Springfield
Sunrise
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 12th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Farmers markets are back in Springfield offering fresh produce, homemade goods and art for locals. Options include Old Capitol Farmers Market on South Fourth Street with operations May 13 to Oct. 21 — and Westside Market at Papo’s Cafe starting June 14 — giving residents family-friendly ways to shop. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Glitch, a one-year-old stray at the Animal Control and Adoption Center who arrived on April 1, is available for foster or adoption. Visit during shelter hours Monday–Friday 10:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. + volunteers describe him as sweet and easy to walk. WYMG
- ➤ Two sister cats, Kelli and Kerri, arrived on May 6 at Sangamon County Animal Control + Adoption Center and are now ready for adoption in Springfield; both are spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated while each adoption fee is discounted to $35. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ District 186 is raising its behind-the-wheel driver ed fee from $100 to $150 – waived for students on free and reduced lunch – while the $20 permit fee remains unchanged. Owen Marsh Elementary will hold a ribbon-cutting for its revamped campus on May 22. Capitol City Now
- ➤ UIS restored Canvas after a hack two days ago, allowing faculty to resume classes and extending the final grading deadline to noon on Friday, May 15. Students should check for any updated due dates from their instructors. WYMG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield police chief Joe Behl announced a new officer wellness program that includes gym upgrades, yoga, and nutrition classes. Officers will complete a WRAP form today to assess stressors and improve overall wellbeing — replacing outdated equipment like chipped dumbbells. Capitol City Now
- ➤ Legislators in Springfield will consider a bill banning the sale of smoke detectors lacking a sealed ten-year battery to enforce state safety laws—fire safety experts say the measure is needed to stop retailers from offering unsafe models and reduce fire risk. WYMG
- ➤ Illinois law bans unauthorized recording in public or private places such as locker rooms and restrooms — experts warn that using Meta's AI glasses without consent may breach privacy regulations. Legal enforcement is expected to protect residents under strict state rules. The State Journal-Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Illinois consumers are warned to check for DAISY BRAND headcheese with a USE BY date of MAR 26, as an FSIS alert indicates potential Listeria contamination. The meat, made on Jan. 20 by Crawford Sausage Co. Inc., should be discarded or returned to the seller. 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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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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