Thursday, May 8th, 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 8th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield announced that its new exhibit 'Lincoln: Sight, Sound & Touch' will open Friday, May 23 and run through Sunday, August 24—featuring touchable models that activate audio descriptions to explain Lincoln’s image and history. Regular admission will cover the exhibit, which aims to make Lincoln’s legacy accessible to all visitors. Capitol City Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hundreds of fourth-grade students from 13 area schools gathered at the Illinois State Fairgrounds today for Earth Stewardship Day to learn about environmental awareness and conservation. The event featured educational presentations and hands-on activities led by an Illinois EPA educator named Kristi Morris. ABC 20
- ➤ Graduation ceremonies for college and high school seniors are set to take place in the Springfield area over the coming days and weeks. The events include a UIS commencement for the College of Health, Science and Technology tomorrow at 7 p.m.—with additional ceremonies at Lincoln Land Community College on May 16, St. John’s School of Nursing on May 9, Blackburn College on May 17, and several local high schools through early June. The State Journal-Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois House Education Policy Committee approved a bill on Wednesday to require that new school buses built in Illinois include three-point seat belts starting in 2031—buses bought before then will be exempt. The measure now heads to the House floor for further debate. 25 News
- ➤ Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield today to challenge local policies by processing two Guatemalans for deportation and holding a press conference near East Scarritt and 9th Street that linked city laws to rising violence—she referenced the unsolved murder of Emma Shafer while protestors raised concerns over her remarks. FOX Illinois
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Starting this week, a mental health survey will be delivered to randomly chosen mailboxes in Sangamon County as part of efforts by the new —Sangamon County Mental Health Commission— to find gaps in local services and plan funding changes. The commission will use the survey input to guide its recommendations to the county board by December 1. The Sangamon Reporter
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dementia Caregiving 101: Nutrition and Activities
2-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Learn about brain nutrition and meaningful activities for individuals with memory loss in this comprehensive caregiver support program.
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Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale
11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Admission details not provided — Explore a variety of watches and clocks at this community-sponsored event.
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
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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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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