The Sangamon County Mental Health Board chose a Springfield native and nonprofit leader to fill the executive director position at its September monthly meeting, as criticism of the board’s proceedings persist. Dr. Tatyana Gardner grew up on the city’s east side and currently serves as the director of health initiatives for the Springfield Urban League. […]
Maria Gardner Lara
Maria Gardner Lara is a staff writer for Illinois Times. She has a master's degree in journalism from the Public Affairs Reporting program at University of Illinois Springfield and served as a corps member with Report for America at the NPR station in DeKalb.
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Relief, sadness accompanies gang charges
The Sangamon County State’s Attorney has announced charges against 24 alleged gang members tied to six murders, including the killing of a 9-year old boy last year. A triple homicide on Oct. 9, 2025, killed Cash Russell, 9, Mhynesha Day, 22, and Devione Brady, 21, in the 3000 block of Hoover Avenue in an unincorporated […]
Posted inArts & Culture
5k run promotes health and Latino unity
The Illinois Migrant Council hosted a 5k event on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Washington Park to promote healthy lifestyles and demonstrate Latino unity, amid an anti-immigrant and anti-Latino political climate fueled by the Trump Administration’s policies. Esnider Rojas, a Springfield resident for the last nine years and a Colombian native, said his primary exercise is […]
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The Outlet Academy launches to work with expelled students
A program that allows expelled students to continue their education is now being hosted by The Outlet after many years of being offered by the NAACP. This is the inaugural school year for The Outlet Academy, replacing NAACP’s Back-to-School/Stay-in-School Academy. There are 22 students, who are not eligible to attend a Springfield District 186 alternative […]
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19th Street rail project options reviewed
Springfield residents reviewed displays explaining the options for the 19th Street rail corridor improvements during a Sept. 9 open house at Washington Middle School. Linda Douglas-Williams said she attended to educate herself after hearing plans over the years for proposed changes. “We have done studies, and studies and studies,” she said. And, it’s really about […]
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Springfield airport receives $11M in federal funding
The Springfield Airport Authority received more than $11 million dollars in federal funding to improve one of two crosswind runways that intersect with their own primary runway at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. Mark Hanna, executive director of the Springfield Airport Authority, said this type of runway provides a safe alternative for planes to land. “When […]
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“Turning grief into good”
University of Illinois Springfield students, faculty and staff assembled food packets Sept. 11 for Midwest Mission Distribution Center to commemorate the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Across the country, groups took part in service projects and marked the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. On the UIS campus, volunteers measured and poured ingredients […]
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A makeover for the Public Health building
The Sangamon County Board has approved $7.5 million for the first phase of renovations at the Sangamon County Department of Public Health building on South Grand Avenue East. The County Board passed the ordinance unanimously at its Sept. 8 monthly meeting. After the vote, Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter invited board members to […]
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Residents bring open minds, skepticism to 19th Street Rail Corridor Open House
Springfield residents reviewed displays explaining the options for the 19th Street rail corridor improvements during a Sept. 9 open house at Washington Middle School. Linda Douglas-Williams said she attended to educate herself after hearing plans over the years for proposed changes. “We have done studies, and studies and studies,” she said. And, it’s really about […]
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Derailed but not deterred
The repercussions from the Aug. 27 water main break along Monroe Street in downtown Springfield continue to be felt as businesses seek to recoup losses and move past the day’s events. The building at the corner of Fifth and Monroe streets received the brunt of the flow of water when a 12-foot section of the […]
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ShotSpotter stalls
The Springfield City Council postponed a decision on whether to renew its ShotSpotter contract as the mayor pursues tweaks to the agreement and Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory said he plans to introduce an amendment to the ordinance. The City Council voted Sept. 1 to withdraw the ordinance for a $1.1 million, three-year contract for […]
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Springfield City Council to consider ShotSpotter renewal
The Springfield City Council is slated to vote Sept. 1 on extending the Springfield Police Department’s use of ShotSpotter, a surveillance technology used to detect gunshots. At the Aug. 25 committee of the whole meeting, Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory moved to place the ordinance on the debate agenda, calling for further discussion before a […]
