Saturday, July 26th, 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 Saturday, the 26th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield will host numerous events and festivals in August — a busy month that features activities even before the Illinois State Fair begins while school starts for most. Amy Beadle from Visit Springfield discussed the full list of activities on WTAX Morning Newswatch. Capitol City Now
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Police finished a six-day traffic enforcement detail in Sangamon County that issued 385 citations, arrested 31 people and seized 44 pounds of cocaine while working with the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. WYMG
- ➤ Defense lawyers for former deputy Sean Grayson dropped their cease-and-desist request to bar Massey Commission events in Peoria because they feared the jury could be biased—new motions in the Sonya Massey murder case will be heard on Sept 12. Capitol City Now
- ➤ A six-day joint traffic enforcement operation in Sangamon County led to 31 arrests and 385 citations as six firearms were seized and 44 pounds of cocaine and 1,453 pounds of illegal cannabis were confiscated (52 criminal charges, including 26 felonies, were filed) according to the Illinois State Police. ABC 20
- ➤ A judge denied pretrial release for Robert Lee Jr.—a 57-year-old Springfield man charged with first-degree murder in connection with the killing of 54-year-old Teresa Coleman, whose body was found near the southbound Stevenson Drive ramp to Interstate 55 in March 2024—and his next court hearing is set for August 4. WMAY
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Unemployment declined in all 12 metro areas in Illinois for the year ending in June. In Springfield, the jobless rate fell to 3.6 percent from 4.6 percent last year — nonfarm payrolls increased by 300 to over 112,000. WMAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A group of Springfield kids organized a lemonade stand on July 25th to raise funds for St. Jude's childhood cancer research. They plan to host more events to help cover treatment costs and strengthen community support. 25 News
- ➤ The bill on Gov. Pritzker’s desk will let pharmacies sell sterile needles and syringes when in stock— a measure filed after a constituent couldn’t get the supplies— and it awaits his signature; legislators passed the measure with strong bipartisan support— the Senate vote was 50—6 and the House vote was unanimous. WAND-TV
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.
-
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.
-
Balloons Over 66 5K
8 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Community High School — Registration required — Enjoy a morning 5K run with friends and family in a vibrant community setting.
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
Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.
~ Jimi Hendrix
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