Thursday, November 6th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 6th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield will host its fifth annual Pumpkin Smash on Nov. 8 at Lake Springfield Beach House—240 Long Bay Drive—with free document shredding from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a food drive running until 3 p.m. to help the Central Illinois Foodbank. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ UIS student-athletes made over 1,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for PB&J Springfield (with help from Hy-Vee) on Civic Engagement Day to feed local food programs. More teams will join the effort next week (adding to the ongoing service) to support area organizations. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Wenonah Bish, born in Springfield in 1912 and once cited as the fifth oldest in the U.S., died in her sleep at The Villas Senior Care Community in Sherman on Nov. 1—she turned 113 a month earlier and her funeral will be held at Staab Funeral Home with visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. and a service at 10 a.m. on Nov. 10. The State Journal-Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Museum will mark the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in 2026 by launching an online Route 66 Oral History Project database — featuring video interviews and written transcriptions from those who experienced the highway’s early days. The museum said the new content will help preserve the road’s legacy and promote its historical significance. WYMG
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Horace Mann Educators Corp. reported a third-quarter profit of $58.3 million and revenue of $438.5 million in Springfield, with earnings per share of $1.40 and adjusted earnings of $1.36—its forecast for full-year earnings ranged from $4.50 to $4.70 per share. WYMG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Senator Doris Turner will host a resource fair for seniors and caregivers at the Salvation Army of Springfield on November 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.—attendees will meet local and state service providers for support and assistance. The Sangamon Reporter
- ➤ After nearly seven years of legal issues, the City of Springfield gained control of parts of the troubled Olde Towne Apartments complex near Jefferson Street and Bruns Lane, setting the stage for redevelopment. Five buildings will be demolished for safety reasons — and seven others are already being removed to improve the site. WYMG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ OSF Healthcare has named Dr. James L. McGee as president of its Cancer Institute—he led as director since February 2024 and will expand advanced treatments and research to improve patient care in Central Illinois. 25 News
- ➤ The FDA announced that Moonlight Companies voluntarily recalled peach salsa sold under the brands Snowfruit Peach Salsa and Supreme Produce from Kroger and Mariano’s in Illinois and nine other states due to a risk of listeria. Affected clear plastic 14- and 16-ounce grab-n-go containers with sell-by dates of Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 — customers are urged to check their refrigerators and dispose of any found products. WAND-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UIS volleyball player Makenna Cox was named the Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month after she recorded 144 kills, 123 digs, 19 service aces, 17 blocks and 19 assists during the month—she became the second-ever winner and will be recognized at the end-of-year UIS Athletics banquet. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Registration is open for the UIS-BOS Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning at UIS— the race starts at 8:00 a.m. at TRAC with a $35 fee for both in-person and virtual options to support the UIS Cross Country and Track & Field Program. Participants who register by Nov. 14 will be guaranteed a long-sleeve Turkey Trot T-shirt. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Glenwood head coach Mike Garber said his girls cross country team is one of the favorites to win the 2A state title this weekend in Peoria—he detailed their focused training and strong expectations in an in-depth interview. The team will compete against top rivals as they prepare for the state meet. WMAY
- ➤ Normal U-High beat Springfield High in the Southeast Sectional volleyball semifinal at Herb Scheffler Gymnasium using an 8-3 run in the second set—earning a chance to face Morton today at 6 p.m. in the sectional championship. The State Journal-Register
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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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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.
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Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo
5-9 p.m. — Henson Robinson Zoo — Entry Fee Applicable — Experience a magical stroll through thousands of lights and delightful holiday treats.
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Elmo and Friends Say Hello
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Family-friendly event — Sing, dance, and play alongside Elmo and friends in a fun celebration on Sesame Street.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
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Reveal the authorAbout Springfield Sunrise
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