Springfield
Sunrise
Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 9th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Illinois honored military families on Monday as the Gold Star Christmas tree was lit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. Officials from the National Guard and Veterans Affairs led the ceremony and displayed an ornament for each fallen service member. Capitol City Now
- ➤ Downtown Holiday Walks continue through Dec. 20 in downtown — featuring themed events, Santa visits and special deals on Wednesday nights and Saturday middays. The events help local businesses recover after a snowy Small Business Saturday affected shoppers. WYMG
- ➤ Scheels Sports Park in Springfield will hold its soft opening this weekend, with free entry to the Midwest Open Indoor Archery Tournament and a vendor fair featuring over 50 local small businesses operating Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. WMAY
- ➤ Sangamon County Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield offers Crackles — a 13-month-old long-haired stray who is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and cleared for FIV/FELV — for adoption at a $25 fee available until Dec. 31. WYMG
- ➤ A 109,000-pound pork donation from the Illinois Pork Producers Association will give a pound of ground pork to each of 14,000 families Monday at the Central Illinois Foodbank—part of the Pork Power campaign to fight hunger and support local hog farmers. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 4 to 6, join the Holiday Walks at Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space on Adams St where local business owners offer festive holiday specials and share community stories amid twinkling lights and carolers. WNNS
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois State Board of Education is developing a comprehensive numeracy plan after public hearings on a draft that showed math scores lagging behind English. A second draft will be presented in February and a final version is expected in June. WMAY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ UIS researcher Kyle Blount co-authored two studies that guide cities to manage extreme heat and water challenges. His May research found shade data explained 70% of street temperature variation — while his November study urges integrating engineering, ecology and equity in urban water planning. University of Illinois Springfield
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Police held their 2024 Awards Ceremony in Springfield, honoring staff and families (including troopers, telecommunicators, and forensic scientists) for their commitment to public safety, with Director Brendan F. Kelly praising their dedication to integrity, service, and pride. WYMG
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ ImpactLife urges local residents to donate blood as donation rates drop before the holidays. Regional manager Michelle Trunnell said busy schedules lower donations & community drives are vital to keep local blood supplies safe. WYMG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UIS athletics is busy as women's basketball resumes Sunday, Dec. 14 at home against Roosevelt and the team gears up for additional winter break games, including Education Day on Thursday, Dec. 18 and a Holiday Game on Sunday, Dec. 21 at TRAC (festive atmosphere expected). University of Illinois Springfield
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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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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
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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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