Springfield
Sunrise
Thursday, August 7th, 2025
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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Katherine Smith—a 26-year-old from Chatham—pleaded guilty to home invasion in connection with the 2018 robbery and stabbing death of Dohndre Hughes and was sentenced to 13 years in prison; prosecutors said she conspired in the crime without being present during the Jackson Street break-in and credited her with 7½ years in custody, so she is expected to be released later this year. WMAY
- ➤ Former ComEd lobbyist Jay Doherty was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for his role in a bribery scheme involving former Speaker Michael Madigan and will report to prison on Sept. 30—he was the final member of the ComEd Four to be sentenced. 25 News
- ➤ Katherine Smith was sentenced to 13 years in prison for her role in a 2018 home invasion in Springfield that led to a fatal stabbing—she received credit for more than 2,000 days already served so her sentence is nearly complete. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield photographer Jerry Fang won first place in the 8 to 10 division at the Illinois State Fair’s Cream of the Crop photo contest with his photo 'Wheat'—earning a college scholarship—and his win highlights local talent in agriculture. ABC 20
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At Tuesday's Board of Education meeting, union members expressed concerns about teacher contracts and pressed for changes before the school year begins. Springfield Education Association president Aaron Graves said teachers need salary raises and better classroom support — a call for urgent contract resolution. ABC 20
- ➤ Ball-Chatham Community Unit School District #5 has added stop arm extensions (72-inch with LED lighting) to every school bus to boost driver visibility and stop cars from passing illegally. Transportation Director Mark Daley said the district will use camera footage (recording violations) to help police take action. Capitol City Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On August 1, Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 1256 which now lets permanently disabled residents get handicapped parking placards valid for five years instead of one—cutting red tape that once forced extra doctor visits—, state lawmaker Steve McClure said. WYMG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hospital Sisters Health System launched Community Connect (a digital database listing free and reduced-cost programs for financial aid, food pantries, medical care, shelter and transportation) after a community health needs assessment last year. WMAY
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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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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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.
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Springfield Virtual Job Fair
4-6 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Springfield – Convention Ctr by IHG — Free registration — Connect with employers and get AI matched for interviews in a virtual setting.
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Healing Arts Festival
2-10 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Free entry — Experience a vibrant community gathering featuring live music, healthy food, and local art.
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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
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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 grass is greener where you water it.
~ Neil Barringham
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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