Illinois joined 24 other states and the District of Columbia in suing the Trump administration over plans to stop funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Saturday as the federal government shutdown continues. About 1.9 million people in Illinois, and about 42 million people across the country, depend on SNAP benefits, otherwise known as food […]
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Massey Commission wraps up with calls to action
The Massey Commission held its final full meeting Oct. 27, approving a list of calls to action. They include police reforms and expanding behavioral health systems while inviting participation from all facets of the Springfield community. The Massey Commission was created by Sangamon County Board Chair Andy Van Meter and State Sen. Doris Turner to […]
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Verdict in Sean Grayson trial
A Peoria County jury found former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson guilty Oct. 29 of second-degree murder, deciding that he mistakenly believed he was justified in shooting and killing Sonya Massey to avoid being scalded by a pot of hot water she had raised over her head. Jurors were chosen from that county because […]
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Blind mother seeks right to care for her son
On a sunny evening, Dalesha Richardson stands on a courtyard sidewalk near her Springfield apartment. Holding her white cane horizontal to the ground, she is playing the part of a train crossing gate. “Tickets, please!” she calls out as her 3-year-old son, Elijah, barrels toward her on his white balance bike. Elijah is a big […]
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Mental health center to open
Chicago-based nonprofit Envision Unlimited will be hosting a grand opening for its Springfield community mental health center, at 1306 S. Sixth St., Oct. 30. Services offered are geared toward people with mental health challenges and disabilities. The center will accept both Medicaid and Blue Cross patients. Envision Unlimited already owns and operates the Hope Springs […]
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Nearly 2 million Illinoisians set to lose SNAP benefits amid congressional stalemate
Nearly 2 million people in Illinois could lose federal food benefits ahead of Thanksgiving if Congress can’t agree on a budget by the end of the month. The Illinois Department of Human Services announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has told states that Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will not be funded beginning Nov. 1 […]
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State-based health insurance marketplace opens amid federal budget stalemate
People in Illinois who buy health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace are likely to see big increases in the cost of their premiums next year, but state officials are encouraging them to reach out for help before they decide to drop their coverage. “We’re really encouraging people, don’t walk away. Come and talk […]
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“This is what democracy looks like”
A large, peaceful crowd at the Illinois State Capitol shouted that statement, which was also featured on numerous signs during the No Kings protest rally on Saturday, Oct. 18. Although storms were predicted, there was no rain at the protest rally promoting no reign. Springfield was among more than 2,500 No Kings rallies planned across […]
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First data center in Sangamon County
A Dallas-based company is seeking zoning approval to establish a $500 million data center on 280 acres of farmland southwest of Springfield in what would be the largest building construction project in Sangamon County history. CyrusOne, which operates more than 55 data centers across the United States, Europe and Japan – including two in the […]
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Sean Grayson on trial
Former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct stemming from the July 2024 shooting death of 36-year-old Sonya Massey inside her Woodside Township home just outside Springfield. Grayson’s jury trial began Oct. 20 in the Peoria County Courthouse in Peoria. […]
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Illinois, don’t be nuclear bamboozled
Since 2020, nuclear advocates have incessantly touted nuclear power’s benefits the way adolescents choose a first car: if it’s red, fast, and a convertible – that’s it! Cost? Don’t worry, “someone” will pay for it. Insurance? What could possibly go wrong? Maintenance? What could break? Alternatives? But, it’s red! And I NEED it! This pro-nuclear […]
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The 1842 Condell House
Sitting back from Fourth Street in Springfield, tucked next to the Mansion View Inn, sits a house with a long history. The home of John S. Condell for 55 years, it had several owners since his death, then sat empty for over 30 years, came close to demolition, was listed as one of Illinois’ most […]
