Cover Story
Adventure awaits at the Illinois State Fair
“Adventure Awaits” is the theme of the 2025 Illinois State Fair, and that adventure this year includes a few new wrinkles such as a pickleball tournament, craft beer contest and the return of the Budweiser Clydesdales. But it all starts on Thursday, Aug. 7, with the Twilight Parade, and this year’s grand marshal is the…
Naturalization ceremony at the State Fair
The Illinois State Fair is home to many iconic American traditions and Midwestern staples, from 4H displays to corndogs and lemon shake-ups. This year, for the second time in a row, it was also home to the American tradition of welcoming new citizens through naturalization. The ceremony fell on Governor’s Day, with Gov. JB Pritzker…
Pritzker signs police background check expansion in Sonya Massey’s honor
Police agencies in Illinois will soon be required to do more thorough background checks on prospective officers. The measure signed by Gov. JB Pritzker Tuesday came in response to the July 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey in Sangamon County by a sheriff’s deputy. Massey had called police to report a prowler and was in…
Which Republicans are seeking statewide office in 2026? So far, hardly any.
With U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, Comptroller Susana Mendoza and other members of Congress not seeking reelection in 2026, robust fields are growing in the Democratic primaries for the open seats. Gov. JB Pritzker is seeking a rare third term and has been on the campaign trail for more than a month. Three high-profile Democrats are…
UIS launches $42.5M Library Commons project
Excitement is growing at the University of Illinois Springfield as construction is underway on the new Library Commons building. The publicly funded project was made possible by a $42.5 million investment from the state of Illinois. The three-story, 52,000-square-foot building is being built next to the Student Union and is expected to open in 2027.…
A civic center for Jacksonville
A Jacksonville organization has signed an option to purchase the historic Illinois Theater building in the city’s downtown and has embarked on an ambitious three-month, $8.8 million fundraising campaign to finance the purchase and pay for the building’s transformation into a new multipurpose civic center. “This civic center will become not only a cultural hub…
Springfield boy places first in statewide photography contest
Ten-year-old Jerry Feng of Springfield took home top honors in the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photo contest, which encourages young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in the state. State Treasurer Michael Frerichs hosted a reception Aug. 8 in the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s tent at the Illinois State Fairgrounds to honor the first-place winners.…
When beer was banned at the Illinois State Fair
Acting on complaints from church groups and parents, the administration of Gov. William G. Stratton prohibited the sale of beer at the 1953 Illinois State Fair. The ban on beer, as well as on any other alcoholic beverage, remained in effect for the next 21 years. “People don’t want a state fair that smells like the…
Plenty of political posturing
I’m assuming you’ve already seen coverage of the Democratic Texas state legislators who fled to Illinois to prevent a Republican-backed redrawing of congressional district lines in their home state. Their absence means their legislature doesn’t have enough members to legally conduct business. Like every Democratic governor, Gov. JB Pritzker needs his party to win back…
Massey Commission nears end, prepares recommendations
The Massey Commission’s law enforcement work group met Aug. 4 and tried to finalize recommendations to offer up to the full commission, largely focusing on how to strengthen the SAFE-T Act’s transparency provisions. Work groups are submitting their final recommendations to the full commission by Oct. 1, with a full report from the commission to follow. Earlier…
City Council approves third round of cannabis grants
Former Ward 2 Ald. Frank McNeil, lead plaintiff in a federal court case that resulted in Springfield switching to the aldermanic form of government in 1987 and electing its first Black members of the City Council, wants to restore the city’s first Black-owned doctor’s office. “I look at this as a community enrichment project,” McNeil,…
Where to see the Budweiser Clydesdales
Springfield-area residents will have numerous opportunities to see the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, both at the Illinois State Fair and several special appearances. Springfield is one of the stops on a cross-country tour to celebrate 15 years of partnership between Budweiser and Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides families of fallen or disabled U.S.…
Proposed rail merger raises competition concerns
Some transportation groups are skeptical and some ag groups are seeking more information about the implications of a planned merger between rail rivals Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. DTN reported both companies’ boards of directors unanimously agreed to a deal July 29 in which Union Pacific will acquire Norfolk Southern for $85 billion, resulting in…
Sketch unexpectedly dark, Pickup too ridiculous, Naked Gun a worthy successor
Sketch effectively colors outside the lines With its stable of inspirational movies, religious animated features and overt sports-as-life metaphor movies, Angel Films has gained a foothold in the entertainment industry as the source of faith-based films. Obvious in their marketing and intent, the studio has found great success in appealing to church groups to promote their…
Baby Quest Foundation gives hope to local couple
Amanda and Courtney Pingleton of Springfield hope to have a baby through in vitro fertilization (IVF), thanks to a grant from the Baby Quest Foundation. The nonprofit is based in Los Angeles and works with people nationwide, but the founder has a Springfield connection. Pamela Hirsch, who grew up in Springfield and now lives in…
Fire department charging for services
First come the firefighters, then come the bills. After responding to a fire or medical emergency, the Springfield Fire Department is sometimes sending out bills seeking reimbursement for services rendered. The policy, which has been in place less than a year, has raised some eyebrows. After all, aren’t these services already paid for by city…
Governor signs health laws
Governor JB Pritzker signed more than 100 bills into law last week, with a handful centered on mandating specific health insurance policies, along with enhancing patient safety and disease prevention. From barring anesthesia time limits to a new infectious disease commission, here are some of the latest changes to Illinois state law. Insurance coverage Late…
Found Poem
I was a counselor (girls period) at Phantom Lake Y Camp I took my goat, still a kid. The campers all joined the “Rocky Club” to keep Rocky out of trouble. They could not keep her from skidding out onto the dock during swimming, sometimes even falling in! The last night of camp when all the…
Letters to the editor 08-07-2025
NO FUN My opinion is Republicans like to control what businesses and people do, and the fun they have, under the guise of public safety (“Last call is earlier than ever,” July 24). Marie Carnes Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes TOO MUCH TIME Most bars have computerized registers, so it should be easy to quantify the impact of…
Take the family to the fair for a fair price
A trip to the Illinois State Fair can be an expensive endeavor, especially with family in tow. Thankfully, there are a multitude of ways to maximize value and get the most out of your fair experience. “We offer over 160 hours of free entertainment each day,” Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark explained. With so…
A culinary journey around the world
For centuries, cooks worldwide have ingeniously stuffed vegetables, a testament to how readily available ingredients can be transformed into delicious and nourishing combinations of textures and flavors. The variety of fillings is vast, ranging from savory meats and aromatic rice to creamy cheeses and fresh herbs. Mediterranean cuisine offers dolmades, grape leaves filled with rice,…
Fair time music
Hold your horses, stop the presses, turn the streets one way and grab an extra flyswatter, the Illinois State Fair is in town. For most of us in Springfield, the state fair is a big deal, and those of us in the business of making live music find it a really big deal. Along with…
Three days of events commemorate 1908 Springfield Race Riot
The city of Springfield will honor the legacy of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot with a three-day observance next week at various locations. The event will feature presentations, walking tours, a film screening and ceremonies as city residents “reflect, reclaim and remember history.” The first day, Thursday, Aug. 14, begins at 9:30 a m. with…
Utility savings, boulevard gardens and calls for transparency
Springfield residents are paying far less for power than Ameren customers— one alderman broke down just how much the city’s own generation is saving households. A resident made a heartfelt case for letting neighbors plant fruit and veggie gardens on city boulevards, challenging rules that keep green thumbs at bay. Tensions rose as speakers called…
Editor’s Note
It was a perfect weather night in the park, with tons of children climbing playground equipment, getting soapy in the foam machine, competing in the cake walk. Neighbors old and new celebrated National Night Out with hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches. Display tables touted the Northside Children’s Community Library, Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens, Third…
Let’s build communities of creative love
With how many “trinities” are you familiar? Christian belief holds at its center the Father, Son and Spirit. Chefs might refer to a “trinity” of ingredients. For Cajun cooks its onions, green peppers and celery. Italians drop the peppers and add carrots. Preachers like to lead you through three points in a homily. Then there…
Texas House Democrats in Illinois undeterred
Dozens of Texas House Democrats traveled to Illinois and other states this week in hopes of blocking a proposed redistricting map that they characterize as a national threat to democracy. The rare mid-decade redistricting would fulfill President Donald Trump’s call for Texas Republicans to gain five new GOP seats in the U.S. House before next…
Linda Keldermans
Linda Keldermans died peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. Linda was the daughter of Ross Thomas and Marilyn Wright Thomas. She was born on Dec. 19, 1949. Linda was especially close to her grandmother, Nina Wright, and to Monsignor Patrick Wright, who was her uncle and godfather. Linda graduated from Sacred Heart Academy and attended…
Miniature butter cows on display
Farm scenes, naturally, inspire each year’s new sculpture of the beloved butter cow at the Illinois State Fair. However, sculptors participating in the annual Miniature Butter Cow Contest sponsored by Illinois Times and Prairie Farms Dairy don’t have that limitation. Inspiration can come from anywhere. Even viral internet items. Just ask contestant Amy Hood of…
