Friday, June 20th, 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 Friday, the 20th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local law enforcement officers and Special Olympians ran their torch run on Wednesday despite tornado warnings in Sangamon County as they headed for the Special Olympics Summer Games in Bloomington. Retired Master Sergeant Diane Vanderkooy—a coach for the team—said the group raised money and stayed committed to supporting the athletes. Capitol City Now
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Readers voted Binny's Beverage Depot as the top liquor store in Springfield in the 2024 Official Community Choice Awards—Friar Tuck Beverage and Riverton Party Store were recognized as the second and third choices. The State Journal-Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ NWS Lincoln confirmed at least four tornadoes touched down in Morgan, De Witt, and McClean counties from Wednesday's severe storms — damage surveys continue and additional tornadoes may be confirmed as teams complete their work. WAND-TV
- ➤ A June 18 study published in Nature found that climate change is reducing global food production and harming farmland in the Midwest, the University of Illinois professor Andrew Hultgren reported. He warned that if temperatures continue to rise, food costs will increase and the country could depend more on foreign producers. WYMG
- ➤ A study led by U of I professor Andrew Hultgren found that climate change has threatened global food production and warned that rising temperatures will harm Midwest farmland — raising food costs and shifting agricultural profits overseas. The research cautions that delaying emission reductions will cost American consumers more in the future. Capitol City Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kevin Causley has been named the new head boys’ basketball coach at Springfield High School after Marques Warfield was fired last month. He played basketball at Urbana High School and Millikin University and served as an assistant coach at Peoria Manual before being hired as a social worker by District 186. WYMG
- ➤ The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS will come to Panther Creek Country Club from June 26 to 29 as part of the Korn Ferry Tour’s 10th year, and anyone can watch all four rounds for free thanks to a Visit Springfield partnership. Free parking is at Landmark Ford—shuttle service is offered too, and tournament officials say the event will add over $6 million to the local economy and bring new on-course experiences. The Sangamon Reporter
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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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.
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Women's Distance Festival
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Washington Park — $5 and up — Celebrate women’s athleticism with races including a 2 Mile and Kids Fun Run.
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Scheels/Capital City Classic Pickleball Tournament
Thu, Jul 17 – Sun, Jul 20 — Iles Park — Entry Fee Required — Compete in one of Springfield's exciting pickleball tournaments and showcase your skills.
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
Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.
~ Marie Curie
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