Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, June 26th, 2025
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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ At Robin Roberts Stadium Tuesday, June 24, the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes held Chatham Strong Night where players wore special red jerseys and spent time with the Springfield Cardinals youth team to support the cause after a tragic crash—proceeds from the jerseys benefitted Chatham Strong. A daylong music and food festival to raise funds for the cause is scheduled for Sunday, July 6. WYMG
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Rodney Jasper Vanhuss was arrested after admitting to setting a shed on fire on the 2500 block of Soleil Avenue at 8:53 a.m.—authorities said he may have been experiencing mental health challenges. ABC 20
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A plan to help Illinoisans refinance private student loans through a new student investment program has reached Gov. Pritzker's desk today. The bill passed in both legislative chambers and would let the treasurer work with banks to lower rates—supporters say it addresses the state’s $62 billion debt burden—while some lawmakers express concerns about its impact. WAND-TV
- ➤ City Water Light and Power Chief Doug Brown told the city council that the utility will complete its first Integrated Resource Plan since 2019 and use a $629,000 grant to install 40 Level 2 EV charging stations in nine areas, with work beginning in August and finishing in 2026. City crews are slowly replacing old lead water service lines—28 replaced so far as the utility aims to hit a target of 1,000 lines per year by 2027 amid tightening funds while safe water treatment remains in place. WMAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The CDC confirmed Illinois’ first human case of West Nile virus for 2025 when a Southern Illinois resident was hospitalized with complications from the infection — the earliest onset observed in the state since 2016. Approximately 1 in 150 infected people develop severe illness, and officials warn seniors and those with weakened immune systems to protect themselves from mosquito bites. WAND-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UIS Athletics completed a successful 2024-25 academic year under first-year director Mike Hermann—teams earned postseason berths and set a department record with a 3.59 fall GPA while consistently posting semester GPAs above 3.50. Multiple teams and individual athletes received GLVC and national honors, marking a year of strong athletic and academic achievements. University of Illinois Springfield
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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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.
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Washington Park Trail Trek
7-10 a.m. — Washington Park — Registration fee applies — Embark on a historical 5K journey through Washington Park's scenic trails.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Don't find fault, find remedy.
~ Henry Ford
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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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