Cover Story
Can alternative papers revive journalism?
Publishers from across the U.S. convened in Madison, Wisconsin, July 9-11 to commiserate, inspire and share survival tips at the annual conference for alternative media organizations. The conference brought media vendors together with over 40 member and associated papers of AAN, formerly known as the Association of Alternative Newsmedia. Standing in front of journalists, editors…
The midnight sighing of the poor
Lately, the phrase I’ve chosen as the title of this column, “The midnight sighing of the poor,” has been running through my mind, especially when I hear of planned government cuts to programs designed to benefit those who are living at or below poverty level. This phrase is part of a longer Baha’i quote which…
Caught Stealing struggles to be funny, The Roses a look at love gone awry
Butler, cast fight to find humor in Caught Stealing If there was ever a “Your Mileage May Vary” movie, it’s Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing. While it’s being promoted as a dark comedy – and it is funny at times – the director leans into the violent nature of this chase film far too often. The…
Letters to the editor 8/28/25
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. DREAMGIRLS A DELIGHT Dreamgirls is the storyline of love, music and fame within competing communities struggling to make a name for themselves to reach the top of the Billboard charts. Their biggest obstacles are themselves in…
Plum sauce is perfect
When my college boyfriend and I parted ways, it wasn’t the end of our relationship that I cried over – it was his grandmother’s plum sauce, similar in flavor and consistency to ketchup. She’d send us back to campus with some after every visit, the thick sauce decanted into upcycled soda bottles. Helen was a…
August ending music
If you’re thinking that Labor Day weekend came quickly, you would be correct. Monday is the first day of September, making this holiday the absolute earliest it can be. Sooner or later, fast or slow, it’s all relatively in the time zone that we occupy so let’s see what’s going on. Thursday’s lineup includes among…
Dreamgirls has lessons of love and show biz
If you’re a fan of “American Idol,” you’ve probably heard many young hopefuls audition for their chance at stardom with the number, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” One can assume these auditionees pick the song because they believe it will showcase their amazing singing ability. This often proves to be the case…
Day of music, more planned on Adams Street
They say music soothes the soul. It also can boost the mood and well-being, according to health professionals. Need a dose of well-being this weekend? Then Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. is the place to be Saturday as it hosts the Healing Arts Festival. Several inspirational speakers, health experts and musical acts will present beginning at…
Editors note 8/28/25
It was great to hear Gov. JB Pritzker stand up to President Donald Trump and his plans to send National Guard troops into Chicago, supposedly to fight crime. “What President Trump is doing is unprecedented and unwarranted,” Pritzker railed. “It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. It is un-American.” It’s rare and welcome to hear our…
Don Tracy to run for U.S. Senate
Don Tracy, the former chair of the Illinois Republican Party and scion of the family that owns the largest food redistributor in North America, wants to be the next U.S. senator from Illinois. The 75-year-old Springfield lawyer said his background makes him particularly qualified to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield. “I want to…
Violin Lessons
My sister Pat, a gifted Violinist gave lessons at her home, she also taught her daughters. My niece Jackie Jo says when her lesson time arrived she had to put on her hat and coat gather up her fiddle in its case along with her music, went outside and knocked at the front door, just…
