Cover Story
A legacy and a vision
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Illinois Times, a remarkable achievement for a locally owned, independent publication. Over the past few decades, changing trends in readership and advertising have led to steep declines in the number of newspapers nationwide, with the pandemic only accelerating the demise of many publications. Northwestern University’s Medill School of…
Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem a no-show at Governor’s Mansion
On Tuesday afternoon, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Secretary Kristi Noem would be visiting Springfield the following morning to tout her “Making America Safe Again” agenda and speak out against Gov. JB Pritzker’s immigration policies and Illinois’ status as a sanctuary state. No time or location for her press conference was publicized, but…
Heartland HOUSED expands community outreach efforts
We all benefit from support systems that help us navigate life’s challenges and difficulties. At times, that support may come from a family member, mentor or teacher who guides us and helps us grow. In other seasons, it might take the form of a loan, a public benefit or advice on how to handle a…
50501 protest held outside Capitol
A 50501 protest took place in front of the Capitol on Saturday, May 3. The grassroots movement has been organizing gatherings in all 50 states to protest the actions of the Trump administration. An initial protest in Springfield was held Feb. 5, one of dozens of protests that took place across the nation that day.…
Missing indigenous women: An invitation to care
You might have anticipated that this month I’d be writing a eulogy for Pope Francis, who died April 20. True, I am sad at his passing – sometimes when my heart remembers he is gone I feel the void. But more than sad, I am grateful for the gift of his life and the witness…
GOP outraged by Pritzker speech
During a rip-roaring speech in New Hampshire last week, Gov. JB Pritzker called for mass national protests and “disruption,” assailed “do-nothing” Democrats for their “simpering timidity” and labeled President Donald Trump a “madman” who cannot be reasoned with. The Jewish Ukrainian-American governor said of Trump: “Stop tearing down the Constitution in the name of my…
‘Never asked to be a part of this somber club’: Illinois honors fallen police officers
Nine Illinois police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024 were honored at a ceremony in Springfield Thursday. The Illinois Peace Officers Memorial takes place every year on the first Thursday of May to honor officers who died on the job in the prior year. Families of the officers are…
Thunderbolts* a relatable Marvel Universe movie, Nicolas Cage captivates as The Surfer
Thunderbolts* strikes home Threats in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have come in all shapes and sizes but none have lacked in grandeur. There have been rogue gods, out of control robots, characters able to alter time and reality, mad sorcerers and eternal beings that wield unimaginable power. The threat in Jake Schreier’s Thunderbolts* is seemingly much…
Getting better local news coverage
Based on encounters I have across Springfield, I’d say a whole bunch of people want better local news. They see that the number of reporters covering local events has gone down here, just as it has in cities and towns across the country. But in addition to agreeing that the local reporting scene has suffered…
Feds cut funding for cultural institutions
The Trump administration is dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a tiny federal agency and primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries. Grants help libraries and museums in every state achieve high standards of excellence and serve their communities – through educational programming, exhibits, collections, professional development and library services.…
Recognizing the spirit of Abraham Lincoln
The Lincoln Presidential Foundation presented Sam Waterston with its 18th annual Lincoln Leadership Prize at a ceremony in Chicago on April 21. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, received the Foundation’s Wayne Whalen “Charity for All” Award, which is inspired by Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. The Lincoln Leadership Prize is awarded to individuals for a lifetime of…
Illinois Republicans need diversity of views, a bigger tent
Looking ahead to the rest of President Donald Trump’s final term in office is a challenge when there are still three years left. However, interviews with active and former Illinois Republicans give a glimpse into the party’s attitude toward the future in Illinois and overall. Trump’s political support as head of the Republican Party, while…
May music plays
Welcome to the merry month of May as we continue our raucous romp through the music scene of our fair city, to see what can be seen out there. And by the look of our listings, there’s plenty to partake in, so let’s get right on it, if we may. Thursday gives us a few…
APL Upscale Collectible Sale
This event is the Animal Protective League’s largest and longest-running fundraiser and offers a chance to find some upscale goods for a good price and also help animals in APL’s care at the same time. For sale will be donated items collected through April 26. The event includes a bake sale, silent auction and prizes…
Making local government more accessible
Like many people, I often find myself more absorbed by national political dramas than the goings-on at my local city council or school board. Yet, the decisions made closest to home – about schools, roads, safety and neighborhoods – typically impact our daily lives far more directly. A few years ago, as one chapter of…
New board leadership, handbook changes and budget concerns
Big changes for District 186: – New board members were sworn in, and the board elected a new president. – The meeting celebrated student achievements, including the Lanphier High School band’s festival win, statewide coaching honors, and a future educator signing day. But the spotlight was on the updated Student and Family Handbook: – Stricter…
Letters to the editor 05-01-25
FUELING STIGMA U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent claim that autism “destroys families” is not only offensive, it’s profoundly harmful. This rhetoric reflects a damaging, outdated view that stigmatizes neurodivergent individuals and adds unnecessary pain to families already navigating a complex world. Autism doesn’t destroy families. What causes harm…
Love poem by my mother
Love poem by my mother My parents were married on May 3rd, 1924 Mother wrote this poem a few years later: “If I could give to you one only gift To hold forever, in remembrance of me, Twould be the peace that enters in the heart When love comes there to dwell, all silently. I’d…
Baking soda hacks
Our little house has a smallish kitchen, but thankfully it has a door that opens to a staircase leading to a dry basement, which I’ve turned into a giant pantry. My wife recently questioned why I keep the baking soda in the cabinet next to the stove instead of in the basement pantry with the…
