Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ City Water, Light and Power is providing free rain gauges — available at the Customer Service Office at 300 S. Seventh St. in Municipal Center East — to help residents curb lawn overwatering during Drinking Water Week. The State Journal-Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois State Fair announced that classic rock band .38 Special will play a free show at the Grandstand on Monday, Aug. 17 (attendees must pass a security screening before entry). WMAY
- ➤ The Springfield Area Arts Council will launch the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series starting May 28, offering concerts every Thursday through July 30 at the vacant block (north of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion and Capitol Ave). Each show begins at 6:15 p.m. with a kids’ kickoff. FOX Illinois
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of Illinois Springfield will hold two commencement ceremonies on May 9 at Bank of Springfield Center—one at 12:30 p.m. and another at 5:30 p.m. for more than 1,000 graduates, including an honorary degree for alumnus W. Robert Felker and a speech by graduate Quanisha Turner. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Lincoln Land Community College announced Todd Creal as its new athletics director. He brings proven coaching and administration experience from Westminster College and plans to support student athletes while enhancing campus game day operations. WNNS
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois State Police with the Heritage Foundation held the inaugural Memorial Park ceremony on May 6 in Springfield to honor officers who died in the line of duty. The event featured a performance of Amazing Grace by the ISP Pipes and Drum Band (a heartfelt moment for the community). The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Springfield Police Department has launched the Blue Envelope Program to help drivers with autism during traffic stops by letting them share key documents + communication needs. Blue envelopes are available free at SPD front desks and select community sites. The Sangamon Reporter
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Springfield High girls soccer won the CS8 title on Tuesday, May 5, with Addie Maddox scoring twice (2-0 victory over Chatham Glenwood) at Lee Field. The Senators, now the No. 1 seed in the Class 2A Mattoon Regional, will face either No. 8 Jacksonville or No. 9 Alton on Tuesday, May 19. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ On Wednesday, May 6, New Berlin girls and Williamsville boys captured team titles at the Sangamo conference track & field championships held at Williamsville High School. WNNS
- ➤ The Memorial Health Championship offers free admission for all four rounds as part of a continued partnership with Visit Springfield; the tournament is scheduled for June 25-28 at Panther Creek Country Club and features free parking at Landmark Chrysler with a shuttle service for added ease. The Sangamon Reporter
- ➤ Springfield High won the Boys City Track and Field event for the 17th straight time on Wednesday. The Senators won 12 events + swept five podiums, with shot put champion Trey Sutton and 400m winner Deandre Brown leading the effort. WNNS
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Highland Cow Paint Night with Ashley Blake
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Paint with Ashley Blake
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Cost covers materials — Enjoy a creative night painting a whimsical library gnome with guidance from Ashley Blake.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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