Brittany Hilderbrand

A long shot of Clear Lake Avenue where the Urban Tree Canopy Project may start in the fall. PHOTO BY BRITTANY HILDERBRAND In efforts to enhance the city’s beauty, one Springfield organization will take the green movement one step further, offering residents a chance to get involved through a program that is focused on planting […]

Members of the Rotary Club of Midtown Springfield and international delegates mingle prior to Dr. Nizamuddin’s presentation. PHOTO COURTESY ROTARY CLUB OF MIDTOWN SPRINGFIELD Dr. Ali Nizamuddin says you may someday face a Muslim with a mask and a blade, but it’s much more likely to be your doctor than a terrorist. On April 12, […]

Since 2001, Illinois’ “safe haven” law has given parents the option to give up their children at birth anonymously at a hospital, fire department or police station. A 20-year-old college student in Illinois apparently wasn’t aware of the law and may pay the price for allegedly taking her newborn son’s life. On April 11, Lindsay […]

This chart, based on data from Consumer Reports, illustrates the difference in auto insurance premiums based on credit scores in Illinois. Image courtesy of Consumer Union. Illinois could put a stop to the use of credit scores to calculate auto insurance rates. The bill is pending in a legislative committee and faces strong opposition from […]

For 54 years, Illinois’ Vital Records Act has prevented transgender people from changing the sex listed on their birth certificate without undergoing surgery. A bill sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, would remove that longtime barrier in the gender transition process. On April 5, Democrats in the House Human Service Committee approved Harris’ bill on […]

If you’re licensed to use medical marijuana and are employed by the City of Springfield, you may want to start looking for a new job. Because of the city’s drug policy, workers face uncertainty about holding a city job while using medical marijuana, even if they’re legally allowed to. While licensed medical marijuana consumers can […]

In 1947, a police officer’s call to the communications desk was the best method to get information about potential suspects. Today, all they have to do is log in. Access to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have changed the way law enforcement officers receive tips and leads pertaining to criminal behavior. Police […]

Derek Lahey, a senior at Taylorville High School, speaks in support of Manar’s education funding bill. Lee Milner The way Illinois determines funding for schools has not changed since 1997, when Illinois created its Education Funding Advisory Board, which recommends foundational level of funding for schools statewide. Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, plans to change […]

SPD officer Timothy Day said he struck Christopher Pulley with his flashlight, because it was “immediately available.” Springfield police Timothy Day and Russell Lehr were cleared March 23 of allegations of excessive force. In 2014, Christopher Pulley, a Jacksonville man with a history of convictions for drug possession, filed a federal lawsuit against the officers, […]

Courtney and Evan Westlake (back) with their children, Brenna (front left) and Connor (front right). Photo courtesy of St. John’s Hospital. Hospital visits, surgeries and long baths at St. John’s Hospital are the memories four-year-old Brenna Westlake of Sherman lives with as her parents share her lifelong journey with Harlequin Ichthyosis, a rare genetic skin […]