Friday, May 16th, 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 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield and City Water, Light and Power will host Lake Springfield’s 90th birthday party at Center Park near the Beach House on June 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.—the event features music by Jason McKenzie, games, vehicle displays for youth, birthday cake, food trucks, and a photo challenge with a July 8 submission deadline. WMAY
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Potbelly announced a new location on Springfield's west side — it will operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The shop is owned by franchisee Rob Wilbern, who plans to open three additional locations in Central Illinois. ABC 20
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Springfield police arrested 49-year-old Anthony A. Perry in connection with two armed robberies at Land of Lincoln Credit Union on May 10 and May 13—he was taken into custody on May 14 by detectives with help from the U.S. Marshals on S. Pasfield Street and is now held at Sangamon County Jail. ABC 20
- ➤ Springfield police arrested Anthony A. Perry—49 years old—on May 14 after two armed robberies occurred at Land of Lincoln Credit Union on May 10 and May 13; he is now held at Sangamon County Jail. WMAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield aldermen approved Tuesday’s draft master plan to enhance downtown — the plan includes adding more residential units to bring in a diverse mix of residents. Local architect Chuck Pell said the proposal is expected to boost activity and help support those facing economic challenges. FOX Illinois
- ➤ Congresswoman Budzinski said FEMA will soon award Springfield $1,387,003.38 to help clear roads and remove debris after a derecho left many without power—funds that will boost public safety as the city recovers from the storm's damage. Capitol City Now
- ➤ The final segment of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project will complete the track realignment and build a new Amtrak Station—part of a transportation hub north of the county building. Federal funds of over $157 million have been fully obligated, and construction on underpasses and an overpass will begin this spring to ease rail congestion and improve service between St. Louis and Chicago. The State Journal-Register
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 only normal people are the ones you don't know very well.
~ Alfred Adler
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