Image courtesy of Uber. The popular but controversial Uber ridesharing service may soon expand to Springfield. Uber ran advertisements online this week seeking drivers in Springfield. It’s a likely indication that the company is expanding outside of only large markets like Chicago. Uber spokeswoman Lauren Altmin told Illinois Times that the company is looking to expand […]
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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The river Lincoln loved
A handful of canoes and kayaks float down the Sangamon River near Petersburg. PHOTO BY DAN WILLIAMS, TREETOP PRODUCTIONS, INC. View the plan online in a pair of PDF files here: http://bit.ly/sangamon1 http://bit.ly/sangamon2 ______________________________________________________________________________________ In the spring of 1831, when Abraham Lincoln was just 21, he and two other young men navigated a canoe down […]
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No health insurance exchange for Illinois
Republicans aren’t the only ones afraid of Obamacare. The Democratic-controlled Illinois House today opted not to call for a vote a bill that would have created a state-run insurance exchange under the federal insurance reforms of 2010. The House adjourned for the rest of the year this afternoon, meaning the state will likely miss out […]
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Wages on the wire
Governor-elect Bruce Rauner once remarked to a room full of Republicans that he was “adamantly, adamantly against” raising the minimum wage. Although Rauner later softened his stance, it’s no surprise that Democrats in the Statehouse are pushing minimum wage legislation while they still have a sympathetic governor before Rauner takes office in January. On Nov. […]
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More rooms coming soon for homeless
Maj. Steve Woodard of the Salvation Army in Springfield shows off the group\’s new building, which will provide much-needed space for a homeless shelter, pantry, clinic and more. As the early winter wind swirls snow across the parking lot at 100 N. Ninth St. in Springfield, a volunteer works the phones inside, coordinating the Salvation […]
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Illinois pension overhaul struck down
A Sangamon County judge struck down Illinois’ pension overhaul law today, saying it impairs and diminishes retiree benefits in violation of the state constitution. The decision will be appealed directly to the Illinois Supreme Court, but it’s likely the high court will also rule against the state. Sangamon County Circuit Judge John Belz delivered his […]
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Going to bat for education
Illinois schools do a pretty good job, considering the state’s poor record of funding education. But Illinois’ system needs fundamental changes to be more efficient, effective and equitable. That’s the message of a group of school administrators calling for a comprehensive overhaul of how Illinois staffs, funds and equips its schools. The group, Vision 20/20, […]
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A city divided
Doris Turner doesn’t need a map to know where the Democratic votes come from in Springfield. Turner is in her second two-year term as chairwoman of the Sangamon County Democratic Party, so she knows that her party’s base is mostly concentrated in Springfield’s northeast quadrant. Republican candidates averaged more support than Democrats in 147 of […]
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Fracking rules advance as environmentalists cry ‘foul’
Photo By Stephanie Davis/Tribune Media Service A panel of state lawmakers approved controversial regulations for high-volume hydraulic fracturing on Nov. 6, prompting environmental groups to level allegations of secrecy and undue influence by oil and gas interests. One environmental group has filed a lawsuit to challenge the rules, claiming the state didn’t follow its own […]
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The political geography of Sangamon County
Selected results of the 2014 general election are represented in the map below. Because the county is divided into several districts, voters in some precincts did not have the option of voting in races which weren’t statewide or countywide, such as the 13th Congressional district race. Precincts are shaded red (Republican) or blue (Democrat) based […]
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Gloomy days for CWLP
City Water, Light and Power in Springfield faces a fiscal storm caused mainly by debt and unfortunate timing. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Eric Hobbie calls it “a perfect storm.” One of the biggest squalls in the history of Springfield City Water, Light and Power looms large while Hobbie, chief utility engineer at CWLP, tries to […]
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Blight patrol
The dilapidated house at 1154 N. Third St. in Springfield is scheduled for demolition following legal action by the Enos Park neighborhood group. PHOTO PATRICK YEAGLE A Springfield neighborhood group may have found a little-known way to deal with abandoned properties. Enos Park Development LLC, the real estate arm of the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement […]
