Harrison Chancy, left, and Joseph Hurst. Harrison Chancy has spent the last 38 years behind bars for a murder and armed robbery that took place in 1977. Now age 57, he still maintains he didn’t commit those crimes, and despite evidence that he would pose no criminal threat if released, he has been denied parole […]
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.
Posted inNews
MacArthur makeover
Public Works director Mark Mahoney, left, discusses options with a constituent. Photo by Patrick Yeagle. MacArthur Boulevard has seen better days. The historic thoroughfare, originally called West Grand Boulevard, once marked the western boundary of Springfield. It was built as a two-lane road in 1919, and by the 1930s it had become a hotspot […]
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Righting wrongs
Teshome Campbel PHOTO BY PAT YEAGLE Teshome Campbell doesn’t hold any grudges. Not against the public defender who failed to call crucial witnesses on his behalf. Not against the many judges who dismissed his claims of injustice. Not even against the people who lied about him in court and caused him to spend 18 years […]
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Back in the fight
Kevin Mac trains on the punching bag at the Springfield Boxing Club. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Although he’s only 16, Kevin Mac of Springfield has the discipline of a much older man. All the members of the Springfield Boxing Club do. They wake up early, eat healthy, run and train almost every day. The penalty […]
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Clone wars
Design Ideas’ original “Sparrow Clips,” as they appear in the company’s advertising material. Photo courtesy of Design Ideas, Ltd. By now, Andy Van Meter is used to finding ideas his company owns in stores he didn’t sell those ideas to. “It happens more often than we’d like – probably three or four times a year,” […]
Posted inMusic
Mellencamp’s evolution on display at Sangamon Auditorium
John Mellencamp played a dynamic set at Sangamon Auditorium on April 10. Patrick Yeagle John Mellencamp has come a long way since writing his most famous ditty, “Jack and Diane,” at the age of 22. “Who wants to go back to doing what they were doing when they were 22 years old?” Mellencamp, now 64, […]
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Faith Coalition calls on governor to restart union contract negotiations
Pastor Silas Johnson (front), Pastor T. Ray McJunkins (right) and Rev. Martin Woulfe (left). Photo by Patrick Yeagle The Springfield-based Faith Coalition for the Common Good today called on Gov. Bruce Rauner to restart negotiations over union contracts. The stalling of negotiation comes as Illinois enters its 10th month without a state budget, gutting many […]
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Back to work
Eric Smith of Chicago is ready to take over his grandmother’s funeral home when she retires, but he can’t. That’s because Smith earned a criminal record when he was 17, and that mistake 27 years ago prevents him from obtaining the state license he needs. “I went to school for three degrees and two certificates,” […]
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Elkhart residents challenge coal ash disposal plan
Waste impoundment dams at Viper Mine near Elkhart. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE The mine which supplies coal to Springfield’s municipal utility faces opposition from neighbors against a plan to expand a coal ash disposal site near Elkhart. The contested plan comes as the coal industry faces significant market pressure and pollution challenges. On March 31, […]
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The politics of unemployment
The Rauner administration’s economic development chief says Illinois’ higher-than-average unemployment rate means Illinois should decrease workers’ compensation costs to businesses and cut property taxes. However, a closer look at state jobs data shows Illinois has gained jobs steadily since the Great Recession, undercutting the narrative that Illinois is particularly unfriendly to businesses. The Illinois Department […]
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Budget crisis hurts disabled living outside Illinois
Keith Drazner, center, with his parents, Sharon and Frederick. PHOTO COURTESY SHARON DRAZNER For the last 20 years, Keith Drazner has lived in a Wisconsin group home for people with developmental disabilities. At the end of March, however, he faces eviction because his home state is having a budget crisis. Keith is one of 44 […]
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Tully monster mystery solved
These 3-D printed models of the Tully monster were created by the Illinois State Museum Research and Collections Center in Springfield. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Since its discovery in 1958, the Tully monster has left scientists guessing. Not anymore. New research shows that the animal which serves as Illinois’ state fossil isn’t related to modern […]
