Springfield Sunrise Logo Springfield Sunrise

Saturday, October 25th, 2025

SHARE

Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 25th of October.

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Springfield is gearing up for a tourism boost in 2026 as the Route 66 centennial and the opening of Scheels Sports Park will draw international visitors; Scott Dahl of the Convention and Visitors Bureau said the city spent eight years improving attractions like the Illinois State Fairgrounds Route 66 Experience + Bob Waldmire exhibit.  WYMG

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Stacy Davis Gates was elected as the new leader of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and called on lawmakers to tax billionaires and corporations to boost school funding; union members will meet at the Statehouse on Oct 29 to lobby for a fair tax code. Her team includes Cyndi Oberle-Dahm, Pankaj Sharma, and John Miller—each set to improve education funding across the state.  25 News

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • A federal judge is expected to rule in the coming weeks on Illinois’ law that bans banks from charging fees on the tax and tip portions of debit and credit card transactions — the law was included in the state’s FY2025 budget last May and its start date was delayed to allow legal challenges. Lawmakers and financial institutions have clashed over the measure, which could become the first of its kind if upheld.  25 News
  • State Rep. Mike Coffey met with Express Employment Professionals leaders in the 95th District during his Mike on Main Street tours to learn how state policies have challenged business growth — he said that red tape could slow job creation in Springfield.  ABC 20
  • Illinois State Police have warned local drivers to watch for deer during fall when deer are most active. The Department of Natural Resources noted that most deer accidents occur between 5-8 a.m. and 5-10 p.m.—so drivers should use caution near woodlots and fields.  25 News

HEALTH NEWS

  • The University of Illinois Springfield will unveil a bright yellow bench designed to raise suicide prevention awareness at noon on October 27 on the southeast corner of University Hall’s sidewalk—donated by Josh’s Benches, a nonprofit that spreads mental health information. A mental health check-in event will follow on the Student Union north patio where attendees can enjoy coloring, journaling and snacks.  WAND-TV

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • In September, Sangamon County's median home list price dropped to $201,111—a 4.7% decrease from August as new listings numbered 224. Homes averaged 1,809 square feet at $112 per square foot, reflecting slow changes in the local market.  The State Journal-Register

SPORTS NEWS

  • The UIS men’s cross country team will race in the GLVC Championship today at Lewis Cross Country Course in Romeoville with the 8K starting at 10:30 a.m. CT under cool, cloudy conditions. The team is ranked third in the preseason poll—mixing experienced runners and newcomers who helped post a strong finish in a recent meet.  University of Illinois Springfield
  • The UIS Athletics Department announced that tickets are on sale for the 2025-26 men's and women's basketball seasons at TRAC. The men's team will open on Nov. 18 at 7:00 p.m. against Judson University and the women's team will start on Nov. 22 at 1:00 p.m., while single tickets cost from $5 for youth to $15 for reserved seating — season passes offer discounted rates.  University of Illinois Springfield

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sun, 10/26/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Wed, 11/5/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 11/7/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 11/8/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 11/15/25

    View event
  • Live Music at BuzzBomb with Ryne Thorson

    8-9 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Cost info not provided — Enjoy live music performances while savoring craft brews.

    Sat, 11/22/25

    View event

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

Start with repetition, not perfection.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
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.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Springfield and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Springfield Sunrise

A free Springfield community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here