Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, July 24th, 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 Thursday, the 24th of July.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Sean Grayson, the former deputy charged with murder for shooting Sonya Massey, has been transferred to Sangamon County Jail for ongoing medical procedures — he will remain there until his trial in Peoria in October and is set for a court appearance Friday at 10:30 a.m. WYMG
- ➤ Former Springfield police officer Taylor Staff pled guilty to sexual assault and misconduct charges and was sentenced Wednesday to six and a half years in IDOC—he received credit for 998 days served and must complete one year of supervised release while registering as a sex offender for life. WAND-TV
- ➤ Illinois State Police arrested Robert Lee Jr., 57, on Wednesday for three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death after human remains—later identified as Teresa Coleman—were found near the I-55 southbound ramp from Stevenson Drive in Springfield, and investigators are still probing the case. WAND-TV
- ➤ The former sheriff's deputy, Sean Grayson, charged with killing Sonya Massey in July 2024, had his defense attorney file a motion on July 23 arguing he acted in self-defense when Massey threw boiling water—Grayson remains in Macon County Jail as his appeal under the SAFE-T Act is pending before the Illinois Supreme Court ahead of his October trial in Peoria County. WAND-TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The eastbound lanes of Washington Street—between Amos and Lincoln Avenues—will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and Friday for sidewalk replacement. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes. WMAY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Springfield men's basketball team was recognized for academic excellence by the National Association of Basketball Coaches when five student-athletes were named to the 2024-25 NABC Honors Court & the team earned a Team Academic Excellence Award for finishing the academic year with a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. This recognition highlights their strong classroom performance and on-court leadership. 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.
-
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.
-
Megan Moroney Concert
8 p.m. — Illinois State Fair Grandstand — $47-$122 — Critically acclaimed country artist Megan Moroney performs hits from her latest album Am I Okay?.
-
Snoop Dogg Concert
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Requires Pre-Show Party and Concert ticket — Enjoy an exclusive pre-show party before Snoop Dogg takes the stage.
-
Ask a Library Techie
2:30-3:30 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Get one-on-one tech assistance with your devices from knowledgeable staff members.
-
Def Leppard Concert
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Ticket prices vary — Rock out with the legendary British heavy metal band known for their iconic anthems and powerful performances.
-
Vachel Lindsay Home Guided Tour
9:45-10:15 a.m. — Vachel Lindsay Home State Historic Site — Free entry — Explore the legacy of poet Vachel Lindsay with art displays and a chance to win his collected works.
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
The fool wonders, the wise man asks.
~ Benjamin Disraeli
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