Springfield
Sunrise
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of November.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Communities can prepare for Small Business Saturday, which is on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, by promoting store participation, offering exclusive discounts & setting up festive displays. Local business owners are advised to bundle products and arrange extra staffing to handle the expected holiday crowds. WYMG
- ➤ Local business owners in Springfield will prepare for Small Business Saturday by updating storefronts and offering special deals to draw shoppers. They will boost holiday sales with extra staff and festive decor ahead of the event following Thanksgiving—an important chance to support local trade. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will host winter events with free admission nights and family activities from December through April — events include Nutcracker performances on December 13 and 20, holiday walks on December 6, 13, and 20, a Gold Star Christmas tree lighting on December 8, free ice skating at Union Square, and a model railroad display on December 6. Visitors are encouraged to bring new hygiene items for donation as the museum prepares these holiday celebrations. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Melissa Hostetter—parent and teacher—told District 186 that students use their Chromebooks for games, movies, and emailing friends instead of learning. She urged the board to limit device access for younger students and advised parents to check browsing history after noting a Common Sense Media survey found that 25 percent of teenagers had seen porn on school devices. WYMG
- ➤ Teacher and parent Melissa Hostetter told the District 186 school board that many students used their Chromebooks for games and videos instead of schoolwork. She said the youngest students should not have devices at home and urged parents to check their children’s browsing history — citing a survey that found 25% of teenagers viewed inappropriate content on school computers. WYMG
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois American Water announced on November 19 that eligible customers will receive bill credits as a settlement for PFAS contamination—customers are advised to contact the company to confirm their eligibility and learn about the details. 25 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Commerce Commission sharply cut rate hikes proposed by Nicor and Ameren to slow rising energy bills for customers; it reduced Nicor’s request from $314 million to $168 million and Ameren’s from $129 million to $73 million—measures that critics say urge more cost-effective investments for energy upgrades. Environmental and consumer advocates applauded the decision for promoting energy affordability. Capitol City Now
- ➤ Dr. Sameer Vohra of the Illinois Department of Public Health said a change on the CDC vaccine safety webpage falsely suggests vaccines cause autism, even though many studies show they are safe. He warned that such confusing claims may discourage families from getting routine immunizations (the update was made on Nov. 19). The State Journal-Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The annual Children's Miracle Network Radiothon raised over $150,000 in two days to support pediatric care at HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital in Springfield. The funds will pay for lifesaving equipment, music therapy supplies, and comfort items for young patients. WYMG
- ➤ Springfield Plastics announced a new Sunday Funday event for its Drain for the Cure fundraiser that will add live music and a silent auction to support cancer research at SIU School of Medicine—the event will be held on Nov 23 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Route 66 Motorheads, 600 Toronto Road, with local bands Deja Voodoo and Lick Creek performing for attendees 21 and older at $20 per ticket. The State Journal-Register
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The UIS men’s basketball team played Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at TRAC against Williams Baptist as students, faculty and staff with a Campus Event Pass got free entry while other fans paid at the gate. The Prairie Stars improved their 2—1 record and built team chemistry ahead of conference play starting November 29. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Illinois Springfield senior Madelyn Miller-Ross will compete today at 10:00 a.m. CT in the NCAA Division II Cross Country National Championship at the Wayne E. Dannehl Cross Country Course in Kenosha—Wis. She qualified with a lifetime-best run at the NCAA Midwest Region Championships and will aim for All-American honors in her final collegiate championship race. University of Illinois Springfield
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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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Town Snowman Paint Night With Ashley Blake
1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — Supplies included — Unleash your creativity while painting a winter wonderland masterpiece inspired by Snowman Town.
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