Cover Story
Getting right with Native Americans
Amid the annual bustle at the Illinois Capitol during the legislative session’s midpoint, a sea of color and singing filled the rotunda on a sunny March day. Attendees of the 2025 Native American Summit, organized by the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative, were draped in regalia and leading a drum ceremony for the first time…
Massey Commission makes plans for work to continue
Members of the Massey Commission, which is nearing an imposed deadline to submit a report of findings and recommendations, argue creating meaningful solutions for Springfield will require more than just one year of discussions. Next month, the group will host members of the Ferguson Commission to discuss transitioning the commission into a nonprofit. “(Sonya’s cousin)…
‘Democracy is pissed and she’s raining’
Heavy rain and booming thunder did not stop protesters from showing up to the Illinois State Capitol for a rally Saturday honoring the legacy of U.S. Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis. Cheered on by the honking of passing cars, the crowd donned umbrellas and signs as they gathered in front of the statue…
Humility: The endangered virtue
Country music is not my favorite genre. However, there is one country song that never fails to bring a smile to my face each time I hear it. That song, “(Always Stay) Humble and Kind,” is sung by Tim McGraw but it was written by Lori McKenna, a mother of five, and it’s easy to…
United Way to host Community Listening Sessions
United Way of Central Illinois will be hosting Community Listening Sessions and a companion Community Survey to gather input directly from residents across Sangamon and Menard Counties. These efforts aim to better understand the challenges facing local families and identify where the greatest needs and gaps exist. Then, United Way can continue to direct grant…
Fights continue over RTA funding
The Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois and the Regional Transportation Authority agree that a change to Illinois’ sales tax law will net the RTA an additional $150 million this year and another $225 million next year. That money will drastically reduce the impact of the looming $770 million “fiscal cliff,” which begins in January. The extra…
Kidzeum holds ribbon cutting for Route 66 exhibit
Kidzeum of Health and Science is holding a seven-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20. The weekend will feature live performances, hands-on science programs, games, giveaways and the grand opening of the brand-new Route 66-themed exhibition, The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66. Admission is free on Saturday, while Sunday will…
Creative Reuse Marketplace relocates to White Oaks Mall
Creative Reuse Marketplace has reopened in White Oaks Mall on the upper level next to Malibu Jack’s. CRM is much more than a retail store. It is a nonprofit organization that inspires creativity, provides a place to donate items for reuse, keeps materials out of the landfill and engages in educational programs with art as…
Illinois bet on solar to meet its climate goals. Trump has the industry in his crosshairs.
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans earlier this month curtailed federal tax incentives for the solar energy industry and for individuals and companies that purchase solar panels. The move sent shockwaves through the industry nationwide, pulling key incentives for major projects and residential rooftop solar alike. But in Illinois, members of the industry say state…
Illinois measles outbreak “officially over”
Ule James remembers when there was no vaccine for measles. Growing up as a child in the 1960s, he said it was fairly common for people to experience bouts of disease from the deadly virus. “Back then, it was like, ‘It’s just measles. All the kids get measles, who cares?'” James said. The first measles…
Higher hotel taxes won’t bring more visitors
From Route 66 nostalgia and Abraham Lincoln sites to a vibrant dining scene and a new sports park that is poised to make our city a regional destination, Springfield has a lot to offer visitors. Yet, what should be our crown jewel – our beautiful and historic downtown – has become stagnant in recent years…
Eddington examines divisions, Old Guard 2 a rote action film
Aster’s Eddington provides an uncomfortable reflection The first film to take a deep dive into how the Covid-19 crisis affected the U.S., Ari Aster’s Eddington is an uncompromising examination of the divisions that tore communities apart and its continuing repercussions. Though a piece of fiction, Aster and his cast capture the sense of angst that…
Editors note 7/17/25
National media report that some conservatives are blending, not only religion and politics, but also are including exercise and diet in the mix. “Less Prozac, more protein,” was a theme at the Young Women’s Leadership Summit hosted by conservative group Turning Point USA, reports the New York Times. The message was that women who lift…
Another Letter From Grandpa
“My Dear boy Trever, regarding your studies And coming exams I want to say steady boy, Don’t be afraid, fear will beat you. You have done good honest work and if you should fail I have nothing against you. You have made a good fight. If you were to fail because of sporting and bumming…
Letters to the editor 7/17/25
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. — BROADER PROBLEM “Mental health is a community responsibility” is a good article (July 3). The topic deserves deeper examination, but not necessarily as a promotion for a tax increase. The problem is not unique…
Comptroller Mendoza won’t run for reelection, opening up statewide office
After almost a decade, Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza will not seek another term as the state’s chief financial officer. Mendoza, who took office in December 2016 after beating an ally of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in a special election, has overseen the state’s financial systems through both the COVID-19 pandemic and the worst budget…
Back-to-school events, meals and union contract negotiations
Free summer meals for kids, on-site physicals and immunizations, and a brand new back-to-school event with 70-plus community vendors and 500 backpack giveaways — there’s a lot happening as the new school year approaches. The board also shared key dates for registration and orientation, including special events for incoming 6th and 9th graders to help…
Council calls for changes on derelict properties, urges support for downtown
A sign variance for a taller-than-approved billboard sparked debate at the council meeting. One member argued the owner acted in good faith and that safety concerns were inconclusive, while a resident pushed back, warning about driver distraction and urging limits on how often the sign changes. The council ultimately approved the variance. Frustration boiled over…
Hot pepper vinegar
I just picked our first garden tomato of the season. Bright red and perfectly vine-ripened, it went straight into the kitchen. For this first, almost ceremonial tomato experience of the year I always keep it very simple: lightly toasted white sandwich bread, a generous smear of Duke’s Mayo and an excessive pile of sliced tomatoes…
Oklahoma!: An old-fashioned treat at The Muni
Oklahoma! debuted on Broadway more than 80 years ago, and its celebration of small-town life and enduring American spirit has made it a cornerstone in the community theater repertoire. The Muni’s co-directing team, Ann Opferman and Gil Opferman, have been involved with four productions of Oklahoma! during their lifetimes. “There are still 700-plus productions of…
Festival news and more
Holy smokes, things are flying high as we stroll into the next to last weekend in July for 2025. Before you know it, we’ll be wondering how in the world summer’s end came so soon. But for right now let’s go find what we have to enjoy in the musical moment. Just to shake things…
Popular Chatham event marks 50th year
Chatham’s big summer event celebrating that delicious, golden food staple just keeps going strong. The festival is celebrating its 50th year. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the honoring of past event chairs. Then it’s on to the Little Miss Sweet Corn pageant, games for children, more than 70…
