This year marks the 50th anniversary of Illinois Times, a remarkable achievement for a locally owned, independent publication. Over the past few decades, changing trends in readership and advertising have led to steep declines in the number of newspapers nationwide, with the pandemic only accelerating the demise of many publications. Northwestern University’s Medill School of […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal.
Posted inOpinion
Two setbacks for Gov. JB Pritzker
Two major proposals backed by Gov. JB Pritzker did not advance out of legislative committees before last week’s passage deadline. Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton confirmed that she won’t be advancing her legislation supported by the governor that would dissolve townships with populations below 5,000 (SB2217), and eventually abolish townships with populations below 50,000 and lower […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Alto Nights gives De Niro a dual role, Magazine Dreams a gripping story, Black Bag clever espionage tale
Dual De Niro’s a Knights asset There’s an unfortunate gimmick hanging over Barry Levinson’s The Alto Knights, a gangster chronicle that covers a heretofore unexamined chapter in mob history, at least where the movies are concerned. Two-time Oscar-winner Robert De Niro takes on the dual roles of rival gangsters Frank Costello and Vito Genovese. One […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The Wedding Issue
More than 40% of engagements in the U.S. occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, so this is the time of year many couples are starting to plan their weddings. We talked to area business owners involved in the wedding industry to find out the latest trends. An increasing number of people are looking beyond traditional […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Joan Bortolon receives First Citizen Award
The First Citizen Award committee has selected Joan Bortolon as the 62nd recipient of the Springfield area’s prestigious First Citizen Award. As board president of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, Bortolon has played an instrumental role in honoring local veterans by providing them with memorable, no-cost trips to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials […]
Posted inBest of Springfield®
Best Of Springfield 2024
Every year, we ask our opinionated readers to tell us about their favorite people, places and things in the Springfield area. Over the decades we’ve been doing this, we’ve continued to tweak both the process and the results issue to try to keep things fresh and interesting. Our readers tried to demonstrate they are cultured, […]
Posted inOpinion
Publisher’s note 10/3/24
City council meetings are lasting a lot longer than they used to, with a five-hour meeting this week that was again dominated by discussions of how to alleviate homelessness. There were disagreements over many things, but not the need for better communication. The city, social service organizations and individual advocates are all making efforts to […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
O’Shea provides scholarship for LLCC Construction students
Lincoln Land Community College has received a gift from the O’Shea family to fund a scholarship for LLCC students in the construction trades program. The first recipient of the O’Shea Family Scholarship is Alexis Bowman of Palmyra, a 2024 graduate of North Mac High School. “The O’Shea Family Scholarship has opened the door for more […]
Posted inNews
Illinois Times to provide coverage of the DNC
Illinois Times first sent a reporter to cover a Democratic National Convention in 1976, when Jimmy Carter was in New York City to accept his party’s nomination for president. IT’s coverage was focused less on Carter himself and more on the Illinois delegates who supported him, along with sharing their impressions of New York City and […]
Posted inOpinion
Editor’s note 07-25-24
Sometimes Springfield is in the national spotlight for all the right reasons, such as when Sen. Barack Obama announced his campaign for the presidency on the lawn of the Old State Capitol. Lately we’ve been making national headlines for terrible reasons – first the death of Earl Moore in December 2022 at the hands of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Grillin’ and Chillin’
Our Grillin’ and Chillin’ issue has plenty of ideas for fun for the rest of the summer. Learn where to see wildlife, including exotic animals, just a short drive from Springfield (no, not a zoo). Find out about all the upgrades – and a splash pad – in the works for Springfield parks. We also […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Summerguide 2024
Whether you’re looking for affordable ideas for summer day trips or plan to stay close to home, we have suggestions for fun family activities. Plus, find out where to see classic cars this summer and enjoy an upcoming concert performed by the Capital Area Concert Band, 50 volunteer musicians who are celebrating the organization’s 50th […]
