Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, May 29th, 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 Thursday, the 29th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Park District held a ribbon cutting this week to mark major renovations at Kiwanis Park—upgrading the playground, looped path, parking lot, shelter with restrooms, soccer field and LED sports lighting. The project was partly funded by a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources—assisted by local community organizations to improve the park for residents. The Sangamon Reporter
- ➤ The 3rd Annual Springfield's Finest Corvette Show will be held on June 27 and 28 with a meet and greet and custom lighting show on Friday and a car display with judging on Saturday — all funds will support cancer research. Attendees can pre-register for $35 or sign up on the day and enjoy vendors, door prizes, CPR training, a health van, trophies, a raffle, music, food, and drinks. ABC 20
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers introduced House Bill 2978 that gives families with NICU babies more unpaid leave; the bill passed out of committee last week and will be presented for a final vote. Businesses with 16 or more employees would offer 10 unpaid days and those with 51 or more employees would offer 20 days—ensuring parents keep health coverage and job protection. FOX Illinois
- ➤ Springfield police officers Jolene Balog, Logan Coventry, and Jack Clement received the Life Saving Award for rescuing a 22-year-old man who threatened to jump from a bridge (239 N. 6th Street) on April 12. They worked together to secure him safely until he was taken to a hospital for a mental health check. ABC 20
- ➤ At Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting, city clerk Chuck Redpath defended his office’s handling of FOIA requests—he explained that responses are sent on time but sometimes end up in spam folders. Several council members reported not receiving the required replies under the five-business-day rule. ABC 20
- ➤ Statewide rallies hosted by Illinois Agencies on Aging urged lawmakers to secure funding for the Older Americans Act as federal changes risk cutting essential services for seniors in Springfield—such as legal advice, meal programs, and ombudsman support. FOX Illinois
- ➤ The Illinois Senate passed a bill that requires public libraries to keep opioid overdose medications and have at least one trained staff member available at all times. The measure — proposed by a high school student and now on Gov. Pritzker’s desk — will help improve emergency response statewide. Capitol News Illinois
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ ImpactLife hosted a blood donation drive Tuesday in the parking lot of NewsChannel20 to honor fallen heroes and attract summer donors+ the organization will hold more drives this week+ to collect needed blood from all types. ABC 20
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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Grease Musical
7 p.m. — Legacy Theatre — Check venue site for pricing — Experience the beloved musical journey of Danny and Sandy with classic tunes and lively performances.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
~ Soren Kierkegaard
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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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