Cover Story
Rolling out the welcome mat
Abraham Lincoln may always be Springfield’s top tourist attraction, but the capital city is expected to draw thousands of visitors this weekend for the kickoff of an internationally popular road rally. For the first time in its long history, the annual Hemmings Great Race will start in Springfield on June 20. A crowd will gather…
Former Cubs, Cardinals stars to play
See former Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals legends battle it out in this seven-inning game. Playing for the Cubs side will be former pitcher Kyle Farnsworth, Women’s Pro Baseball League star Amanda Gianelloni and actor Thomas Ian Nicholas, who starred as Henry Rowengartner in the movie Rookie of the Year. Representing the Cardinals will…
Leviticus both terrifying and heartbreaking, Jessie stars in Toy Story 5
Heartbreaking Leviticus terrifying yet poignant Though discredited, conversion therapy relating to homosexuality is still being used today, albeit with much less frequency. Some of these practices are folded into other approaches, have been renamed and also presented as a free speech issue through a U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued in early 2026. While steps are…
The future of our national parks
If recent news coverage has left you concerned about the future of our national parks, historic sites, and public lands you’re not alone. Regardless of what challenges are currently facing the National Park Service, our national parks and the lands and stories they hold are worth supporting. The good news is that there is no…
Chilled soups
When the temperatures soar and even the weeds are wilting, chilled soups manage to exude effortless elegance despite their dead-simple preparation and often humble ingredient list. Many, such as cucumber soup and Spanish gazpacho, are essentially liquefied salad and don’t require any cooking at all. Others, such as classic French vichyssoise, a chilled potato and…
Joys of June music
Bring on the sunscreen and insect repellant, stay hydrated and say when, here comes some live music made for June and the sweet summertime. Let’s expect to get a decent break from watching the weather so all of us can go outside and play, listen and be a part of the many music events upcoming…
New home nightmare
In a room just off the kitchen area in the Chatham home of Jaigovinda and Phalita Sharma, a wicker sofa and a rocking chair sit amid roughly four dozen potted plants. Out the window is a great view of Lick Creek, adding to the feeling of Zen the couple foresaw when they purchased the $550,000…
Today’s Poem
What is it like to be 98, tra la?I have all of my bits and most of my witsexcept those that are gone that I might try to hailif I could but glimpse a vanishing tailAre you a turn-pager? If so, I will wagerYou’ve not reached this stanza. I’ll stop while I can-za! 2026 Jacqueline…
Letters to the editor 6/18/26
CONGRATS TO FLETCHER I was surprised to read of Fletcher “Bud” Farrar’s move from the role of editor, but pleased to know he’s still going to be active in the affairs of Illinois Times and its journalism. I was fortunate to have a few articles published by Bud in IT in the 1970s. Most memorable…
