Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, June 11th, 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 Wednesday, the 11th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Comer Cox Park's Teen Empowerment Zone started on June 10 and offers local teens free refereed basketball, backyard games, snacks, and themed nights every Tuesday until July 29 at 301 Martin Luther King Dr.—Upcoming themes include Tennis Night on June 17, Aquatics Night on July 8 and an End of Season Bash on July 29. ABC 20
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield is hosting a week of Juneteenth events from June 12 to June 19 to commemorate the end of slavery. The schedule includes a youth pageant at Southeast High School, a parade through Comer Cox Park, panel discussions at the Illinois State Museum, and a community walk at Lincoln Land Community College — state, federal, city, and county offices will be closed on June 19. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Legendary Chicago rapper Twista will headline a free concert on August 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Illinois State Fair's Grand Central Stage — the event is part of the fair's Free Concert Series and free with fair admission. ABC 20
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Stacker used May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data to rank the highest-paying science jobs in Springfield, listing geoscientists with a median wage of $98,390, environmental scientists and specialists with $96,640, and chemists with $91,350. The ranking shows that top science jobs have limited local employment and require advanced education. WYMG
- ➤ Stacker used Bureau of Labor Statistics data from May 2024 to rank science jobs in Springfield and found that geoscientists earned the highest median wage at $98,390. The report shows that early 2025 funding cuts reduced research programs — limiting job openings and increasing competition — though valuable science careers still exist. Capitol City Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UIS will launch two online marketing certificate programs—an MBA Certificate in Marketing and a Graduate Certificate in Marketing—in Fall 2025 to let working adults learn new skills. Applications must be submitted by August 1 as these courses build on UIS's partnership with Risepoint to offer flexible, career-focused education. University of Illinois Springfield
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois legislators passed a bill last month that will stop deceptive lifetime gym memberships by requiring fitness centers to disclose any changes in prices or benefits— the law includes exceptions for management transfers and written customer revisions and now heads to the governor’s desk. WCIA
- ➤ The 'Clean Slate' Act, which would have automatically sealed nonviolent criminal records, did not get a Senate vote before the session ended on May 31 — its Senate sponsor focused on the $55.2 billion budget. Lawmaker Jehan Gordon-Booth said she plans to try again in a fall veto session to help make record sealing easier for those who stay conviction-free. 25 News
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers did not take up a Tier 2 pension reform proposal during the spring session for public employees hired since 2011. Union groups warned that low benefits which do not meet safe harbor rules—this delay may worsen worker shortages and affect critical public services. 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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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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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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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.
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Zen Paint Night with Ashley Blake
2-4 p.m. — Kentucky Burn — All materials provided — Relax and tap into your creative spirit while painting in a calming atmosphere.
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Rock the Dock
6-11 p.m. — Lake Springfield Marina — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with Central Illinois' largest fireworks display alongside live music and food.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
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
Writers live twice.
~ Natalie Goldberg
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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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