Cover Story
From bedsides to the boardroom
Edgar Curtis was 17 and a junior at Lanphier High School when an aunt he was particularly close to died from cancer at 47 after a 100-day stay at Springfield Memorial Hospital. During the many visits he made during her decline, Curtis said he noticed “the kind heart and compassionate care” that his aunt received…
Making the impossible possible
My name is Roy Walton. I would like to start by thanking Illinois Times for providing this opportunity for organizations such as Faith Coalition for the Common Good to highlight its work in the community and for allowing me to share my story. With the right motivation, an open mind and a little faith, you…
Legislature kills bill that would have expanded resentencing for youth offenders
The Illinois House shot down legislation Thursday that would have allowed some people incarcerated for crimes they committed when they were under 21 to become eligible for release. In a rare rebuke of a Democrat-sponsored bill, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voted against House Bill 3332, causing the bill to fail on a 49-51 vote.…
State grapples with impact of federal uncertainties
Gov. JB Pritzker said last week that the extreme uncertainty with the U.S. government and the international economy might mean that the legislature may have to reconvene to reconfigure the state budget after it adjourns at the end of next month. “It may very well be that we’re going to have to come back at…
Waves of Illinois’ international university students lose their visas
The federal government has revoked the visas of some international students studying at universities across Illinois, but college administrators are sharing few details, including how many students have been impacted. A spokesperson for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this week confirmed that some of its students are affected, but did not disclose a number. U…
Illinois Republicans explain support for Trump
Interviews with some optimistic Illinois Republicans, encouraged by President Donald Trump’s reinvigoration of conservative ideals, reveal how they view the political landscape as it shifts within the Democratic stronghold known as the Prairie State. Trump’s first term in office was inundated with uncertainty about possible impeachment and hesitant support from allies. The first 70-some days…
St. Francis of Dogtown returns to St. Louis
Nearly five years ago, readers of Illinois Times and residents of the Midwest met Francis Lenihan, affectionately known to his friends and acquaintances as St. Francis. Truthfully there is not very much “saintly” about Lenihan; his main job in the St. Louis Metro area is that of process server. He roams Missouri and parts of…
A playful title for an important cause
“That’s What She Said” is an empowering and entertaining night of storytelling where local, notable women share personal stories of strength, courage and inspiration. It is a one-night-only affair celebrating the resilience and triumphs of women in our own community. The proceeds will be used to directly support the Children’s Advocacy Center of Illinois. CACI…
April-izing music
Off we go into the wilds of our music scene in the midst of April as consistent warmer weather approaches with each passing day, bringing us closer to those outdoor shows we so adore. Next thing you know, the hot, dripping temps of summer will be here in full force. But for now, let’s go…
Musical drama tells story of family coping with crisis
Next to Normal is a musical drama that chronicles how a suburban family copes with the unpredictability of a mother’s worsening bipolar disorder. Written by Brian Yorkey, the play won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama and three 2009 Tony Awards. It takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character during the crisis,…
Council debates public comment rules and a bus bench contract
Public comment rules are under scrutiny. Corporation Counsel Greg Moredock explained the Open Meetings Act and answered questions about what changes might be allowed. – Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams raised questions about political signage on bus benches. Could new regulations be on the horizon? – Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory emphasized the need for…
Editors note 4/10/25
I used to think China had political and economic advantages over the United States because, as a dictatorship, it could move quickly, building dams in a decade and cities in a year, while eliminating political opposition by thuggery and violence wherever it cropped up. In my mind, however, that advantage of speed was outweighed by…
cam comments
My friend, Rodd Whelpley, has discovered various farm cams online but, he says the viewer can’t experience what you did growing up on the farm. “One can’t hear the whoosh of the milk as it leaves the udders, smell the cow patties that the animal drops, feel the hair on the backside of the cow,…
Letters to the editor 4/10/25
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. — CUT AT THE TOP We all agree government spending is out of control (“DOGE cuts come to Springfield,” March 13). Eliminate the Department of Homeland Security and cut the Central Intelligence Agency’s budget. The…
Catch the snacklebox trend
For better or worse, travel and snacking seem inextricably linked, at least in my family. The selection and preparation of munchies for the road is its own sort of fun. Normal dietary standards are effectively abandoned in favor of everyone’s favorite “sometimes foods” such as sugary cereals and spicy chips. In the past these have…
