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🌱 Patch AM: What Springfield’s hospital CEOs say about your future health care access.

And check out Día de los Niños | Day of the Kid on the Springfield Patch calendar

Saturday April 25th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Springfield! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

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In today's newsletter:

  • What Springfield’s hospital CEOs say about your future health care access.
  • Thinking of a getaway? Start with Springfield’s own 20-acre paradise
  • How 20 new state troopers just launched careers from Springfield

Also on today's calendar: Illinois Senior Games and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between a nicely dressed man on a tricycle and a poorly dressed man on a bicycle? 🤔 (Answer below!)


Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 75 and low of 47 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 76, low: 59.
  • Monday: Thunderstorms, some severe, with a high of 78 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Health care leaders convene at Citizens Club (illinoistimes.com) — Springfield’s top health care leaders gathered at the Citizens Club to explain how tight federal reimbursements, Medicaid changes, and rising costs could affect local hospitals, clinics, and taxpayers. CEOs from Memorial Health, Springfield Clinic, HSHS St. John’s, and SIU Medicine stressed collaboration, financial pressures, and the stakes for residents’ access to care in the capital city and central Illinois.    

2. This Stunning 20-Acre Botanical Garden In Illinois Will Take Your Breath Away (familydestinationsguide.com) — Springfield’s Washington Park Botanical Garden invites you to wander 20 acres of conservatory, rose beds, and peaceful walking paths without leaving town. The article walks you through seasonal highlights, the iconic carillon tower, and family-friendly amenities, and encourages Illinois residents to make Springfield’s garden a day-trip destination instead of chasing faraway escapes.    

3. Illinois State Police welcome 20 new troopers from Cadet Class 152 - KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News (kbsi23.com) — Illinois State Police just graduated 20 new troopers at the academy in Springfield, marking the 25th class under Gov. JB Pritzker. The cadets completed 27 weeks of intensive training in law, tactics, and community-focused skills, and will now enter 14 weeks of field work before patrolling on their own across Illinois.    

4. Illinois surgical technologists push for laws requiring certification in operating room (wcia.com) — A statewide push centered in Springfield aims to require certification for surgical technologists working in Illinois operating rooms. Local student Amanda Fox and longtime trainer Brooke Oliver back the proposed Operating Room Safety Act, arguing that standardized education and certification would better protect patients and bring peace of mind to anyone facing surgery here.    


📸 Around Springfield

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!


🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield

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Featured events

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Other local events
    Sunday April 26
  • Celebration of the Arts -- All District Art Show
    Glenwood Intermediate School , 465 Chatham Rd , Chatham
    12:00 pm
  • Friday May 1
  • Illinois Senior Games
    9:00 am
  • Monday May 4
  • Monthly Branch Pickup & Leaf Bag Pickup starts 6 am
    Village of Chatham , 100 N State St , Chatham
  • Saturday May 9
  • Berries & Bubbly
    Old State Capitol State Historic Site , 526 E Adams St , Springfield
    2:00 pm

📣 Springfield Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!


🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.


Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.


💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • They are re-playing my radio interview on NPR tonight at 10, or you can find it any time on their community Voices streaming page.
    I'm a local sci-fi author who is signing my books Saturday at Prarie Archives on the Old Capitol Square, between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. I'm giving… (Nextdoor Laketown)
  • Listen to the WUIS - FM live stream at noon today, there's a replay at ten.
    We talk about my books but also about science fiction in culture. I am a local author of the sci-fi books, 'LAIR' and 'Boring Alice', having a… (Nextdoor Laketown)
  • Lowe's Companies, Inc. posted a job opening for Full Time - Merchandising Service Associate - Day in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Olive Garden Italian Kitchen posted a job opening for Prep Cook 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: A tire. (Thank you Joan B. for sending it in!)Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!


👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.


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