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Could drones have prevented Highland Park massacre?
Could the 2022 massacre during Highland Park’s July 4th parade have been prevented with a small change to state law? It’s never been publicly reported before, but several local sources confirmed this week that Highland Park Police Chief Louis Jogmen wanted to send a city-owned drone above the July 4 parade last year. That camera-equipped drone…
United Airlines canceling service to Springfield
Beginning June 1, United Airlines will no longer serve Springfield, Mark Hanna, executive director of Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, told Illinois Times Saturday. “We’re very disappointed to learn that United, our hometown airline, has decided to discontinue service to the Illinois state capital,” he said. “We understand the decision was really based on a lack…
“A genuine, nice guy”
Billie Langfelder marvels at her husband’s work ethic at a job that often calls for him to work in the office, preside at contentious Springfield City Council meetings, attend community events and then arrive home and eat dinner after 11 p.m. After all of that, he often falls asleep in a recliner, then goes to…
Fury of the Gods a fun ride, Magician’s Elephant offers hope, Supercell a B-grade Twister
Fury propelled by fun Effortlessly charming and genuinely funny, Shazam: Fury of the Gods lampoons the genre as often as it delivers an impressive piece of superhero derring-do. Billy Batson (the invaluable Zachery Levi) is suffering from a crisis of faith. He’s convinced he’s not worthy of the powers bestowed upon him by the wizard…
Five contested races for City Council
Candidates for the five contested ward representatives on the Springfield City Council have heard concerns from residents about public safety, fly dumping, speeding and deteriorating streets and residences as the April 4 election approaches. Candidates for alderperson in wards 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 told Illinois Times they have been busy on evenings and…
Putting neighborhoods on the ballot
Springfield ICON (Inner City Older Neighborhoods) announced that most of the candidates in elections to be held April 4 share the organization’s priorities for keeping the city neat and clean, and making government more responsive to the needs of Springfield citizens. That was the result of a questionnaire the group sent to the two candidates…
March 20, 1960 Ron to daughter Jackie
First day of spring, sun high and our lane plugged. Kenosha’s had 74 inches of snow this winter. Hawks are hungry for the mice have gone under the snow. They’ve never had it so good. They can now chew on young apple trees four feet off the ground. A sparrow hawk has taken to sitting…
Letters to the editor 3/23/23
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. —- BAD IDEA Let’s spend a ton of money to improve the beach house and still not open the beach (“Back to the beach,” March 9). Sounds like something Springfield would do. Melissa Eades Via…
Details of ComEd bribery come to light at trial
ComEd has long been a source of political patronage. The company’s Deferred Prosecution Agreement with federal prosecutors even references how former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s “old-fashioned patronage system” obtained ComEd meter reader jobs for its precinct workers. Madigan’s wasn’t the only patronage network to do this. It was a widespread practice and, as old-timers tell…
The false promise of small modular nuclear reactors
“Nuclear war” has broken out in Illinois – one that could result in the devastation of our economy and sabotaging of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) goals of 100% renewable energy by 2050. Driven largely by billions of federal dollars from the Infrastructure Act and the Inflation Reduction Act and Department of Energy…
When the claws come out
As lawmakers debated a bill this month to outlaw cat declawing, I couldn’t help thinking sometimes the best intended legislation can have disappointing consequences. The legislation pits two well-intentioned groups against one another: animal rights activists and veterinarians. Members of both groups love animals and want what they believe is best for them. But their…
“Willing to listen”
Misty Buscher isn’t just running against an incumbent; she’s challenging a dynasty. The Springfield city treasurer wants to replace Jim Langfelder as Springfield’s mayor. When she first announced her bid against the two-term incumbent, political prognosticators were skeptical, but after far out-fundraising her opponent and private polling showing the race in a dead heat, those…
The Christians opens at Hoogland March 24
Phil Funkenbusch will be directing The Christians by Lucas Hnath at the Hoogland Center for the Arts starting Friday, March 24, and running two weekends: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The 2014 play by the Tony and Outer Critics Circle award-nominated playwright takes place in a modern megachurch and…
Debt forgiveness becomes a campaign issue
In recent weeks, Mayor Jim Langfelder’s opponents have focused their criticism on the administration’s deals to write off city debts without council approval or public knowledge. First the decision to forgive $243,000 in CWLP charges to Wyndham City Centre came to light, and then Illinois Times reported that $42,000 in fines incurred by politically connected…
Celebrate spring with cupcakes
Cupcakes are pure fun. Whether they’re elegant or whimsical, simple or ornate, tender cupcakes topped with decadent frosting are a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring. It’s possible to make beautiful creations no matter your experience or skill level and without specialty decorating tools. To begin with, use a reliable recipe and make…
New releases and familiar returns
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, or at least we sure hope it doesn’t any time soon. We’ve got new music from area folks that’s bouncing all around the world, plus here come some of the regulars that we once knew quite well. If that all sounds mysterious and vague, let’s…
Money and experience
Three candidates for Springfield city treasurer tout experience in a campaign that has become a big-money endeavor for one candidate. Colleen Redpath Feger, deputy city treasurer and daughter of Ward 1 Ald. Chuck Redpath, has raised nearly $127,000 – that’s more than all candidates for treasurer received in the elections of 2015 and 2019 combined.…
Festival of films by and about women
Film fans, you don’t want to miss this one. LUNAFEST, hosted by the Springfield Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), is an annual traveling festival that showcases seven short films written and directed by women and gender nonconforming filmmakers from all walks of life. The films, featuring themes of friendship, bravery and…
