Wednesday, April 16th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Springfield man Justin L. Pickrell, 23, was arrested on April 14 when a traffic crash near 7th Street and South Grand Avenue led federal marshals to detain him—he now faces charges of first degree murder and possession of a weapon by a felon in connection with the April 7 killing of 19-year-old Camren White, who was shot in the 800 block of West Lenox. The Sangamon Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rep. Terra Costa Howard said her bill to tighten homeschooling rules stalled last Friday and remains active as she works on changes suggested by fellow lawmakers to improve oversight and protect students. Opponents from two Christian homeschooling groups — and voices from some minority communities — continue to push back on the proposal while urging careful action. 25 News
- ➤ Fire Chief Edward Canny announced his retirement effective May 16—ending nearly 28 years of service as he shifts his focus to family health matters. He thanked Mayor Misty Buscher and his team, and the city will release more details on the leadership transition soon. ABC 20
- ➤ Springfield will host a National Drug Take Back Day on April 26th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so people can drop off old and unwanted medications. The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration will run sites at several locations, including Public Health (2833 South Grand Avenue), where only tablets, capsules, patches and solid forms of medicine are accepted. WMAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Department of Public Health launched a new Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard—using school vaccination data—to help families and schools assess measles risk amid a national rise in cases. The tool shows immunization rates for every school in our state and will update with upcoming school year figures. WYMG
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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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.
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.

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Don’t overlook compression packing cubes for your next trip — they’re a simple but transformative travel essential. Designed to compress clothing and maximize space, these cubes help you fit twice as much into your suitcase without the bulk.
Beyond just saving space, compression packing cubes keep your luggage neat and organized. Group your outfits by day or category, separate clean and dirty clothes, or designate cubes for different family members when traveling together. No more rummaging through your suitcase — everything stays in its place, easily accessible when you need it.
Lightweight and durable, these cubes are ideal for carry-ons and checked bags alike. They also help prevent overpacking by limiting how much you can fit in each cube. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
About 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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