Saturday, March 28th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Springfield Inc. announced at Thursday's Get Your Kicks Gala that Jay Shanle, who served as interim executive director since February, is now permanently leading the organization. He previously worked as communications director at DSI and as program director at Springfield Area Arts Council — roles that highlight his local experience. WYMG
- ➤ BGCCIL is hosting Girl Brunch on Sunday, Apr. 12 at Danenberger Family Vineyards—a fun event with shopping, brunch, and a sing-along dance party that supports local youth programs. Tickets cost $50 per person. WYMG
- ➤ The Orr Building at Illinois State Fairgrounds hosts the 35th Annual Spring Lawn and Garden Sale today from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with free admission, parking, food trucks, and a chance to win a $1,500 shopping spree. WMAY
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal will join the not-for-profit Local Journalism Matters on April 1; publisher Michelle Ownbey said she will become Executive Editor (with Kate McKenzie as CEO) and no jobs were lost (per official remarks). WYMG
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Local farmers face higher fertilizer costs as global tensions spike prices + experts note rising ammonia costs add about $50 per acre, setting up a challenge for next year's growing season that may raise grocery bills. WYMG
- ➤ Gas prices in Springfield were reported at $3.96 on Friday, Mar. 27 as Illinois rates have jumped nearly a dollar over the past month, with Cook County topping at $4.50 and Brown County at $3.80 according to AAA. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Rising fertilizer prices have pushed anhydrous ammonia costs up by $500, and local farmers like Len Corzine warn that if the trend continues, next season's crop expenses may climb (about $50 per acre extra), which could lead to higher grocery costs. Capitol City Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Senate committee approved a bill that would let renters set up small plug-in solar systems on balconies, porches or patios. Lawmakers said the measure will lower costs and remove extra rules so users can simply plug in + power their homes safely. Capitol News Illinois
- ➤ During a visit Wednesday to the State Capitol, the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention urged lawmakers— including Representative Lindsey LaPointe and Executive Director Angela Cummings— to support bills that improve crisis support, safe help options, and mental health parity funding. WMAY
- ➤ A power outage on Thursday disrupted Sherman's water system and officials imposed a village-wide boil order (affecting 4,300 residents) that will remain in effect through Saturday morning. Residents are advised to boil water until the order is officially lifted. WAND-TV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Noodle, a 2-year-old black cat on a special urinary diet, is waiting at the Animal Protective League (1001 Taintor Road) from noon to 5 p.m. daily for families seeking a quiet companion in Springfield. WYMG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The No. 24 UIS baseball team returns home for a GLVC series during Alumni Weekend today, hosting Quincy at UIS Baseball Field with doubleheader games scheduled at 12:00 p.m. (DH) and 3:30 p.m. (DH) after a 3-1 series win. University of Illinois Springfield
-
Toddler Time Storytime
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Enjoy songs, stories, and activities that foster language skills for toddlers.
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
Success is never owned; it is only rented—and the rent is due every day.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
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.
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
Sitemap: https://springfieldsunrise.com/sitemap