Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Thirteen boys have graduated from the Diversion and Mentoring Program organized by the state’s attorney’s office and The Outlet at Sangamon County Complex a few weeks ago + the program drops charges once participants complete mentoring sessions. ABC 20
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield City Council approved a measure awarding less than $100,000 to Dominic Watson's Springfield Project — an initiative to boost economic development. One councilor raised concerns after receiving racist messages during the debate. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ City Water, Light, and Power has installed four EV chargers at UIS campus in Lot I North near The Recreation and Athletic Center (using a $629,000 state grant). CWLP will set the rates while the city plans to add 40 chargers at nine public spots. WYMG
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ University of Illinois Springfield partnered with CWLP to install four Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations in Lot I North near TRAC; each charger gives 25 to 35 miles of range per hour and the $629,000-funded project paves the way for 40 new chargers across Springfield. University of Illinois Springfield
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Fire Department relaunched its Knox Box Home Box loaner program today after Ward 8 Alderwoman Erin Conley secured a budget amendment that provided over 100 secure emergency key boxes for quick access during emergencies. WMAY
- ➤ Legislators are considering bills that let school support workers claim unemployment benefits during summer break starting June 1, offering them up to 47% of weekly earnings for a 10-11 week period. The proposals stalled in committee may be included in an omnibus bill by the end of the session. Capitol City Now
- ➤ Consumer groups urge the Illinois Commerce Commission to cut 80% of Nicor Gas's proposed rate hike, which would raise residential bills nearly $6 a month starting in 2027. The commission will rule in November. Capitol City Now
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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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Foodees Fest
1-9 p.m. — White Oaks Mall — Free entry — Experience a weekend of gourmet food, artisan crafts, and family fun in Springfield.
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Little Miracles 5K 2026
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Washington Park — Registration fee applies — Lace up for a fun run to support NICU warriors at St. John’s Children’s Hospital.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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