Cover Story
“A message of freedom and joy”
Observations from the reporter I was sent by Illinois Times to cover the entire Democratic National Convention. I was one person from a local newspaper competing with more than 15,000 journalists, many of them part of well-staffed operations numbering in the dozens. We operated out of a media city that included a city-block-size white tent…
City council delays vote on prohibiting “public camping”
The Springfield City Council delayed a vote Sept. 3 on a controversial ordinance that would make “public camping” illegal and heard three hours of complaints from people who said the measure would be counterproductive and cruel to people experiencing homelessness. “This is not a motivation to get off the streets,” Joshua Leingang told the council…
State law banning concealed carry on public transit ruled unconstitutional
A federal judge in Rockford has declared a state law banning concealed firearms on public transit systems unconstitutional – at least as it applies to four individuals who challenged it in court. But the law remains in effect for everyone else as the parties in the case consider their next steps. In a decision released…
Regulating ‘public camping’
A proposed ordinance intended to help police get rid of homeless encampments on public land would declare them illegal and make violators subject to as much as $750 in fines and two years in jail. The proposal, scheduled for emergency passage by the Springfield City Council at its 5:30 p.m. meeting on Sept. 3, has…
Democrats emphasize concept of freedom
Several stories and columns appeared in the national news media shortly before and during the recent Democratic National Convention about Vice President Kamala Harris’ emphasis on the concept of “freedom” in her speeches and messaging. Convention delegates in Chicago hoisted signs with the word “Freedom” on them all week. Oprah Winfrey even talked about freedom…
Out of the ashes
The 911 call came in at 10:29 a.m. June 19 – someone in one of the apartments near Café Moxo smelled smoke. Two Springfield firefighters arrived and wandered about the apartment but couldn’t detect anything of concern. They ended up leaving after 20 minutes. About 45 minutes after the initial call, the building at 413-415…
Inspired by Emma
Lucy Schmadeke, a Springfield High School sophomore who turns 15 this weekend, is determined to “be like Emma.” The late Emma Shafer, Lucy’s babysitter for five years, inspired Lucy’s love of the arts, performing and big cities, along with her drive to make the world a better place. “Emma was like a sister to me;…
‘Slated’ GOP candidates to remain on ballot, despite new law
A law banning political parties from waiting until after the primary election to place a state legislative candidate on the general election ballot won’t keep any Republicans from running this November. The Illinois Supreme Court and State Board of Elections each made rulings Aug. 23 ensuring that a law rushed through by Democrats in May…
Editors note 8/29/24
A highlight of the Democratic National Convention was its showcase for Republicans, or former Republicans, who are dismayed about the direction their party has taken. One who spoke was former Illinois congressman Adam Kinzinger, the six-term Republican from the Joliet area who was a member of the House committee to investigate Jan. 6. “As a…
Disney’s Mary Poppins dances on air
I’m guessing most people are familiar with some aspect of the show Mary Poppins: either the beloved children’s book by P.L. Travers, the iconic Walt Disney film, or at the very least, the fact that Dick Van Dyke is still alive and entertaining at 98 years old. The live production captivated Broadway audiences for over…
Summer’s-end music
Just in case you’re a little like me in wondering how in the world did the summer go flying by, wake up and smell the ragweed, it’s Labor Day weekend already. After a few weeks of unseasonably mild weather, we’ve got a scorcher going now. So cool your jets, then let’s see what’s playing in…
Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival in 14th year
It’s once again time for the Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival at the Inn at 835. The event, now in its 14th year, has raised more than $170,000 for local charities. Festival organizers will prepare thousands of oysters for the event. Now that’s a lot of oyster shucking and char-grilling. The event will feature 150…
Milk Ad, by Ron Dougan, Jackie’s Dad
“A big storm like we had this week always makes me feel great! I like to buck a tough day. Tuesday morning at three o’clock we started out with men and horses to get the milk through. Trucks wasn’t worth nothin’ in them drifts ’till we got the road broke. A job like the milk…
Letters to the editor 8/29/24
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. — NEED LANDLORD REGISTRATION Many kudos to Dean Olsen and Illinois Times for the excellent article, “Battling Blight,” Aug. 15. As someone who loves Springfield and enjoys living on the southeast side of our city,…
Being “doers of the word”
Years ago, a brother Dominican claimed Aristotle was supposed to have said, “Laughter is the mind’s ascent to truth.” I take his word for it, because I’ve never been able to find proof. But it accords with my experience. When a laugh reverberates through me without warning, something has rung the bell of truth. This…
Community is in our name
Lincoln Land Community College is known for its transfer degrees and its workforce and health care training, but do you know about all the other classes, workshops and learning opportunities designed for ages ranging from 5 to 105? As our name suggests, the LLCC Community Education Department is here to serve the community. These classes…
Ongoing protests at the DNC
Every formal event during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was accompanied by boisterous, but largely peaceful, protests. The first and largest protest on Monday began in the city’s Union Park followed by a march toward the United Center where most of the formal convention activities were held. The crowd was well below half…
Everything basil
After three months of nurturing and coaxing the vegetable garden in my tiny backyard, I’m finally rewarded by a bounty of produce. Throughout the summer, I’ve been snipping and rooting basil sprigs. Now the progeny of my original basil plant has grown into a lush and verdant patch of a dozen plants. The days are…
Slingshot an effective sci-fi journey, Believe strikes out
Slingshot’s journey an unexpected trip inwards The seed is planted early in Mikael Hafstrom’s Slingshot that something is amiss. We’re made to know that the side effects from the drugs used on the astronauts in question can be severe, hallucinations being at the top of the list. R. Scott Adams and Nathan Parker’s script exploits…
