This weekend, all roads lead once again to Springfield for this major car show. Hundreds of street machines, muscle cars and hot rods will rumble into the capital city. They will be followed by thousands of spectators for this weekend of family fun, live music and entertainment. The festival begins with the Route 66 City […]
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50th Anniversary special
Beginning on page 13 is our anniversary section, with articles by three who were in the “room where IT happened” 50 years ago: Bill Friedman, founding publisher; Alan Anderson, founding editor; and Jim Krohe, contributing editor. These are followed by our “Gallery of Covers,” seven pages of Illinois Times covers, one for each of the […]
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Maybe freedom of the press isn’t guaranteed after all
As a young newspaper reporter in April 1972 I traveled with friends to the A.J. Liebling Counter-Convention in New York City. Counter-Convention meant this gathering was operating as a counter to the meeting of the American Newspaper Publishers Association, taking place New York at the same time. A.J. Liebling was a press critic and New […]
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How we started IT
In 1968 I returned from three years in the Amazon and embarked on a path toward a career in science journalism. I joined Time magazine as a science reporter, when I met Bill Friedman. After several years in New York, Bill and I began to feel restless and wondered what was happening in the rest […]
Posted inRich Miller
Edgar’s contributions won’t be forgotten
Jim Edgar ran a brilliant campaign for governor in 1990. He set the template for every winning statewide race since then by focusing on the importance of independent suburban women. The Republican Edgar defeated a Catholic Democrat – Neil Hartigan – in that race, with a boost from the National Abortion Rights Action League’s endorsement. […]
Posted inRich Miller
Expect more clashes between Trump, Pritzker
Having lived through and closely covered the Bruce Rauner gubernatorial administration, I’ve been getting a strong sense of déjà vu lately as several famous “wise old men” have publicly advised Gov. JB Pritzker to call President Donald Trump and make some sort of deal that settles their disagreements. This effort by political consultant David Axelrod […]
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Sources: Darren Bailey to run for governor again in Illinois
Darren Bailey plans to run for governor for a second time in 2026, Capitol News Illinois confirmed with sources close to the campaign. The former state senator and farmer from Clay County would become the highest-profile Republican to enter the race, having lost the 2022 campaign against Gov. JB Pritzker and a close primary race […]
Posted inFilm
The Long Walk delivers message, Baltimorons runs out of charm
Brutal Walk carries powerful, timely message I was angry as I walked out of the theater after having seen Francis Lawrence’s The Long Walk. I was angry over the brutality I had witnessed, angry about the vile nature of the story and angry over the graphic way it was rendered. The fact that what I […]
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Police accountability and community exclusion debated
The council faced tough questions about police accountability and community trust after a recent video of a violent arrest sparked outrage. Residents and aldermen pressed the police department on transparency, exclusion of community members from meetings, and the need for independent oversight. Calls for de-escalation, inclusivity, and real reform echoed throughout the meeting, with personal […]
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Wyndham Hotel debate, street delays and new library on wheels
Big changes are coming to Oak Ridge Cemetery as the director announced his retirement, and a new leader is stepping in. The council faced tough questions about long-delayed street projects, with promises that work will finally begin this season. Unexpected fire department bills for residents sparked debate over city policy. There’s excitement about a new […]
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Murder charges downgraded for Chatham woman
A 26-year-old Chatham woman originally charged with first-degree murder in the 2018 robbery and killing 19-year-old Springfield resident Dohndre Hughes may only serve a few months in custody after she was sentenced Aug. 4 in a plea deal. Katherine Smith received a prison sentence of 13 years after pleading guilty to home invasion in the […]
