Springfield
Sunrise
Saturday, May 24th, 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 Saturday, the 24th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, treasured Lincoln artifacts — including the blood-stained gloves from the night he was shot — were auctioned in Chicago to help settle a decades-old loan used to purchase the collection. In all, 136 of the 144 items sold for $7.9 million and any extra funds will support the museum’s ongoing display of its collection. 25 News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Illinois officials reported that unemployment fell in eleven metro areas for April 2025, with Springfield’s rate dropping from 3.9% to 3.2%. In the Springfield area, nonfarm jobs increased by 400 to 112,000, with gains seen in government, education, retail, & other sectors. WMAY
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UIS Athletics recognized Prairie Stars Class of 2025 graduates from commencement ceremonies held May 9-10—comprising seniors, graduate students, former student-athletes and assistant coaches—and will welcome alumni back for Homecoming scheduled for September 14-20. University of Illinois Springfield
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Senate passed a bill that raises the driving test age from 79 to 87 and lets people report family members they think should not drive. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said senior drivers are very safe, and the bill now goes to the Governor. WYMG
- ➤ A bill to launch a student investment program for refinancing private student loans passed the Senate with a vote of 46 to 12 — it now heads to the governor for approval. The measure will let the Treasurer work with banks to offer more loan options and lower interest rates. WAND-TV
- ➤ The Illinois House unanimously passed a bill on Thursday that requires schools to develop emergency response plans so first responders can quickly enter during emergencies—this law directs the State Board of Education to work with the Fire Marshall, State Police, and Illinois Emergency Management Agency to set up clear threat assessment procedures after recent shooting threats. WAND-TV
- ➤ Rep. Mike Kelly, a Chicago firefighter, introduced a bill on March 6 that may ban companies from making, selling & distributing firefighting gear containing PFAS by requiring a written explanation for their use of the chemicals by the end of the year. If passed, Illinois will bar the sale of such gear to fire departments starting January 1, 2027. WAND-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield High Senators won a 2A regional title on Friday night with a 6+0 win over Rochester; junior Kamryn Hoffman scored four goals while teammates Madison Clark and Zoe Wall each scored one. They will face Mahomet Seymour in the Pleasant Plains sectional semifinal on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. WNNS
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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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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Camp Invention: Discover at Lincoln Magnet School
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. — Lincoln Magnet School — $175 — A STEM summer program that fosters creativity and problem-solving skills for kids entering grades 1-6.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Most people will choose unhappiness over uncertainty.
~ Tim Ferriss
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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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