Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local community activists formed the Purple Coalition on Tuesday morning at the Old State Capitol—leader Tiara Standage said the group will build on the work of the Massey Commission using a name that stands for People United for Reform, Power, Liberty and Equity and honors Sonya Massey's favorite color. Members are set to attend sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson’s murder trial for Massey’s shooting death in Peoria beginning Monday. WMAY
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Halloween is two weeks away and Springfield will host five weekend events for all ages—ranging from a jack-o-lantern trail at Washington Park and a witches walk downtown to a social dance, a Frankenstein play with mature themes, and a Papier-Mâché tile workshop. The State Journal-Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The recent Advance Illinois report, The State We’re In, showed that Illinois made gains in early childhood education and college attainment even though K–12 reading, writing, and math scores stayed flat. It reported that college enrollment fell because of high costs and low state support — and Advance Illinois pushed for new funding reforms after the stalled spring legislative session. Capitol News Illinois
- ➤ A new report from Advance Illinois shows that more adults earned college degrees, but students' scores in reading, writing and math stayed flat despite billions spent on public schools—college enrollment dropped from its peak in 2010 and high costs continue to limit progress. The report also noted that lingering effects of COVID-19 still hinder some students’ learning. WYMG
- ➤ The Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom program awarded $668,150 in grants to 80 ag literacy coalitions in 89 counties for the 2025-2026 school year to purchase supplies, train teachers and run farm education programs—this follows last year’s effort that reached nearly 644,000 students and 36,000 teachers statewide. WYMG
- ➤ The Illinois Lottery contributed $784 million to the Common School Fund for K-12 education in fiscal year 2025 as part of $3.76 billion in sales. It reported net proceeds of $796 million—despite a national slowdown—and set a record with $702 million in online sales. Capitol City Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield will install 40 Level 2 electric vehicle charging ports across the city using a $629,000 grant from the Illinois Community Charging Program & will seek more funds to add chargers in underserved areas. The utility will charge a competitive rate per kilowatt and aims to finish construction before the current fiscal year ends. WMAY
- ➤ Collinsville resident Betty Wrigley, 98, was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal for her World War II service as a Rosie the Riveter — Rep. Nikki Budzinski presented the medal at a local event. She began working at the Puget Sound Navy Yard at 15 and helped repair ships damaged in battle. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ State Senator Doris Turner will host a free senior resource fair on November 10th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army on E. Clear Lake Ave — the event will allow seniors to discuss their needs with health care and service providers. WMAY
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2025 GSDCA National Specialty Show
Event duration: Oct 17-25 — Illinois State Fairground — Entry fees vary — Celebrate the love of German Shepherds with competitions and exhibitions.
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Dads to Doulas Workshop
3-8 p.m. — 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL — Free entry — Empower fathers with vital knowledge for maternal health and infant advocacy.
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Wicked Which? Paint Night with Ashley Blake
1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — All ages welcome — Unleash your creativity at a Halloween-themed paint night with Ashley Blake.
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Flight Instructor Refresher Course
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM — Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center — $65 — Enhance your aviation skills with this comprehensive refresher course for flight instructors.
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Ansar Shrine Circus
7-8:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Tickets required — Prepare to be amazed by death-defying acrobats, amazing animal performances, and hilarious clowns.
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Springfield Marathon, Harvest Wind Half Marathon & 10K
8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Danenberger Family Vineyards — Check website for registration — Experience a thrilling day of running with a Boston Marathon qualifying course amidst beautiful vineyards.
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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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