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🌱 Patch AM: Which Springfield tragedies defined 2025—and what questions still remain?

Coming up: First Night Springfield on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
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Hi there, Springfield! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which Springfield tragedies defined 2025—and what questions still remain?
  • Will Springfield beef up traffic enforcement on Wabash and other busy roads?
  • Could that text about your license suspension be a Springfield-based scam?

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 39 and low of 17 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and chilly, temps: high: 31, low: 22.
  • Friday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 37 and low of 21 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 2025 in Review: The Top Five Trending Stories, including Chatham YNOT Crash (newschannel20.com) — Several of 2025’s most impactful stories for our area unfolded in and around Springfield, including an unsolved triple homicide on Hoover Avenue and the conviction of former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson. The recap also revisits the tragic Chatham YNOT crash, devastating tornado damage near Jacksonville, and a Decatur ATV accident, highlighting how Central Illinois communities rallied together after each crisis.
   

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Springfield leaders focus on traffic enforcement amid safety concerns (foxillinois.com) — Springfield officials are zeroing in on traffic enforcement after recent serious crashes on Chatham Road and Wabash Avenue, with residents demanding a stronger police presence on major streets. Police say they’ve added officers and are partnering with county and state agencies, and upcoming January budget talks will determine whether the traffic unit gets more resources to address speeding and safety concerns citywide.
   

3. Illinoisans warned of scam texts threatening license suspension (newschannel20.com) — State officials in Springfield are warning residents about scam text messages that falsely claim you owe money for traffic or toll violations and threaten to suspend your license or registration. The Secretary of State’s office says it never texts about such issues, only about DMV appointments, and urges you to ignore links and report suspicious messages to the Federal Trade Commission.
   

4. Gov. Pritzker selects Morrison native to be Assistant Adjutant General - Air of the Illinois National Guard (shawlocal.com) — Springfield’s Air National Guard operations will soon fall under newly promoted Brig. Gen. Steven Rice, whom Gov. JB Pritzker has tapped as Assistant Adjutant General – Air. Rice will oversee plans and readiness for nearly 3,000 Guard personnel at Scott Air Force Base, Peoria, and Springfield, shaping how local air units train, deploy, and support future missions.
   

5. Local woman shares her experience as a foster parent with the help of a local organization (wandtv.com) — A Springfield foster parent is sharing how local nonprofit The James Project helps her care for children placed in her home, from emergency cribs to finding a larger house. Her story highlights the need for more foster families in Sangamon County, where hundreds of kids remain in DCFS care, and encourages residents who feel called to step up despite fears or uncertainty.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Georgie the cat is missing!
    He’s big, gray, about a year old, and super friendly. His left ear is clipped due to being a stray in the past. He isn’t microchipped. If you spot… (Nextdoor Laketown)
  • Hi Neighbors, my name is Yossy.
    Unfortunately I lost my cat Banana. He is an indoor cat, he’s very friendly, sweet, adorable and talkative. We apologize in advance if you see me… (Nextdoor West Side Koke Mill)
  • Lincoln Land Community College, IL posted a job opening for Logger Activities Board, Student Worker in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Altorfer, Inc. posted a job opening for Tool Crib Attendant in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.

Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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