Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Innovate Springfield is launching a six-week AI workshop series to help local businesses implement practical AI solutions, with nine businesses already signed up. The hands-on sessions occur today at the Horace Mann building downtown from 5 to 7 p.m. and spots remain available. University of Illinois Springfield
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will debut Unsinkable Freedom on Feb. 27 to retell how Robert Smalls led 15 people to freedom; the 11-minute film will screen every 15 minutes for three months at the museum’s Mr. Lincoln Theater (created with animation and VFX techniques). FOX Illinois
- ➤ Officials say the Route 66 Centennial is coming to Springfield this year after eight years of planning and that over twenty events, including the St Patrick’s Day Parade and the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival, will boost tourism and local business. ABC 20
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Ball-Chatham School District is asking voters to approve a $110 million bond referendum on March 17 to fix outdated school items (including fire suppression systems, roofs, and boilers). WYMG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A proposal by the High Speed Rail Alliance and Rep. Rita Mayfield urged IDOT to include hourly train departures in its rail plan during Tuesday’s statehouse news conference in Springfield—officials said it would help boost competitive service on routes connecting Chicago, Champaign and other regions. Capitol City Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Elizabeth Klodas of Step One Foods+ offers heart-healthy food choices this Heart Health Month through packs that promote small dietary swaps to lower cholesterol. Springfield residents can try the 30-Day Starter Pack+ and other options designed to support their heart daily. The State Journal-Register
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Redfin data from January showed that Springfield homes sold quickly with a median of 9 days on market and nearly half selling within two weeks. The median sale price was $182,000—indicating a brisk local market. WYMG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ MacArthur built a big lead in the first quarter and beat Southeast 78—48 to advance to their home Regional final in the 3A bracket. The team, now 31—1, will face Lanphier Friday at 7 pm for the regional title. WMAY
- ➤ The Illinois Springfield Women's Golf program will host a Women's Golf Social on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2-5 p.m. at the UIS Golf Simulator at TRAC (2171 University Drive). It celebrates Girls & Women in Sports Day with contests, golf tips, and snacks for all skill levels; registration ends at noon. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Illinois Springfield softball continued its home stand Wednesday when the Prairie Stars hosted Roosevelt in a noon doubleheader at Springfield Clinic Dome (Scheels Sports Park); Prairie Stars won the opener 3-0 and lost the nightcap 2-1, moving their record to 10-4 while Roosevelt improved to 5-3. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Madelyn Miller-Ross of University of Illinois Springfield was named the 2025 Women's Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the GLVC after winning the 6K in 21:35, earning All-Region honors, and leading her team to a program-best finish — achieving academic excellence with a high GPA. University of Illinois Springfield
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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
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
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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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