Springfield
Sunrise
Friday, May 2nd, 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 Friday, the 2nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ After a car crashed through the YNOT camp building in Chatham on Monday—killing four children and injuring six—founder Jamie Loftus thanked local residents at a Wednesday vigil for their support and respectful care for the victims, whose crosses were guarded by community members. WAND-TV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On April 28, a vehicle driven by a 44 year old Marianne Akers veered off the road and struck the east side of the YNOT After School Camp at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham—resulting in four deaths—and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly held a media briefing on May 1 at 1:30 p.m. at ISP Central Headquarters in Springfield. ABC 20
- ➤ Illinois State Police said 44-year-old Marianne Akers from Chatham may have had a medical emergency before her car hit a group of children on Monday, killing four and hurting six as the vehicle went about 1,300 feet — toxicology tests for alcohol and drugs came back negative — and investigators will check the car’s black box and other evidence for Sangamon State’s Attorney. 25 News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Ben Patrick Mullavey, a 66-year-old from Mechanicsburg in Sangamon County, pleaded guilty in Missouri to an attempted murder-for-hire plan in which he provided a crossbow, stolen license plate, directions, and $2,100 to a former employee who later became an FBI informant; he is set to return to court on July 22 where he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 25 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield PrideFest will return downtown on May 17 with a parade starting at 11:30 a.m. and a ribbon cutting at noon on the Main Stage — the day-long festival will include drag shows, live music, food trucks, and over 100 vendors, following nearly 30,000 attendees last year. 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.
-
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
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
~ Cornelius Vanderbilt
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