Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, May 21st, 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 Wednesday, the 21st of May.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lincoln Land Community College Community Education is partnering with Lincoln Home National Historic Site and Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau this summer to offer free History Cooks demos that feature dishes favored by U.S. Presidents. All sessions — except the May 31 event at Downtown Springfield Farmers Market at 10 a.m. — will be held on Fridays at noon with free samples and recipe cards given to attendees. WYMG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ With five months left on its charter, the Massey Commission faces a funding crisis because Sangamon County recently allocated an extra $175,000 but will not extend support beyond the first year—commissioners plan to seek state funds and community grants to continue their work on tougher hiring standards and a mental health board. ABC 20
- ➤ The Springfield City Council confirmed new police and fire chiefs Tuesday night—Assistant Fire Chief Nicholas Zummo becomes Fire Chief and Assistant Police Chief Joseph Behl leads the police following the retirements of their predecessors. Mayor Misty Buscher also announced the promotions of Captain Julie Plunk and Commander Ryan Leach to support public safety efforts in the city. The Sangamon Reporter
- ➤ On Tuesday, legislators approved a prisoner review board reform bill that allows victims to file impact statements and extends board terms while it awaits Gov. Pritzker’s signature, and they passed a police hiring measure on May 15 that requires law enforcement agencies to obtain full background records for prospective hires in response to the death of Springfield resident Sonya Massey. They also approved a tornado-safe warehouse bill on Tuesday that sets new safety standards for operators — the measure now heads to the Senate. Capitol News Illinois
- ➤ The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill on Tuesday that bans carbon sequestration near the Mahomet Aquifer after an ADM carbon injection site experienced a leak—this measure, which received bipartisan support in both chambers, now awaits Gov. JB Pritzker’s approval to protect drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people. 25 News
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers passed a bill that stops storing carbon near the Mahomet Aquifer on Tuesday due to water safety worries following a leak at an ADM project. The bipartisan measure now waits for Gov. JB Pritzker's approval (the aquifer supplies water for up to 1 million people) (since it is a sole source for local residents). Capitol News Illinois
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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R and B Live Summer Party
7-10 p.m. — Curve Inn — Free entry — Get ready to groove at a night of soulful music and good vibes.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
~ Beverly Sills
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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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