Springfield
Sunrise
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Monday morning, Springfield Park District unveiled $1.3 million improvements to Washington Park Botanical Garden’s conservatory — including a new 50-foot dome, entryway windows and upgraded heating and cooling. The renovations, funded by the William Ed Quarry Trust and a state tourism grant, support the 55-year-old landmark. WMAY
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A three-year-old girl was severely injured when a neighborhood dog attacked her on Aug. 30 in Decatur; the dog was later euthanized after its owners surrendered it, and she is now receiving treatment by specialists in Springfield. ABC 20
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is tracking the state budget and preparing for its State of Greater Springfield event today and Small Business Awards on June 23 at Crown Plaza. CEO Mike Murphy said a rail relocation near the medical district in 2027 could boost local growth. WYMG
- ➤ HoneyBaked Ham is considering Springfield for a new franchise due to its business friendly climate and strong family community. Company leader Eric Edwards said a nationwide market review (completed recently) ranked Springfield among the top choices for expansion. Capitol City Now
- ➤ At a conference hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Illinois Retail Merchants Association on Tuesday, May 12, University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen told business leaders in Springfield that university research has spurred inventions that boost companies and strengthen the community’s economy. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Melodi Hankins joined WRSP as the new FOX evening anchor and viewers can watch her at 5:30 on FOX Illinois News today; she will appear at 9 next week + she aims to bring authentic local news to Springfield. FOX Illinois
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Springfield remain steady as today's average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.86 — a slight drop of three cents from last week and 70 cents higher than a month ago. WMAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs invites students ages 8 to 18 to enter the 14th Cream of the Crop Photography Contest by June 12 to capture local agriculture and win Bright Start scholarships (first prize $1,000, second $500, third $250). The Sangamon Reporter
- ➤ District 186 approved an amended fiscal year 2026 budget after spending $18 million over its income, and it will file a deficit reduction plan with the State Board of Education as it faces lower federal funding; the shortfall (1.2 times its ending fund balance) must be balanced within three years. FOX Illinois
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On April 15, Eric Whitfield, director of economic development at Ameren IL, testified to an IL House committee at the State Capitol about how growing data centers affect regional power resources & Citizens Utility Board’s Sarah Moskowitz warned that continued demand could raise local bills by up to $70 per month. WYMG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Glenwood won its second straight CS8 boys tennis title on Monday at the indoor Springfield Racquet & Fitness Center after rain delayed play at Illinois College. The Titans scored 28 points to capture both the singles & doubles draws, while Springfield High finished second. The State Journal-Register
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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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Getting Started With Wills & Trusts
3:30 p.m. — Edwards Group LLC — Free entry — Learn the essentials of estate planning in this informative workshop for families.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
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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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