Illinois producers of recreational cannabis are facing what they consider to be unfair competition from hemp producers, and the General Assembly is likely to consider action to allow the two businesses to coexist more easily. Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, introduced HB 4101 late in this spring’s legislative session to regulate organic compounds derived from […]
Don Howard
Don Howard is an intern with University of Illinois Springfield's Public Affairs Reporting master's degree program. He is a former lawyer and Spanish speaker who has lived in both Mexico and Spain, and most recently relocated to Illinois from Georgia.
Posted inNews
People helping people
After storms rolled through Springfield Thursday afternoon and Saturday night, many were left without power and with structures damaged by trees. Members of our community stepped into the breach and helped their neighbors. A drive around town revealed these people helping people. The Central Illinois Foodbank at 1937 E. Cook St. held a drive-up food […]
Posted inNews
Filings reveal little on finances for elected city officials
Under the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, members of the Springfield City Council and Mayor Misty Buscher are required to produce a document called “Statement of Economic Interests.” They are asked to reveal such things as major assets, sources of income and ties to lobbyists. Speaking recently on why disclosure of economic interests is so important, […]
Posted inNews
Jim Leach leaving WMAY
Jim Leach is leaving his longtime role at WMAY to take a position as public information officer with the Illinois Department of Public Health. His last day at WMAY is June 28 and he starts at IDPH on July 5. Leach started at WMAY as a part-time disc jockey in 1983, while he was in […]
Posted inOpinion
Council ignores blight report
The Springfield City Council continues to discuss the problem of distressed properties in Springfield without making any concrete proposals, in spite of the fact that the city commissioned a study two years ago to explore ways the system could be improved. The report contained 12 recommendations directed to Public Works, Code Enforcement, and the Office […]
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City council grapples with blighted city-owned property
At the June 13 Springfield City Council meeting Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams Jr. said he and Ward 4 Ald. Larry Rockford had received complaints about dumping of large items on city property on North Grand Avenue near the railroad corridor improvement project. The aldermen did not discuss the impact on the people put out […]
Posted inNews
More than 5,000 in Springfield for Illinois State FFA convention
More than 5,000 FFA members, advisers and guests attended the 95th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 13-15 at the BOS Center in Springfield. The three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team and celebrates agriculture and adjacent areas of study. According to Rod Stoll, media sponsor for […]
Posted inNews
Capital Area Realtors opposes registration for landlords
Seven of Illinois’ 10 largest cities require landlord registration, but thus far the Springfield City Council has refused to allow such an ordinance to pass out of committee for a vote. The Springfield City Council meeting held June 6 began with a continuation of the discussion from the prior week’s Committee of the Whole regarding […]
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Council declines to take up landlord registry
The Springfield City Council refused to advance a measure out of committee that would require landlords to register their properties with the city. Among Illinois’ 10 largest cities, only Springfield, Naperville and Champaign do not have such a requirement. Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams Jr., sponsor of the ordinance, said registration would make it easier […]
Posted inNews
Habitat helps families, one homebuyer at a time
Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County is nearing completion of its newest project on South Glenwood Avenue in Springfield. The four-bedroom, three-bath home is being built on a vacant lot with partial sponsorship from the nearby Westminster Presbyterian Church. It is the 119th project for the nonprofit Christian ministry which opened its doors in Springfield […]
Posted inNews
New laws provide more benefitsfor noncitizens
Illinois’ immigrant community was the subject of two measures decided by the General Assembly this legislative session. If the bills are signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, noncitizens will become eligible to obtain standard driver’s licenses and will be allowed to become peace officers. House Bill 3882 passed May 24 along party lines and would make […]
Posted inNews
Black Lives Matter holds annual car procession, awards high school scholarships
Black Lives Matter SPI held their fourth annual “Ride for our Lives” Solidarity Procession on Saturday, May 27. The first procession was held in 2020, shortly after the death of George Floyd, and has become an annual affair. Dozens of cars decorated with slogans and colorful art gathered at noon across from the BOS Center […]
