Cover Story
Ancient roots, modern future
The air inside the sanctuary was thick with incense. A priest in embroidered vestments chanted ancient prayers as parishioners stood shoulder to shoulder. Some bowed deeply before painted icons of Jesus of Nazareth and the saints. Others crossed themselves repeatedly as voices rose together in ancient hymns sung a cappella. It’s a scene one might…
Voter turnout analysis
The trend in special elections around the country for the past several months has shown spiking Democratic voter turnout and tanking Republican turnout. And some preliminary primary election results from earlier this month show the same trend here. What follows is a quick look at governor’s race turnout in the state’s five most populous counties.…
Mike saved by veteran cast, Lethal is efficiently executed
Mike in desperate need of wit There’s a good idea rattling around in BenDavid Grabinski’s Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice. Before enduring this surprisingly dull exercise, I didn’t realize I needed a time travel-hitman-buddy-movie-dramedy. Ironically, after sitting through this slog of a movie, that need remains. Even after my plot summary you may…
Editor’s note
This is a milestone to celebrate – hiring our new CEO, naming a new editor and changing to a nonprofit company. It’s good, and brave, of Kate McKenzie to join us on our journey, and I thank my colleague, Michelle Ownbey, for taking on new challenges as executive editor. I’m grateful to both for taking…
Letters to the editor
HIGHER STANDARDS Thank you for the in-depth story about Leland Grove Police Chief Dan Ryan’s recent arrest (“Leland Grove police chief granted pretrial release,” Feb. 6). This is clearly a case of “he should have known better.” He is the police chief, and there is absolutely no excuse for his conduct. While some may argue…
Vet tale
My student, married to a vet, told this story: A woman entrusted her precious cat to our clinic. The cat promptly got loose and disappeared. For two weeks we searched; then the woman was due back. I ordered my husband to meet her but he vanished to far off locales. I dreaded the moment when…
Explanation for first responder hiring challenges
Thank you to Illinois Times for covering the city of Springfield’s annual budget (“An overview of Springfield’s finances,” March 4). Now that the budget has passed, I want to make four factual points to address misstatements made in the recent Guestwork by police union negotiator David Amerson (“Saving money on police costs safety,” Feb. 19).…
Two cheers for chives
The past week was a tough one for plant lovers. The first half of the month was unseasonably warm, precipitating a premature flush of spring greenery and flowers only to be met with a drastic temperature dip into the teens. Generally, the first plants to break in spring are fairly resilient and can handle an…
Sangamon County Fair Appreciation Night
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS | Night of music, food planned Sponsors, volunteers and community members are invited to a special evening of appreciation for those who make the Sangamon County Fair a success each year. The event includes live music by Neon Rodeo, taco and nacho bar while supplies last, drawings and drinks available for purchase.…
Music through March
Here we go into the last weekend of March with weather that to say the least – and I always try to say the least – is still unsettled. But never fear my fellow music aficionados, soon our dreams of beer gardens and wineries, fairs and festivals, backyards and block parties all full of live…
