Saturday, April 12th, 2025

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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Shane Woods, a central Illinois man charged with causing the death of Lauren Wegner of Skokie in a 2022 wrong-way crash on I-55 during his drunken suicide attempt on November 8, will face trial on April 28—he was previously sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to his role in the January 6 riot. WMAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois House passed a bill that would require Arab American history in social studies classes—each school board will set the minimum instruction time for a unit starting in the 2026-2027 school year, and the measure now moves to the Senate. The proposal aims to highlight Arab American contributions in Illinois and the Midwest. WAND-TV
- ➤ The Illinois House passed a bill called the Mascot Ban that will force local schools to change native names, logos, and mascots if the Senate approves the law — districts can use current uniforms with native logos until September 2028. Local officials worry the changes may cost schools up to $500,000 and shift funds away from students — a cost many feel would be better spent directly on education. WCIA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Senate approved two bills aimed at reforming police hiring and allowing a recall of selected county officials in Sangamon County following Sonya Massey’s death last summer— the police reform bill requires full background checks for new hires and the recall measure may be put on a 2026 ballot. 25 News
- ➤ After failing last year, the Illinois Senate passed a bill banning carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer on Thursday — a step to protect the sole source of clean drinking water for 800,000 residents — and the bill will now move to the House floor for discussion. WAND-TV
- ➤ State senators unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday that lets first responders reach schools faster during emergencies by requiring schools, the State Board of Education and the State Fire Marshal to develop new threat assessment procedures (Senate Bill 2057). The bill now moves to the House for further debate. 25 News
- ➤ On Thursday, the Illinois Senate passed a safe gun storage bill by a 33—19 vote that requires guns to be locked away when minors are nearby—owners could face fines up to $1,000 or up to $10,000 if a death results. The bill also shortens the time for reporting lost or stolen guns from 72 hours to 48 hours and now heads to the House for further debate. WAND-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Springfield baseball team began its four-game series against Missouri Southern on Friday at 2:00 p.m. and today the Prairie Stars will host a doubleheader with Alumni Day festivities—the series will conclude with a game tomorrow at noon. University of Illinois Springfield
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
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On-Screen Presence Mastery Workshop
6:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free — Enhance your video production skills to captivate audiences and grow your business.
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Crafting a Business Plan for Success
11 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain expert guidance on creating a solid business plan covering all essential aspects for your venture's success.
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Building A Website Presence
6:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Learn essential tips for creating or improving your online presence.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Erin's Pavilion — Check website for ticket prices — Experience a magical candlelight tribute to the timeless music of Coldplay performed by the Listeso String Quartet.
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LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs: Get Your Brand Out There
10 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free — Discover how to use LinkedIn to enhance your business networking and marketing efforts.
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Starting Your Own Business
9:30 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain essential knowledge and confidence to launch your business with planning, setup, and financing tips.
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Lawn Mower Clinic
Get your lawn mower ready for the season! The Springfield Jaycees will service push mowers that are in working condition (Must be able to start prior to servicing and we will start it with you at pick up) for $65.
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Financing Your Business: Loans, Capital, And Financial Visibility
12:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Explore funding options and strategies to secure capital for sustainable business growth.
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Illinois Symphony Orchestra Concert
7:30 PM - 12:30 AM — UIS Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of classical music featuring Ravel and Shostakovich performed by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.
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Milkweed Giveaway
8 a.m. - 10 a.m. — Washington Park — Free — Celebrate local pollinators with a milkweed giveaway and learn about planting pollinator gardens.
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No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The goal is not to read more books. The goal is to gain more wisdom.
~ James Clear
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