Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Doris Turner joined others as the Illinois Life and Health Insurance Council donated 50 turkeys for St. John’s Breadline’s Thanksgiving meal, ensuring those without family can share in the holiday. The free meal will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 27—leftovers will be available for takeout. WYMG
- ➤ Downtown Springfield, Inc. announced it will change its nonprofit status from a membership-based 501(c)(6) to a community-focused 501(c)(3) to better support downtown. The change allows the group to seek grants and forge new partnerships while hosting discussions—covering arts, culture, beautification, youth, business, and food initiatives—in the coming weeks. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Springfield Plastics will host Drain for the Cure at Route 66 Motorheads on November 23 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.—live music from Deja Voodoo and Lick Creek and a silent auction will raise funds for research at Simmons Cancer Institute. Tickets are $20 and the 21+ event will support cancer research efforts in our community. WYMG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On November 18, the city council approved plans for an outdoor fitness court in Nor that local officials say will serve as an ultimate wellness hub—often called an adult jungle gym for exercise. The project will add modern equipment and design features to help residents stay active. 25 News
- ➤ Springfield has designated eight locations as warming centers for winter months—each center operating during normal business hours to offer residents a warm refuge. The list includes Municipal Center East at 800 E. Monroe, Municipal Center West at 300 S. Seventh, Lincoln Library at 326 S. Seventh, Office of Community Relations at 1450 Groth Street, Helping Hands at 2200 Shale, Salvation Army at 1600 Clearlake, Washington Street Mission at 408 N. 4th and St. John’s Breadline at 430 N. 5th. ABC 20
- ➤ IDOT is launching its annual winter weather driving campaign—Winter Weather Get It Together—to urge drivers to allow extra time, slow down, and leave more space between vehicles. State Police and highway workers say giving plows enough room is key for safe travel this winter. WMAY
- ➤ On Monday, about 60 people from 26 countries became United States citizens at the Old State Capitol when U.S. District Judge Colleen Lawless administered the Oath of Allegiance—an important step in their journey. The ceremony marked a key moment in their path to full citizenship. WMAY
- ➤ Walnut Street in Springfield is closed — from Edwards Street to Williams Boulevard — for sewer main repairs. WMAY
- ➤ Illinois officials are urging drivers to prepare for winter weather by slowing down, inspecting vehicles, and having an emergency kit ready — state agencies will deploy nearly 1,900 trucks and use 542,000 tons of salt to keep roads safe. Capitol City Now
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Memorial Hospital was ranked number 21 out of 213 hospitals in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report and earned high marks in nine treatment areas such as cancer and heart surgery — hospital president Jay Roszhart said the ranking shows the strong work of its teams. The Sangamon Reporter
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Chad Jones, head coach for LLCC Women’s Basketball, was named to the IBCA 2026 Hall of Fame and his induction will be celebrated on May 2 at the CEFCU Arena—he has won 427 games since he began coaching in 2001. WYMG
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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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Frostbite Festival
9 a.m. — AMF Springfield Lanes — Check event page for registration costs — Participate in the 62nd annual Frostbite Festival with 2 mile and 10 mile races.
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Holiday Cheer Paint Night with Ashley Blake
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Free entry — Unleash your inner artist and get festive with a fun paint night experience.
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Dual Piano Christmas
7 p.m. — Hoogland Center For The Arts — Ticketed event — Experience an evening of holiday favorites and comedic improvisation on dual pianos.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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