State leaders are asking the public’s advice when it comes to increasing the minimum wage, taxing millionaires and including contraception in health insurance coverage. Three bills awaiting the governor’s signature would put “advisory referendums” on the Nov. 4 general election ballot. An advisory referendum means the legislature can use the results to judge whether a […]
Lauren P. Duncan
Posted inNews
Local network investigates innocence nationwide
David Camm PHOTO BY BILL CLUTTER A Springfield-based network is helping connect wrongfully convicted people across the country to professionals who can help. The Investigating Innocence organization was formed in January 2013 by local private investigator Bill Clutter and University of Illinois Springfield students. The group connects criminal defense attorneys and private investigators to inmates […]
Posted inNews
Clock ticking for school funding reform
Sen. Andy Manar, chief sponsor of school aid formula reform About a year’s worth of work by Illinois senators to piece together a more equitable school funding formula in Illinois could either pass or come to a swift halt any day. Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, co-chaired the Education Funding Advisory Committee, which held hearings […]
Posted inNews
Madigan: Include small business in tax credit
House Speaker Michael J. Madigan wants to extend a special tax credit currently available to certain large Illinois businesses to smaller companies too. Madigan spoke in front of the House Revenue and Finance Committee May 14, when he presented House Bill 3890. The bill proposes that the Economic Development For a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit […]
Posted inNews
Setting the stage for Lincoln’s funeral
The hearse used to carry Lincoln’s body at his Springfield funeral will be re-created for the 150th anniversary reenactment in 2015. It is still a year before Lincoln’s 150th anniversary funeral reenactment. But to event organizer Katie Spindell, it seems like there’s no time at all. Spindell is chair of the the 2015 Lincoln Funeral […]
Posted inNews
Mayors want relief from public safety pensions
Many downstate mayors want a greater voice in deciding the details of their cities’ firefighter and police pensions plans. Springfield Mayor Mike Houston led a press conference April 30 at the Capitol where 24 mayors and village presidents met to request that the General Assembly do something about downstate public safety pensions which are busting […]
Posted inNews
Spare historical trees
Most trees that line Highway 125 and Highway 97 northwest of Springfield toward Ashland and Petersburg, such as this one located west of Salisbury, have been marked for potential removal. The state is considering cutting down some 80-year-old trees northwest of Springfield. At least 30 trees that live along Highway 125 and Highway 97 northwest […]
Posted inNews
Storied veterans take Honor Flight
World War II veteran and Springfield resident Maurice “Morrie” Pell greets Julie Wedding upon his return from the April 29 Land of Lincoln Honor Flight as his wife, Carolyn, right, and flight guardian, Larry Wedding, left, look on. PHOTO BY LAUREN P. DUNCAN Springfield resident Morrie Pell was only 17 years old when on March […]
Posted inNews
Medical marijuana rules developing
The rules for Illinois’ forthcoming medical marijuana industry are taking shape. A second draft of rules for the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program was released April 18. The proposed rules refine a previous draft that was released in January. On Jan. 1, medical marijuana became legal in Illinois after legislation passed in the […]
Posted inNews
Fixing school funding
Senate Bill 16 sponsor Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, stands with some of the bill’s cosponsors and a copy of the 419-page bill. PHOTO BY LAUREN P. DUNCAN Illinois has seen the price of food, gasoline, shelter and most basic necessities increase. Yet for four years the state hasn’t increased the amount it pays per […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Repurposed furniture: A market of old and new
Julie Butler of Tossed and Found has put together rooms in her store, which features recycled and reupholstered furniture. PHOTO BY LAUREN P. DUNCAN Before throwing out that dresser with a broken drawer or the outdated coffee table, be aware there are a few people in Springfield who can turn it into something new. With […]
Posted inNews
Trying to stop revenge porn
The electronic sharing of certain obscene images could soon be a criminal offense in Illinois. State Rep. Scott Drury, D-Highwood, is sponsoring legislation that would make it a crime when an individual knowingly places, posts or reproduces a pornographic or nude image or video on the Internet without the consent of the individual shown. Similar […]
