“Peace for Ukraine” banners are being installed throughout downtown to demonstrate Springfield’s friendship with Ukraine. The banners also feature a vibrant sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine. Sunflowers are a key component of the Ukrainian economy and a symbol of peace. The banners are an initiative of Mayor Jim Langfelder and Barb Malany of the […]
Cap City
Posted inOpinion
Walking tour for visually impaired at Lincoln Memorial Garden
Visually impaired individuals can now more fully enjoy Lincoln Memorial Garden (LMG). The Educational Center for the Visually Impaired (ECVI) partnered with LMG to install beacons that trigger highly descriptive audio narratives about the garden’s history and points of interest through an AWARE app developed by Sensible Innovations in Chatham. The technology works with smartphones; […]
Posted inOpinion
Springfield celebrates Earth Month
April is Earth Month, and April 22 marks the 52nd annual Earth Day. In celebration, the city of Springfield is cosponsoring two events: April 23, Earth Awareness Fair, Henson Robinson Zoo, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 1100 E. Lake Shore Dr. Family-friendly educational event with hands-on activities, art, workshops, games and free admission to the zoo. Hosted […]
Posted inOpinion
These pear trees are pretty but problematic
Spring has sprung in Springfield. Redbud, dogwood, magnolia and other flowering trees are, or soon will be, in bloom. One flowering tree dominates the streetscape along many major streets and downtown. Although their prolific white blooms may appear pretty, ornamental pear trees have become a huge problem. They have been overplanted, spread easily and can […]
Posted inOpinion
Match Day for medical students
Match Day is an exciting milestone in the life of a medical student. Fourth-year med students across the country learn at the same time where they will be going for their advanced training. On Monday, March 14, students were informed by email if they were matched for a residency. The following Friday students find out […]
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African American History Museum receives $660,000
Big improvements are in store for the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum, thanks to a $662,545 Public Museums Capital Grant from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Governor JB Pritzker recently announced that 36 Illinois museums will receive a total of $19.7 million through the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Kidzeum is the […]
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Kidzeum picks up STEAM
Kidzeum recently received good news. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded Kidzeum a $355,400 public museum capital grant to transform undeveloped space into a center for STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics). This is funded through DNR’s allocation of $27 million from the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital program for grants to […]
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Mobile Museum of Tolerance visits here
The Mobile Museum of Tolerance was in Springfield last week at the request of Senator Doris Turner, D-Springfield. The Simon Wiesenthal Center created the mobile museum to inspire and empower people of all ages and backgrounds to raise their voices and combat anti-Semitism, bullying, racism, hate and intolerance. The bus is adorned with images of […]
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Black Lives Matter SPI helps kids
This is the inaugural year for Black Children’s Book Week, to be celebrated globally Feb. 27-March 5. The goal is to ensure Black children see themselves represented in literature. Veronica Chapman, founder of Black Baby Books, launched the initiative to celebrate Black children and the Black-authored books that represent them. Black Lives Matter SPI is leading this […]
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Think spring. Buy a tree.
It’s time to get ready for spring. Now through the end of February you can order trees through the Springfield Parks Foundation. Purchase a tree for yourself or donate one for the Springfield Park District to plant. All proceeds from the tree sales will be used by the Springfield Parks Foundation to help fund local […]
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Black History Month
Here’s a sampling of Black History Month programs in the capital city. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Alderman Shawn Gregory, are offering creative hike and bike tours. Put on your hiking shoes and join a guide for a 90-minute hike around Oak Ridge Cemetery. Learn about the history of Springfield’s Black community, including […]
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Plans for a downtown master plan
A revitalized and resilient downtown is a priority in The Next 10, A Community Visioning Plan for Greater Springfield released in spring 2021. The report identified the need for a downtown master plan that addresses a strengthened connection with the Mid-Illinois Medical District. Downtown Springfield Inc. (DSI) recently solicited proposals for a multidisciplinary planning effort […]
