Springfield
Sunrise
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Land of Lincoln Honor Flight will end its 2025 season on October 21 with Mission #76 that will carry 93 Vietnam-era veterans from 62 Illinois communities and guests from Texas and Florida on a journey to Washington — veterans will depart at 4:00 a.m. from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield and return at 9:30 p.m.; local community members are encouraged to attend a welcome home ceremony. The Sangamon Reporter
- ➤ Washington Park is hosting the Jack-o'-Lantern Spectacular today through Saturday when over 2,500 hand-carved pumpkins will light up the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM—free shuttles run from the old Ashley’s Furniture Store and proceeds support upgrades and educational projects. WYMG
- ➤ The Animal Protective League of Springfield and Sangamon County will host the Boo Bark Howl-o-ween event tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the front lawn at 1001 Taintor Rd.—dogs and their owners can join a pet costume contest, trick-or-treat path, PAW-casso booth and Kids Zone for pumpkin painting with admissions of $3 for one dog or $5 for two, and proceeds will benefit animals in care. ABC 20
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois deer hunting season will open with a firearm period on Nov 21–23 and continue with additional dates, including a muzzleloader season on Dec 12–14 while archery hunting runs through Nov 20—hunters need proper permits and must follow strict rules on harvest limits and equipment use. The State Journal-Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Commerce Commission will decide around December 1 on a proposal that would cut Ameren’s planned $129 million gas rate hike by about $44 million—an order welcomed by the Citizens Utility Board, though they say the reduction does not go far enough. Advocacy groups want a two-thirds cut to better protect consumers as Ameren’s profits have risen. WYMG
- ➤ Illinois manufacturers told lawmakers on Thursday that tariffs are raising raw material and equipment costs—making it hard for companies to plan future spending. The tourism sector is expected to see fewer international visitors from Canada as officials warn that higher visa fees and longer wait times could further impact travel. WAND-TV
- ➤ City Water, Light and Power said the water main relocation will close the North Grand Avenue and 11th Street intersection on Springfield’s north side after Lanphier High School dismisses today — detour signs are posted. The intersection will reopen at the end of Saturday’s work day. WMAY
- ➤ Illinoisans will stop getting SNAP benefits on Nov. 1 if the federal government does not reopen — which will affect 1.9 million people and leave the state unable to cover the more than $350 million a month cost of the program. Gov. Pritzker criticized officials for delaying the reopening while the Illinois Department of Human Services awaits federal funding. The State Journal-Register
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Lady is a gentle 10-year-old beagle who loves finding the comfiest spot on the couch and shows loyal companionship once she warms up—she is housebroken and prefers a quiet home without other pets. WNNS
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ DP, Leanna and Michael discussed the week eight high school football matchups between Sangamo and Central State Eight with only two weeks left in the regular season, and fans can submit their picks for a chance to win a $30 D’Arcy’s Pint gift certificate each week or for the season prize + the contest runs until the season ends. WNNS
- ➤ The Illinois Springfield women’s soccer team won two road games last week and moved into the GLVC top 10 with eight season points. They will host Maryville today at 5:00 p.m. and McKendree on Oct 19 at 12:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium — a key home weekend that could boost their final tournament push. University of Illinois Springfield
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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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Firefighters' Lake Club Trivia Night
7-10 p.m. — Firefighters Lake Club — $10 entry — Challenge your knowledge with general trivia and compete for cash prizes.
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