Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 4th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Miller Park Zoo launched a naming contest yesterday, inviting residents to submit creative names for a new animal exhibit—zoo officials said rules and deadlines will be shared soon. 25 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Residents in select counties may soon see a ballot advisory on whether Illinois should join a federal tax credit scholarship program that funds vouchers for private and home schools. Christian County officials support more school choice while Sangamon County will not include the question, leaving state leaders to decide. ABC 20
- ➤ Two Central Illinois educators have been named finalists for the Golden Apple Award recognizing outstanding teaching in local schools. The finalists will be honored at a future ceremony in downtown Springfield (date to be announced). 25 News
- ➤ State Sen Mike Simmons proposed a bill that requires non-public schools to respect religious hairstyles. The Education Committee passed the proposal Tuesday, and it covers facial hair often worn by young Orthodox Jewish men. WYMG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Staab Funeral Home will host its annual Kids Good Grief Camp on Apr. 12 from 12p to 4p at Erin's Pavilion at Southwind Park to help children ages 6-12 learn healthy grieving skills through activities like planting trees and art projects. The event costs $10 with scholarships available. WMAY
- ➤ Illinois WIC announced expanded food package offerings to give families more healthy choices at local grocery stores. The new options will be available soon—improving access to nutritious products. 25 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pleasant Plains girls basketball won a supersectional game against Downs Tri-Valley on Monday, March 2, advancing to the Class 2A state finals. Madison Burke discussed the reaction to the win. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Local Springfield-area high school girls and boys teams remain in playoff contention as boys face a game today and a semifinal on Friday while girls have state semifinals Thursday and championships on Saturday—schedules include matchups in Class 2A and 3A divisions. Capitol City Now
- ➤ Local high school basketball teams remain in playoff contention as girls face state finals on Thursday and boys complete sectional games today and Friday. Fans in Springfield get a full slate of matchups—ensuring plenty of excitement in the coming days. WYMG
- ➤ The Chatham Glenwood girls basketball team defeated Decatur MacArthur 62-35 (on Monday, March 2) to return to the Class 2A state finals. The State Journal-Register
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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
Everyone you admire started as a version of themselves that they didn't admire.
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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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