Springfield
Sunrise
Friday, July 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 Friday, the 11th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Levitt AMP Springfield will host a free concert tonight to honor Sonya Massey one year after her passing. Attendees are urged to wear purple as a sign of community unity — the performance runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the usual stage near 4th and Jackson. ABC 20
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Authorities dropped first degree murder charges against a 46 year old Rochester man after he shot and killed Gerald Fahey along North Dirksen Parkway in Springfield in April—State’s Attorney John Milhiser said he acted in self defense when Fahey entered his vehicle following a traffic accident involving his girlfriend, and his next court hearing is set for August. WMAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Joseph Behl, the new Springfield Police Chief with 18 years experience, said he is focused on public safety by recruiting officers to fill the 269 authorized positions—he also aims to boost officer wellness and build community trust as he navigates his new role. WYMG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Tia Rapps, the Community Cancer Education Coordinator at Springfield Memorial Hospital (a local health expert), warned that sun exposure can cause skin cancer and added that tanning beds are not safer (she shared her advice on WTAX Morning Newswatch). Capitol City Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UIS baseball announced that Will Oberg will return for the 2025-26 season as a full-time assistant coach and recruiting coordinator to lead the Prairie Stars’ offensive development. A former Prairie Star and graduate assistant who helped build a top offense in the GLVC, Oberg earned praise from head coach Chris Rodriguez for his work ethic and teaching skills—he will continue to guide key aspects of hitting development and recruiting next season. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ The UIS women's soccer team finalized its 2025 roster, adding 11 newcomers including a strong freshman class and experienced transfers to build depth for the fall campaign. The season will begin with the Navy - Gold Scrimmage on Aug. 22 and key games on Sept. 5 and Sept. 10 as the team prepares to compete. 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale
11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Free entry — Explore a variety of timepieces at this local watch and clock exhibition and sale.
-
National Button Society Convention 2025
11 a.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield - Convention Ctr by IHG — Cost varies — Explore a unique collection of vintage buttons at this year's National Button Society Convention.
-
Monster Truck Destruction Tour
7:30-9 p.m. — Illinois State Fairgrounds — $64-$88 — Experience the thrill of the Monsters of Destruction live and feel the adrenaline rush.
-
The Black Crowes Live Performance
8 PM — Illinois State Fairground — Ticket prices vary — Experience the raw energy of The Black Crowes in an electrifying rock & roll show.
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.
Maximize Space and Stay Organized with Compression Packing Cubes
Don’t overlook compression packing cubes for your next trip — they’re a simple but transformative travel essential. Designed to compress clothing and maximize space, these cubes help you fit twice as much into your suitcase without the bulk.
Beyond just saving space, compression packing cubes keep your luggage neat and organized. Group your outfits by day or category, separate clean and dirty clothes, or designate cubes for different family members when traveling together. No more rummaging through your suitcase — everything stays in its place, easily accessible when you need it.
Lightweight and durable, these cubes are ideal for carry-ons and checked bags alike. They also help prevent overpacking by limiting how much you can fit in each cube. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
~ Unknown
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Springfield and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Springfield Sunrise
A free Springfield community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://springfieldsunrise.com/sitemap