Angel Gonzalez PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Angel Gonzalez spoke almost no English in 1994 when he became the prime suspect in a rape at an apartment complex in Waukegan. Gonzalez was wrongly convicted of the crime, imprisoned for nearly 21 years and finally freed earlier this year with help from the Illinois Innocence Project. If […]
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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Homeless for the holidays
Richard Craig says he chooses to be homeless, but he has a plan to get back on his feet. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE If you didn’t know better, you might think Richard Craig is a powerful businessman. An athletic, handsome man of 46, he’s dressed sharply from head to toe: black wingtip dress shoes, black […]
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Making Springfield cool
The crosswalk at Sixth and Washington streets depicts Abraham Lincoln and family in the style of the Beatles’ famous Abbey Road album cover. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Just keep swimming. That was the message of Sustainable Springfield last week as the progress-minded group shared its vision for building a more attractive city, one small piece […]
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Some doctors uneasy about medical marijuana
Although Illinois’ medical marijuana program rolled out this week, some doctors aren’t participating, potentially limiting the program’s success. Two of the four main medical institutions in Springfield have advised their doctors to avoid the program out of uncertainty over a potential crackdown by the federal government. The Illinois General Assembly approved the medical marijuana pilot […]
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Workers’ comp changes cut costs
Changes to the Illinois workers’ compensation system enacted four years ago have reduced the system’s costs, according to a new report. The findings come amid wrangling in the Illinois Statehouse over whether workers’ compensation and other issues should be addressed before the state’s budget impasse is resolved. While the Democrat-controlled Illinois General Assembly is loath […]
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From Russia with gloves
Petr Kuznetsov of Moscow, Russia, came to the U.S. to play for the Springfield Jr. Blues. PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE Petr Kuznetsov doesn’t say much. “Hockey is my life,” he says, summing up why he made the 5,000-mile journey from his hometown of Moscow, Russia, to play for the Springfield Jr. Blues. Kuznetsov is one […]
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Was the State Fair illegal?
Fallout Boy got paid. So did Styx. So did The Fray and all of the other artists who performed at the Grandstand during the Illinois State Fair this year. How did that happen when Illinois isn’t paying social service providers for important functions like mental health treatment? The Illinois Department of Agriculture simply says the […]
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Thinking of the children
Nichole Heyen, principal at Lincoln Magnet School. Photo by PATRICK YEAGLE From the moment they’re born, some children face hurdles to their mental, emotional and physical development. However, a movement is growing in Sangamon County to help those disadvantaged kids reach their potential. A report released Oct. 14 by The Sangamon County Continuum of Learning […]
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Putting a rumor to rest
Steve Luker doesn’t know how the rumors started, but he knows one thing: they’re not true. Scheels in Springfield is not closing, and the store has not refused to renew their lease. Luker is the managing partner of Legacy Pointe, the development along the MacArthur Avenue extension where Scheels is located. Luker says he has […]
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Mining decision challenged as illegal
Catherine Edmiston PHOTO BY PATRICK YEAGLE An 11-year legal battle over a coal mine 40 miles south of Springfield continues as one woman claims the Illinois Department of Natural Resources didn’t follow its own rules. The case questions how coal mines clean up their mining sites, but the plaintiffs say they’re fighting against a system […]
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Plenty of doctors, not enough health
Although Sangamon County is first among all 102 Illinois counties for its quality of clinical care, it ranks 79th for overall health. That disconnect between health offerings and the community’s actual health illustrates the herculean task facing a coalition of health-minded groups in Springfield. On Oct. 9, Springfield’s two nonprofit hospitals and the Sangamon County […]
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Illinois owes CWLP $2.7m for power at Capitol complex
The State of Illinois owes Springfield’s municipal utility more than $2.7 million for electricity at the State Capitol and surrounding buildings. Despite the mounting bill, it’s unlikely that power to the Illinois Statehouse will be shut off any time soon. Dave Druker, spokesman for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, told Illinois Times on Tuesday […]
