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Thursday, August 14th, 2025

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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.

CULTURE NEWS

  • Jenna Broom shared her favorite Fair traditions and described her role organizing the Levitt AMP Music Series today—her dedication helps the series thrive and unites the community.  WNNS

EDUCATION NEWS

  • The Springfield Education Association ratified a new two-year contract Tuesday—before District 186 approved it during a Tuesday evening special session. The agreement raises certified staff's base pay by 4% in the first year and will cost about $5.6 million, replacing the expired three-year deal.  WMAY

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • SMTD will close its Customer Service window and indoor public space at the Transfer Center beginning Friday, August 15th through Monday, August 18th for air conditioning repairs—bus service and ticket vending machines will remain active and app sales will continue.  WMAY
  • Governor Pritzker signed Sonya's Law, which requires stricter background checks for police candidates after Sonya Massey was killed by a deputy. Attorney Benjamin Crump—who has represented the Massey family—said the law is set to serve as a national model and may lead to similar changes in other states.  WYMG

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 8/16/25

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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.

    Fri, 8/22/25

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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.

    Sat, 8/23/25

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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.

    Tue, 8/26/25

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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.

    Sat, 8/30/25

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  • Illinois Prairie Pastel Society 'Pastel Play' Member Show

    10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Athens Municipal Library — Free entry — Explore vibrant pastel artworks during this engaging member exhibition.

    Tue, 9/2/25

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  • Tour de Heartland

    8 AM – 1 PM — Historic Marbold Farmstead — Registration fee applies — Enjoy a bike ride fundraiser supporting the Historic Marbold Farmstead Association.

    Sat, 9/6/25

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  • Illinois Senior Games

    9 AM – 6 PM — Iles Park — Registration open — Compete in various sports including pickleball during this exciting senior Olympics event.

    Fri, 9/12/25

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  • Art Spectacular

    10 a.m.–5 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate 20 years of art and music at Central Illinois' premier fine art fair featuring local and regional artists.

    Sat, 9/13/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The cure for pain is in the pain.

~ Rumi

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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