Springfield
Sunrise
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Springfield news station was drawn into a free speech controversy when former Marketplace anchor Beni Harmony resigned on Sept. 15 after airing a tribute to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, even though the station said it had not fired anyone in 90 days. Tyler Robinson turned himself in on Sept. 11 and faced seven felony charges including aggravated murder—local officials said they will seek the death penalty. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ October in Springfield will offer many fall events—ranging from horse shows and garish haunted houses to historical tours and local festivals—for families seeking seasonal fun. The month-long lineup includes a Halloween Parade and community gatherings at local venues. WYMG
- ➤ Driver Engineer Jake Perkins of the Springfield Fire Department and Officer Jared Spaid of the Springfield Police Department were honored with the Life Saving Award after quickly responding to a medical emergency call— their decisive actions made a critical difference. ABC 20
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance will launch a free monthly workshop series to help local entrepreneurs and small business owners improve business skills and network—registration is required for attendance. The program covers topics such as site selection, data tools, and local incentives with the first session scheduled for Thursday, September 25. ABC 20
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Public School District 186 is asking for public input to help choose a new superintendent after Jennifer Gill retires at the end of the school year—an online survey is available until September 27. WMAY
- ➤ University of Illinois Springfield has begun construction on a new Library Commons—a $42.5 million, 52,000-square-foot building—that will open in fall, and the building is located between the Student Union and the Health Sciences building. This project aims to prepare students for future careers, following current employer expectations. WYMG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Better Newspapers Inc sold eight papers from central and southern regions to Paxton Media Group without giving the 120 days’ notice required by the new Strengthening Community Media Act, and local clerks and journalists said they only learned of the sale when it was announced. Sen. Steve Stadelman said the lack of enforcement means lawmakers may review the law soon — local stakeholders now wonder how future sales will be handled. WYMG
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Crews began demolishing the 160-foot tall Smokestack at the former Pillsbury Mills site on Sept. 18th—crowds watched along Phillips Avenue as the work started. The State Journal-Register
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Sacred Heart-Griffin beat Quincy Notre Dame 42—26 as junior quarterback Cam Brinkman and wide receiver Andrew Wolters led the game with key scores. Brinkman finished with 183 yards and two touchdowns while Wolters caught six passes for 123 yards and two scores, helping secure the win. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ The Illinois Springfield men’s cross country team participated in the Bradley Intercollegiate on Sept. 19 at Detweiller Park in Peoria, where the men’s 8K race began at 5:15 p.m.—a partial squad of underclassmen gained valuable experience among over 20 competing teams. Fans parked at the venue and checked Shazam Racing for race results. University of Illinois Springfield
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Pumpkin Spice Gnome Paint Night with Ashley Blake
1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — Cost includes materials — Paint a cozy Pumpkin Spice Gnome and enjoy fall vibes with fellow art lovers.
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Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale
11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Entry fee may apply — Check out an impressive array of timepieces and collectibles at this unique local event.
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No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout 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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