800 meters on Saturday (ranked No. 1 in the GLVC and No. 16 in Division II). University of Illinois Springfield
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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.
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Candlebox in Concert
7-11 p.m. — Boondocks — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary Seattle rockers Candlebox live during their Can't Quit You Tour.
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Chunky Blanket Making Class with Jayme
2:30-5:30 p.m. — B's Creative Studio — $75.00 — Learn the art of hand knitting as you create your own cozy chunky blanket while making new friends.
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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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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