Springfield
Sunrise
Friday, July 25th, 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 25th of July.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Former Springfield Police Officer Taylor Staff pleaded guilty to sexual assault while on duty and was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison—crediting nearly 1,000 days served—and he must register as a sex offender for life. Capitol City Now
- ➤ Robert Lee Jr. made his first court appearance for his alleged murder of Teresa Coleman after a tote bag with her body was found near I55 off Stevenson Drive and DNA on a t-shirt plus blood in his apartment linked him to the crime (the state said he poses a threat to the community). ABC 20
- ➤ Former Springfield Police officer Taylor Staff – 30 – pleaded guilty to aggravated criminal sexual abuse and custodial sexual misconduct on duty and was sentenced Wednesday to six-and-a-half years in prison, with nearly 1,000 days already served and a lifetime requirement to register as a sex offender. WYMG
- ➤ Former deputy Sean Grayson—charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey near her Springfield home—was transferred Tuesday from Macon County Jail to Sangamon County Jail for ongoing medical procedures and will remain there until his trial begins later this year in Peoria County. The Sangamon Reporter
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ UIS men's and women's track and field teams earned USTFCCCA All-Academic honors for strong classroom performance during the 2024 to 2025 academic year. The women’s team led NCAA Division II with a 3.867 GPA and the men’s team posted a 3.283 GPA — Madelyn Miller also received individual All-Academic Athlete honors. 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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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.
~ Greek Proverb
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.
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