Saturday, April 19th, 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 Saturday, the 19th of April.
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Social Security reversed its plan to end phone filing after nearly 100,000 Illinois residents protested the change—keeping access open for many seniors who rely on the service for benefits. Illinois AARP urged lawmakers to improve customer service after reports of long waits and disruptions at SSA offices. WYMG
- ➤ The Massey Commission released its six-month progress report, urging local government, business, academic leaders, activists *and community members to join its effort to turn recommendations into law. The report, issued by the commission established in August for a one-year term, emphasizes the need for new voices and stronger dialogue. WMAY
- ➤ The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is asking lawmakers to approve a $2.47 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 to hire more staff and expand services for children and youth — the request is nearly 5% more than current funding and adds money for mental health programs and family caregiver support. Lawmakers will review the plan before the May 31 deadline. 25 News
- ➤ Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon announced that a new morgue facility, built over two years at a cost of more than $6M, will open in two months to consolidate body handling, testing and storage—reducing the need to transport bodies between hospitals. The facility will serve several counties with refrigeration that holds up to 50 bodies and freezer space for 12. ABC 20
- ➤ Illinois State Senator Steve McClure discussed funding for the New Salem Historic Site, bills on handicapped license plates, and plans for Justin Allgaier day during an interview with Joey McLaughlin on WTAX Morning NewsWatch on April 18th at 8:19 a.m.—he said his remarks targeted upcoming legislative actions to benefit the district. Capitol City Now
- ➤ After nearly 100,000 Illinois seniors wrote to Congress in March, the Social Security Administration reversed its plan to end phone-based filing for benefits. AARP Illinois helped spur the change — urging lawmakers to improve access and customer service for those who depend on these benefits. Capitol City Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Maddie Miller broke the UIS record in the outdoor 5K run on Thursday at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California—finishing in a personal-best time of 16:27.78—and edged out the record set by Taryn Christy in 2021. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ The UIS men's track and field team closed out its season Friday evening and continued competing today at Indiana State University's Gibson Invitational in Terre Haute — sending 12 runners in the 5,000 meter race along with key competitors in the 1,500 and 800 meter events. Fans paid $5 at the gate while athletes sought to boost their standings on the GLVC performance list. 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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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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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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