Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, May 1st, 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 Thursday, the 1st of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A vehicle crashed into a crowd outside YNOT Outdoors at 301 North Breckenridge Road in Chatham on April 28—killing four girls and injuring six others while the driver, Marianne Akers, was taken to a hospital and is under investigation by state police. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Four children remain hospitalized from a Jeep crash at YNOT Outdoors Camp in Chatham on Monday — the incident killed four and injured six while two of the injured were released. WYMG
- ➤ Fundraisers following the April 28 car crash in Chatham have raised over $230,000 to help families affected by the loss of four lives and injuries to six — nearly $180,000 came from Glenwood High School’s student council, nearly $50,000 from a GoFundMe for injured Ella, and more than $9,000 via a Meal Train. The State Journal-Register
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ With higher retail prices and tariffs, shoppers in Springfield are expected to turn to local thrift and resale stores to save money—stores like Goodwill and Second Time Around report steady business fueled by increased donations and bargain hunting. Research shows that buying secondhand saves shoppers about $1,760 each year. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sen. Doris Turner secured nearly $1 million to expand construction and trade apprenticeship programs that will help high school students in Sangamon County prepare for blue-collar jobs. The funding—divided between SkillsUSA Illinois and the Menard-Sangamon Regional Office of Education—will support hands-on training starting this fall. WCIA
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois EPA announced three one-day hazardous waste collection events this spring in Springfield — residents who pre-register can drop off products like chemical cleaners and motor oil from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Local government units co-sponsor the events, which do not accept items such as latex paint or propane tanks. ABC 20
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ CWLP will begin a project on Monday to relocate 2,000 feet of a 24-inch water main on North Grand Avenue for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, which will close the street between 7th and 9th Streets for five weeks. The effort will cost $4.8 million—part of a $10.2 million water infrastructure upgrade—and traffic lanes will remain closed until pavement repairs are finished around the week of June 9. WYMG
- ➤ Today, the Illinois Police Memorial Committee will hold its 40th annual Police Officers’ Memorial ceremony at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception — starting at 9:00 a.m. Temporary road closures include 5th Street and 6th Street at South Grand Avenue beginning at 8:30 a.m. — with additional closures during the procession to the Capitol Building. ABC 20
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.
-
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.
-
Milkweed Giveaway
8 a.m. - 10 a.m. — Washington Park — Free — Celebrate local pollinators with a milkweed giveaway and learn about planting pollinator gardens.
-
International Carillon Festival
All day — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free entry — Experience a rare musical journey at one of the world's finest carillons in the heart of Springfield.
-
Capital City Biathlon & 5K
6:00-10:30 a.m. — Danenberger Family Vineyards — Register online for entry fee — Test your endurance with a mini-biathlon and 5K run.
-
Levitt AMP Springfield 2025 Season
Ten free concerts in downtown Springfield thanks to the Levitt Foundation, PNC Bank, Springfield Area Arts Council & many local partners! Bring your friends, family, dogs, chairs, and picnics or order from the many food trucks and enjoy free, live music every Thursday, May 29 - July 31 on the lawn in front of the Governor's Mansion.
-
Lick Creek & Folsom Prison Five Concert
6 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — Enjoy great food and cold Coors Light while listening to live country and classic hits.
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.
Maximize Space and Stay Organized with Compression Packing Cubes
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
Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.
~ Andrew Carnegie
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.
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