Anthony Murray is one of two people who sought clemency last week with help from the Springfield-based Illinois Innocence Project. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Anthony Murray spent 14 years in prison, and he was facing another 31 years when he was offered a chance to go home. The unusual plea agreement that let Murray out […]
Patrick Yeagle
Patrick Yeagle started writing for Illinois Times in September 2009. Originally from Farmer City, Ill., he graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in political science and a second major in journalism. He then graduated from the University of Illinois-Springfield in 2009 with a Master's degree from the Public Affairs Reporting program. In addition to Illinois Times, his work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the Peoria Journal-Star, the Northern Star, the Parkland Prospectus and other publications. Yeagle writes about state government, the environment, energy, healthcare, elections, education, community issues, and more. He enjoys taking photos of news events, cityscapes, very small objects and wildlife. He enjoys running and has completed a marathon, three half-marathons, a 198-mile relay race and several shorter races. Other hobbies include cooking, gardening, making music and outdoor activities.
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Imprisoned for poverty
Johnny Cordrey did his time. He spent 18 years at Menard Correctional Center in southern Illinois, but when his release date came in April 2012, Cordrey was instead sent back to prison. He hadn’t committed any new offense, however. His attorney says the only crime Cordrey committed this time around was being poor. Cordrey is […]
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Rooting out systemic racism
SCODR co-chairman Kenley Wade. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE The Dominican Sisters of Springfield have a long history. Their congregation was founded in Jacksonville in 1873 and moved to Springfield in 1893. However, some of the women who founded the congregation came from the much older Convent of St. Catherine in Kentucky. That group formed well […]
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Proposed hog farm near Petersburg making enemies
A proposed hog farm near Petersburg is drawing criticism from landowners and public officials who claim the facility would harm property values and tourism. Opponents say the project is being rushed through without adequate public input. Grigsby Family Farms, based in Tallula, Illinois, wants to build a 9,300-hog facility about six miles from Petersburg. Opponents […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Beautiful inside and out, she brought light in both life and death
CARRIE RISDON DAVID She died too soon, but even in death, she brought a beautiful gift into the world. Carrie David died Jan. 24, 2014 while giving birth to her first daughter, Piper Jane David. She was a teacher, but her lessons extended well beyond the classroom. Carrie Risdon David was born on July 29, […]
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He built a legacy, one changed life at a time
J.D. WASHINGTON J.D. Washington was the first African-American principal in Springfield Public Schools. He was the first African-American recruiter for the U.S. Peace Corps. He was a 33rd degree Mason and an educator for more than 40 years. Most importantly, however, he was a man of integrity and determination. Johnnie David Washington was born on […]
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He relished making deals, but also giving back
WILLIAM HENRY HUMPHREY He would give you the shirt off of his back, and he would tell you a joke while doing it. That was Henry Humphrey, owner of Humphrey’s Market in Springfield. A dedicated, hardworking businessman and philanthropist, Henry Humphrey died on April 27, 2014, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy […]
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A surprise for your service
Doris Teyshak with her new Toyota Camry, a retirement gift for her 33 years of service. Teyshak says her mind went blank when she realized what was happening. “It was a jewelry box, so I assumed it was some form of jewelry,” she said while sitting behind the wheel of her new car. “It’s still […]
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Giving troubled youth a chance to grow
A player jumps to spike the ball at the IIAA volleyball tournament in Springfield on Dec. 13. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Urgent shouts and the squeak of sneakers fill the basketball courts on the second floor of Gold’s Gym in Springfield. Volleyball nets span four courts, each filled with teenagers. Their eyes are fixed on […]
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Preventing another Ferguson
It could happen anywhere. It could even happen here. The high-profile killings of black men by police in Ferguson, Missouri, and in New York City in the past few months highlight a long-smoldering tension between law enforcement officers and minority populations. Such killings divide communities and feed racial animosity, which is why several Springfield groups […]
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Legislature expands police eavesdropping powers
Police in Illinois could soon have broad new powers to listen to private conversations under a bill passed by the state legislature last week. The bill addresses an Illinois Supreme Court ruling that struck down Illinois’ law regarding consent to record conversations, but the proposal has some legal groups concerned because it reduces judicial oversight […]
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Despite politics, Obamacare attracts strong enrollment
State Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Northbrook Illinois lawmakers may have balked at establishing a state-run health insurance marketplace, but the controversial federal reforms known as “Obamacare” appear to be working nonetheless. The Illinois House opted not to vote on a bill during the recent veto session that would have created a state-run “exchange” on which individuals […]
