Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ During Child Abuse Prevention Month, local survivor Jim Kroll – general manager of S and K Buick – has raised over $9,000 for Prevent Child Abuse Illinois by donating $100 per car sale. He calls on the community to watch for abuse signs and tackle root causes like poverty and substance abuse. ABC 20
- ➤ Ellen Wiker, a Girl Scout from Athens, earned the Gold Award for building six outdoor shelters + launching a social media drive that boosted cat adoptions at Menard County Animal Control Shelter. She is one of eleven award recipients scheduled to be honored at the Green Carpet Gala on Sunday, Apr. 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Erin's Pavilion. ABC 20
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A chair from Ford’s Theatre used when Lincoln was shot will be displayed this summer at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Retired Wake Forest University dean Gordon McCray and his wife donated it to tie a historic moment to Illinois’ 250th-anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence. The State Journal-Register
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A Senate bill in Springfield aims to raise the estate tax exemption to $6 million to help young farmers take over family farms burdened by high input costs. The proposal, sponsored by Sen. Doris Turner, awaits committee review to ease financial burdens on inheriting farmland. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Urban League recently organized a spring trip for 34 high schoolers to visit HBCUs in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia — six teens were accepted on the spot, including one who received a $10,000 scholarship. The League is planning next year’s tour. WYMG
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that bans cellphone use in elementary and middle school classes — high school students may use phones during breaks to boost focus and support mental health. WMAY
- ➤ University of Illinois Springfield faculty continue striking today for a nearly 3 percent wage increase to match inflation. The administration offered a 1 percent raise + systemwide adjustments, and a tentative agreement on parking and professional development was reached. WMAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Lyrids meteor shower will peak between April 21 and April 22 with 10-20 meteors per hour across our skies; residents should watch from dark, clear spots like state parks after midnight (weather permitting). The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Illinois youth set a new record in turkey hunting when they harvested 2,318 turkeys in two periods, March 28 and 29 and April 4 and 5, according to IDNR. Purchase of 7,369 permits and a 30 percent participation rate (the highest ever) underline strong interest and ample hunting opportunities. WYMG
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy.
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