Springfield
Sunrise
Friday, May 23rd, 2025
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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Federal regulators said a shortage of safe truck parking—combined with driver fatigue and poor company oversight—helped cause a 2023 Greyhound bus crash near Highland that killed three and injured 12. 25 News
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Crime Stoppers is hosting a golf outing at Piper Glen on June 27th with a shotgun start at noon and early lunch from Nelson’s Catering—while a Queen of Hearts Raffle drawing at Weebles Bar and Grill every Sunday at 7 p.m. will see the final 11 cards drawn from a pot over $22,000 to fund tip rewards. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series will bring free live music concerts every Thursday evening from May 29 through July 31 at the corner of 4th and Jackson Streets near the Governor’s Mansion. The concerts, presented by Levitt AMP Springfield and PNC, will offer family-friendly performances across many musical styles while inviting residents to bring lawn chairs and picnic supplies. The Sangamon Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city of Springfield has a new police chief after alderpeople approved Joseph Behl — a 19-year veteran — who will officially take over in nine days. He said he will form a team to improve traffic safety — his top focus — and meet with community members to build trust. ABC 20
- ➤ The Illinois House passed a bill Wednesday that creates a task force to study how the COVID-19 pandemic affected chronic absence in K-12 schools. The measure got unanimous support in the House and now heads to the Senate on concurrence — the group may look into new ways to help schools and families address high absence rates. WAND-TV
- ➤ A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk could require seat belts on all new Illinois school buses; the law will mandate three-point seat belts on buses manufactured starting in 2031 (buses purchased before then remain exempt). 25 News
- ➤ Springfield city council approved a 13-million-dollar deal to buy solar energy from Sangamon Solar LLC. The project includes a 750-acre solar farm south of Chatham that will supply the city with 25 megawatts of power, with construction set to begin next year and operations expected by 2028. ABC 20
- ➤ The Illinois House passed a bill that requires employers to pay nursing mothers for break time used to pump milk—this measure passed with a vote of 82 to 27 and now heads to Gov. Pritzker’s desk. WAND-TV
- ➤ Electric bills will rise next month with ComEd customers paying about $10.60 more and Ameren customers seeing an 18% to 22% increase, while prices may drop in October. Lawmakers in Springfield are debating energy reforms to tackle growing grid demand and supply shortages — critics say earlier climate policies may have hastened plant closures. 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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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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Little Miracles 5K
A fun 3K/5K run/walk for all ages and abilities! The race will support the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to continue funding a variety of items/programs to support our tiniest patients at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital.
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Virtual Tour of Springfield Supportive Living
9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Springfield Supportive Living — Free entry — Explore award-winning amenities and activities at one of the highest-rated senior living communities.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
~ Unknown
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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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