Springfield Sunrise Logo Springfield Sunrise

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026

SHARE

Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 24th of February.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Sangamon County Animal Control names Bates as Dog of the Week; the three-year-old stray is available for foster and adoption (shelter hours are Monday-Friday 10:30-4:15 and Saturday 9:00-1:00).  Capitol City Now

ACCIDENTS NEWS

  • Local residents supported the Curve Inn after a fire heavily damaged the popular bar and grill on Friday morning in Southern View, and local businesses, bands & artists organized fundraisers and a GoFundMe to aid staff while officials investigate the cause.  WMAY

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Bob’s Discount Furniture held its grand opening on Feb. 13 at Southwest Plaza; Mayor Misty Buscher cut the ribbon and store manager Robert St. Clair donated $2,500 to local groups + The James Project and Harvard Park Elementary School.  The State Journal-Register

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Springfield tourism is adapting as the downtown Wyndham stays closed, with officials shifting overflow meetings to other hotels and retaining 90+ percent of events from 2024. The city projects record sports tourism in 2026 by hosting Route 66 Centennial, Scheels Sports Park opening, FIFA World Cup events, and American 250.  ABC 20

EDUCATION NEWS

  • University High School celebrated four student athletes at Monday's signing day — Chenzo Cottone chose Concordia University of Wisconsin for football, Myles Mitchell selected Heartland Community College for golf, Isaiah Giganti opted for Des Moines Area Community College for baseball, and Caleb Hornbrook committed to Lake Lande College.  WNNS

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • State lawmakers are discussing new rules for data centers after Gov. Pritzker proposed a two-year pause on tax incentives to reduce energy costs while Senate Bill 4016 (POWER Act) aims to prevent cost shifting and set water standards; debates continue as Illinois seeks balance between economic growth and consumer protection.  25 News

HEALTH NEWS

  • HSHS St. John's Hospital earned Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care from The Joint Commission, demonstrating top safety & collaboration for mothers and newborns. The facility delivers over 2,030 babies a year and meets rigorous standards to boost parents’ confidence in its care.  The Sangamon Reporter

LIFESTYLE NEWS

  • Bonded sibling cats Gerald and Poppy— a tabby and a torbie— are available for adoption at Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center on Shale Street in Springfield, having arrived on Feb. 17 via owner surrender and now settling in while they await a home for both.  WYMG

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Wed, 2/25/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 3/7/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 3/10/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 3/18/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 3/21/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The biggest risk is not taking any risk.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About 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.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

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