Springfield
Sunrise
Tuesday, May 20th, 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 Tuesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Baron is a playful dog waiting for adoption at Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield—he has lived in a kennel since March and the Spring Adoption Special offers a $30 fee with a starter kit through May 21, with visits available Monday-Friday 10:30-4:15 and Saturday 9:00-1:00. This offer provides a chance for residents to bring home a loving pet as Baron finds a forever family. WYMG
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A man was found dead in a wooded area east of Pawnee near the 3500 block of Illinois Route 104 on Friday afternoon — an autopsy and scientific identification were scheduled. WMAY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Newly uncovered letters shed fresh light on Mary Lincoln’s mental health after her 1875 commitment and reveal that she often felt lonely and depressed amid bitter family disputes. Historian Jason Emerson said the letters indicate she may have suffered from bipolar disorder—showing her high and low moods—and add new context to debates about her treatment. 25 News
- ➤ Officials at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield and Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewistown are using updated federal rules to return Native American remains to their tribes — a process that involves lengthy paperwork and careful review, with repatriation work expected to take months or even years. 25 News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Adriane Johnson pushed a plan to ease the teacher shortage by offering student teachers a $10,000 stipend per semester—House leaders approved the measure and it now awaits a Senate vote. The proposal aims to reduce unfilled classrooms and ensure students have qualified educators. WYMG
- ➤ State Senator Doris Turner sponsored Senate Bill 1522 to expand a farm-to-school program started in Pawnee that brings fresh meals from local farmers to school cafeterias; the bill would provide $2 million to help schools switch from processed foods to scratch-cooked meals. The bill was heard last week in the Senate Appropriations Education Committee — if approved it will help more schools work with local farms — and spread the program statewide. The Sangamon Reporter
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UIS baseball players Ivan Dahlberg and Mark Kattula — both of whom posted strong numbers — earned first team honors from the D2CCA Midwest All-Region while Ethan Bowers earned second team honors after a solid season. They also received nods from the NCBWA and first team All-GLVC picks — awards that mark a successful season for the Prairie Stars. WYMG
- ➤ Marques Warfield was dismissed as Springfield High School boys basketball coach by the District 186 board on May 19 by a 5—2 vote after two seasons in which his team won 18 games and finished second in their conference. Supporters and players said they believed his leadership helped the program improve and questioned the board’s decision following reported IHSA rule violations involving his non-school team. 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.
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
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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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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