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Saturday, May 31st, 2025

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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of May.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • King is a 2-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix who has returned to the APL shelter in Springfield and is now ready for a forever home. He loves playing with toys and learns quickly with treats—showing his friendly and eager nature for a fresh start.  WYMG

CRIME NEWS

  • Federal prosecutors ask a judge to impose a 12 ½-year prison sentence and a $1.5 million fine for former House Speaker Michael Madigan, claiming he lied during his trial and misused his power—while his attorneys request probation, home detention, and community service with his sentencing scheduled for June 13.  25 News

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette swore in nine new officers on Thursday at City Council Chambers—seven had just finished training on April 25 and two moved from other agencies—with Mayor Misty Buscher and city officials watching. All new officers are now learning their duties at the Springfield Police Academy.  Capitol City Now
  • Illinois lawmakers advanced a bill to impose new rules on pharmacy benefit managers—firms that manage prescription benefits—to lower drug costs and provide grants to small and independent pharmacies. The Prescription Drug Affordability Act passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now moves to the House for further action.  WYMG
  • On Thursday, Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette swore in nine new officers at the City Council Chambers—attended by Mayor Misty Buscher and city officials—and the officers, including seven who graduated from Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center on April 25, are now training at the Springfield Police Academy before joining field operations.  WMAY
  • A bill heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk may require insurance companies to cover peripheral artery disease screenings for people aged 65 or those with risks such as smoking and heart issues—doctors say this step could help catch the disease early and prevent severe outcomes like amputations.  25 News

SPORTS NEWS

  • The Illinois Springfield athletic department announced that Chris Rodriguez is the new head coach of Prairie Stars baseball — he joined as an assistant in summer 2023 — and he will lead the team next season.  University of Illinois Springfield

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Thu, 5/29/25

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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.

    Mon, 6/2/25

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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.

    Sat, 6/7/25

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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.

    Sun, 6/8/25

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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.

    Tue, 6/10/25

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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.

    Fri, 6/20/25

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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.

    Sat, 6/21/25

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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.

    Sun, 6/22/25

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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.

    Mon, 6/23/25

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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.

    Fri, 6/27/25

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  • Midnineties performing Bleed American

    7 p.m. — Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling Company — Tickets vary — Experience Midnineties performing Jimmy Eat World's iconic album 'Bleed American' in full.

    Sat, 6/28/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

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No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.

~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

About 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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