Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, May 15th, 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 15th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ SCHEELS Sports Park in Springfield is nearing completion with the world's largest air-supported sports dome set to open in October—local youth and district 186 teams will use it for indoor play. The full complex, including outdoor fields, concessions and a planned hotel, will open in spring—boosting local business prospects. The State Journal-Register
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ An ex-cop accused of murdering Sonya Massey in her Springfield home last July asked to be released from jail while the Illinois Supreme Court reviews his pre-trial release request after justices saw photos of him—his lawyer argues he lacks prior violence as state officials warn that his dangerous impulsiveness makes him a risk. Capitol City Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Natural gas customers may face higher bills next year if state regulators approve rate hikes requested by Ameren and Nicor for start in 2026—consumer advocates call for cuts of about 36% and 42% to the companies’ plans while a decision is expected by November. 25 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Illinois EPA staff selected four Illinois students to receive Environmental Excellence Awards at the IJAS State Science Exposition held at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign on May 3—one of nearly 900 student projects—and awarded them medals, certificates and science kits to support their research into environmental solutions. Capitol City Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City Water, Light and Power announced Wednesday that lead service line replacement work is underway in Springfield for 400 low-income homes using $2.9 million in federal funds. The work began in March and is expected to finish in 2027 while about 9,000 customers in older homes will soon receive notices about reducing lead exposure risks. WMAY
- ➤ On May 13, the Springfield committee nominated Nicholas Zummo as Fire Chief and Joseph Behl as Police Chief, with final council approval pending next week — Behl stressed officer fitness and community engagement. The council also advanced an ambulance ordinance to require nine operational vehicles and approved a downtown revitalization plan with bicycle lanes while debating a $400,000 fee for county animal control, with a public meeting scheduled for June 26 — local residents are urged to participate. WMAY
- ➤ State officials plan to end the HBIA program at the end of June—covering more than 30,000 immigrant adults—and Gov. Pritzker said the move will help manage budget shortfalls as lawmakers work to finalize the next budget. Capitol City Now
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.
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Friends of the Farmers Market Brunch
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Union Square Park — Celebrate local agriculture with delicious farm-to-table dishes and community vibes.
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Sangamon County Fair
7 p.m. — Sangamon County Fairgrounds — Family-friendly fun — Experience a Midwestern tradition with concerts, rides, and animals as you kick off the summer.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The shoe that fits one person pinches another.
~ Carl Jung
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.
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