Springfield
Sunrise
Monday, May 26th, 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 Monday, the 26th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Park District invites community members to attend a ribbon cutting on May 28 at noon at Kiwanis Park—3050 Stanton Drive—to celebrate the park’s extensive renovation that adds an accessible playground, looped multi-use path, expanded parking, renovated soccer field and a new shelter with restrooms built with a $400,000 state grant. WYMG
- ➤ The Springfield Park District will host a ribbon cutting for the redeveloped Kiwanis Park on Wednesday, May 28 at noon at 3050 Stanton Drive in Springfield. The park now features an accessible playground + looped multi-use paths, an expanded parking lot + a new shelter with restrooms, a renovated soccer field and upgraded LED sports lighting made possible partly by a $400,000 grant from IDNR. Capitol City Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers passed a bill that will change driver test rules for senior drivers. Under the law, drivers aged 79 to 86 will need only a vision test while drivers 87 and older must take a driving test every year — and family members can now submit medical information if they have concerns about a driver’s health. WMAY
- ➤ The Illinois House passed legislation Friday that instructs the State Board of Education to offer guidelines for AI use in schools—this guidance covers basic AI concepts, classroom applications, and measures to address bias, privacy, transparency, and risk. The bill also requires school districts to gather resources for American Sign Language instruction by July 1, 2026. WYMG
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers are planning to extend lawsuit protections to the press by considering Senate Bill 1181 after a state Supreme Court allowed a defamation suit against the Chicago Sun-Times to move forward. The bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 55 to 1 and the House with a minor amendment by a vote of 75 to 38, would protect news reports during legal proceedings + it now returns to the Senate before heading to the governor. WMAY
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers are working to pass a state budget by May 31 amid tight revenue projections and concerns of federal spending cuts that could reduce Medicaid matching funds. Senate and House leaders warned that there is little room for new state programs—lawmakers must balance the budget with current funds and may call a special session if needed. WYMG
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
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
~ Anais Nin
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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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