Healthy exchange

Who should control Illinois’ public health insurance exchange?

As Illinois and other states rush to implement federal health insurance reforms, consumer advocates say lawmakers shouldn’t allow insurers to make all the decisions.Illinois must create a board

Smart walk

Enos Park uses technology to promote its history

Steve Combs just upgraded his cell phone.Combs, who is president of the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association in Springfield, admits he’s still a bit perplexed by the shiny new device t

Springfield goes to Washington

Local leaders pushing for transportation jobs funding

As lawmakers in Washington, D.C., debate a far-reaching transportation funding measure that could mean jobs for Springfield, government and religious leaders here are making their voices heard in the

Judge sides with Illinois Times reporter on Open Meetings question

Does minimum wage boost help or hurt?

Higher minimum wage doesn’t mean fewer jobs, report says

Increasing the minimum wage doesn’t cause job loss as commonly thought, according to researchers pushing for a higher minimum wage in Illinois. State lawmakers will likely consider a bill this m

Black marshals get their due

Springfield author tours nation to share history

Bass Reeves once single-handedly arrested 19 horse thieves. A deputy U.S. Marshal from 1875 to 1907, Reeves made more than 3,000 arrests and even once arrested his own son who was wanted for murder. B

Ponzi victims seeking restitution and donations

Investigators try to round up stolen funds

He may be no Bernie Madoff, but James U. Dodge of Springfield still managed to scam dozens of people across central Illinois out of almost $1.8 million. And even though Dodge was convicted of two coun

Lawsuit claims Illinois illegally withholds treatment for kids

Proposes better treatment for behavioral disorders

A class action lawsuit against the state of Illinois alleges state welfare agencies illegally withhold treatment for children with emotional and behavioral disorders. The lawsuit could affect more tha

Developer blasts new Enos School plan

District 186 defends decision to build rather than renovate

A Springfield developer with plans to revamp part of the Mid-Illinois Medical District says Springfield School District 186’s plan to replace the current Enos Elementary School is likely to cost

Honor system for air pollution?

Draft permit for coal plant doesn’t require carbon capture

As state regulators prepare to issue a permit for a state-of-the-art “clean coal” plant planned for Taylorville, one environmental group criticizes the proposed permit for not specifically