Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mountain is a large five-year-old tabby that arrived as a stray on November 14 and is now available for adoption at the Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center in Springfield. He is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and tests negative for FIV and FeLV, with an adoption fee of $25—ready for a new home. WYMG
- ➤ At Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center, Dusty— a high-energy, friendly dog— has been at the shelter since August 18. He loves outdoor play and needs leash training, and the shelter is open Monday-Wednesday 10:30-4:15 and Saturday 9:00-1:00 as it closes for Thanksgiving. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Copper Coin Ballet will offer free mini-ballet performances of The Nutcracker at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum on December 13 (5:30 p.m.) and December 20 (6:30 p.m.), giving Springfield residents a holiday treat after sold-out shows at the Legacy Theater. WMAY
- ➤ The Springfield Youth Performance Group Foundation announced a holiday production of The Nutcracker on December 6 & December 7 at the Sacred Heart-Griffin Auditorium with performances at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on December 6 and 2 p.m. on December 7. Youth dancers from SYPG and local performers will bring a family-friendly ballet to life with complimentary crafts, activities, and a free children’s library. The Sangamon Reporter
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Panelists at Southern Illinois University’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute discussed challenges facing Illinois higher education and urged using current resources instead of asking for more funds—former lawmaker Jim Nowlan stressed that extra money alone will not solve the issue. Data from Center for Tax and Budget Accountability executive director Ralph Martire showed Illinois maintained a low tax burden compared to neighbors—panelists warned that a sharp drop in 18-year-olds could harm future enrollment. WYMG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Police and IDOT are urging drivers to be cautious this Thanksgiving after last holiday saw more than 2,700 crashes and 15 fatalities — they will add more troopers and work with partners like Lyft to help those planning to drink. WMAY
- ➤ State Sen. Doris Turner has begun her annual holiday card drive to bring cheer to seniors in local long-term care facilities—cards can be mailed or delivered to her Capitol office at 401 S. Spring St., Section F, Office B in Springfield through Dec. 17. WMAY
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coach Matt Brock is in his seventh season at UIS where he builds a top men’s basketball team with standout local talent including Tye Banks — a key player from Lanphier. The Prairie Stars are set to face Cedarville tonight — they will play Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday. WYMG
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The creative adult is the child who survived.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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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