Something about the actions of man will always come before the judgment of God. And the decision-making leadership actions of men/women over the lives and destinies of others must also pass the judgment of God. The war-mongering actions of the Syrians, and the simultaneous battles with their Jordanian cousins, left Israel battling on at least […]
Community & Lifestyle
Posted inArts & Culture
City, county and Capital Township support fuels homeless system successes
In 2004, a community strategic planning effort resulted in the development of the 10-Year Strategic Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, 2004-2014. The plan placed a strong emphasis on coordination efforts but little infrastructure was built following the plan’s completion to ensure its goals could be met. Sixteen years later, in 2020, a full-time coordinator for […]
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An intermission for change: Temporary closure brings much-needed refresh to UIS Performing Arts Center
The University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center is taking an intermission – and we’re preparing for something truly transformative. The Public Affairs Center building at UIS is undergoing a major plumbing replacement project that will temporarily close the UIS Studio Theatre and Sangamon Auditorium. While this may be disappointing news for the patrons who […]
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Humility: The endangered virtue
Country music is not my favorite genre. However, there is one country song that never fails to bring a smile to my face each time I hear it. That song, “(Always Stay) Humble and Kind,” is sung by Tim McGraw but it was written by Lori McKenna, a mother of five, and it’s easy to […]
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United Way to host Community Listening Sessions
United Way of Central Illinois will be hosting Community Listening Sessions and a companion Community Survey to gather input directly from residents across Sangamon and Menard Counties. These efforts aim to better understand the challenges facing local families and identify where the greatest needs and gaps exist. Then, United Way can continue to direct grant […]
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Kidzeum holds ribbon cutting for Route 66 exhibit
Kidzeum of Health and Science is holding a seven-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20. The weekend will feature live performances, hands-on science programs, games, giveaways and the grand opening of the brand-new Route 66-themed exhibition, The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66. Admission is free on Saturday, while Sunday will […]
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Teaching antiracism is a practice of freedom
In June, the Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network finished its last 2025 Healing Illinois funded antiracism trainings –this is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Human Services in partnership with The Field Foundation of Illinois and United Way of Central Illinois. Our workshops focused on learning how to identify and interrupt anti-Black, anti-Immigrant prejudice, bias, […]
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What good is prayer if we still suffer?
As of this writing, the nation keeps vigil with the Texas families whose loved ones were swept away by flood waters, the death toll north of 100 and climbing. According to media reports, over the Fourth of July weekend gun violence killed 189 people and injured 500 in our country. Last week I traveled out […]
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Liberty, equality and fraternity – The blessings and the challenges
A week and a half ago, we observed the Fourth of July, our American Independence Day with picnics, fireworks and parades and, hopefully, a renewed dedication to the principles and aspirations on which our country is founded. This week France observes its national holiday, Bastille Day, the 14th of July, marking the date in 1789 […]
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In pursuit of justice: A personal reflection
Hello, my name is Diana Elshref. I want to thank Illinois Times for allowing me an opportunity as a board member of Faith Coalition for the Common Good to share my story and the outstanding work that the FCCG is doing in the community. My passion and journey have always concerned civil, social and racial […]
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Chatham Strong Fest
A daylong family-friendly music festival featuring six performers will give people an opportunity to pay tribute to the April 28 accident victims in Chatham and raise money to support them. Billed as the Chatham Strong Fest, it will run from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at the Chatham Community Park, 711 S. Park […]
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Friday Night Live in downtown Springfield
Downtown Springfield is the place to go on four Friday nights this summer to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, shopping and family fun at local businesses. Friday Night Live is a collaboration among downtown businesses and community supporters to bring people downtown and experience all those local businesses have to offer. It was born from a grassroots […]
