Springfield
Sunrise
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 2nd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Fitzy is a 10-year-old all white cat who returned to the Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center on November 3 after his owner passed away; he is neutered, microchipped, and tested negative for FIV and FeLV, and his adoption fee is $25. He is now ready for a new home. WYMG
- ➤ Al is a playful dog at Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center who has waited since July 23 without anyone visiting him—volunteers urge local residents to meet him during shelter hours from Monday-Friday 10:30 to 4:15 and Saturday 9:00 to 1:00. Capitol City Now
- ➤ Hy-Vee and Hormel are giving away free hams tomorrow at 4 p.m. outside JCPenney at 1201 S. Dirksen Pkwy in Springfield — 200 hams will be offered until 6 p.m. or until they run out — to help families fight food insecurity this holiday season. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Al has been at Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center since July 23 but no one has asked to meet him. Volunteers say he loves playing outdoors and frolicking in the snow—details that support his feature as Dog of the Week for the holidays. WYMG
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ameren Illinois said its residential gas customers in central and southern Illinois will face an extra $3.65 on their bills in January after the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $73 million rate increase that is over 40% lower than originally requested. The company explained its natural gas storage fields help keep winter fuel prices steady — a strategy that reduces overall supply costs. WYMG
- ➤ Ameren Illinois warns customers to be cautious of utility scams during the upcoming holiday season—scammers may call, visit, or email asking for immediate payment or personal details. Community relations executive Abby Helm said that urgent requests should be treated as red flags and advised contacting Ameren to verify any unexpected communications. WYMG
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ City Water, Light and Power opened applications for Project RELIEF on December 1 to help households pay past-due utility bills as winter energy costs are rising. Eligible customers must first complete LIHEAP and then call the appointment line at (217) 789-2414 to schedule a meeting, while meeting income and other guidelines for assistance funded by community donations. The Sangamon Reporter
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ St. John's College of Nursing earned the Top Nursing College 2025 award by Education Insider magazine for its strong academics and clinical training. Founded in 1886 by Hospital Sisters of St. Francis—this college has grown its enrollment and improved nurse exam scores as it continues to serve Springfield students. The Sangamon Reporter
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A former owner of Ameren Illinois agreed to a $38 million settlement that will give more than $33 million in one-time credits to electric customers this month after allegations of market manipulation in 2015—approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The credits will also be shared with regional electric agencies. WYMG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UIS men's basketball hosted GLVC opponent William Jewell (2-3) at the TRAC on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. for a White Out game, and the Prairie Stars (4-2) came off an 86-76 win at UMSL with strong plays from Alex Stell and Isaiah Davis as they aimed to return to the GLVC Tournament. University of Illinois Springfield
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
New Year’s Eve Celebration with Lick Creek
7-8:30 p.m. — Boondocks — Ticket required — Celebrate New Year’s Eve with live country rock music from Lick Creek in Springfield.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well.
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.
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.
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
Sitemap: https://springfieldsunrise.com/sitemap