Springfield
Sunrise
Friday, April 24th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Catholic Charities will host its annual fundraiser on Saturday from 5 to 8:30 at Knights of Columbus Hall, 364 on Meadowbrook. The event, featuring a 1970s theme with live music & auctions, will raise funds for local programs such as food pantries and crisis assistance. WYMG
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ State Rep. Mike Coffey said downtown Springfield could be designated a special tourism district (an idea he believes will boost local projects) as part of the economic measure that passed in the Illinois House on Wednesday. The package, which also expands the medical district, is pending Senate approval. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ High school juniors and seniors in Springfield can apply for the FBI Teen Academy 2026, a free one-day program on Aug. 7 that offers hands-on sessions with federal agents on forensics, safety, and leadership; applications close May 30. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Local colleges and high schools are holding graduation ceremonies in May and June. Illinois College hosts its event on May 3 at King Field House, SIU School of Medicine is set for May 16 at Bank of Springfield Center, and high schools offer free ticket ceremonies—check details. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Springfield School District 186 announced that longtime police official Joshua Stuenkel is the new coordinator of safety and security. Stuenkel, retiring after 25 years at Springfield Police, will start his role May 4 & work to boost school safety. WMAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sixty people from 18 countries became new U.S. citizens on Wednesday at the Old State Capitol, marking the 40th year this annual naturalization ceremony has taken place. WMAY
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers introduced a revised property tax bill designed to keep the Bears in state during plans for a new domed stadium in suburban Arlington Heights, with 50% of payments going to local tax relief + a committee hearing scheduled Wednesday before Senate review on April 28. Indiana officials also presented offers to lure the team through a northwest stadium authority and a revised toll road lease. The State Journal-Register
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Maria is a charming 3-year-old calico cat available for foster care or adoption at the Animal Protective League at 1001 Taintor Road in Springfield, with visits offered daily from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. WNNS
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Two of the best high school soccer scorers will meet today at 4:30 p.m. at Pleasant Plains’ athletic complex as Kamryn Hoffman and the Springfield High Senators face Bailey Leach and the Cardinals in the Foot & Ankle Center of Illinois Game of the Week. WNNS
- ➤ Rochester and Springfield High played a 1-1 girls soccer game at Lee Field on April 23, when senior Mary Jane Keller scored a 25‑yard shot to tie the score and mark the Senators' first conference blemish. Coaches said both teams will regroup for upcoming matches. The State Journal-Register
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Highland Cow Paint Night with Ashley Blake
2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost info provided — Unleash creativity as you paint a quirky Highland Cow masterpiece under expert guidance.
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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.
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