Cover Story
Local election coverage
From congressional races to contested Sangamon County Board seats and the sheriff’s race, here’s a look at who’s on the Nov. 3 ballot locally. We also have an overview of the landlord registry referendum that Springfield voters will be asked to consider. Sign up for our daily digital newsletter (https://www.illinoistimes.com/get-it-in-your-inbox/) to get timely information about…
Another Grandpa letter
My Dear Boy Ronald,I realize you are laboring to solve one of the problems of life.I trust your strength of character and manhood to guardagainst the temptations of the social life, you are entering.I will leave it to you when you see immorality and immoralinfluences coming through the dance to cut it out. Orwhen you…
Letters to the editor 10/22/26
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. SUPPORT SECOND AMENDMENT She didn’t ask for Joe (Biden) to be killed, she is defending her Second Amendment rights (“Beni Harmony heads to the White House,” Oct. 8). When I️ was in high school, kids…
Observations of an immigrant court observer
I consider Chicago my hometown. My entire family was raised on Chicago’s south side and I grew up in a southeast suburb called Dolton, a working-class town traversed by railroad tracks and surrounded by industry. Fun Fact: Pope Leo grew up in Dolton about a mile from my house. So when ICE began its cruel…
An overview of contested County Board races
Despite a total of 17 seats up for reelection on the Sangamon County Board and increased eyes on county politics, only four of those races are contested. With 29 board members, Sangamon is one of only three counties (the other two being LaSalle and St. Clair) to have the maximum number of county board seats…
Sheriff candidates both promise change
Sangamon County voters haven’t elected a Democrat as sheriff since 1974, but Marc Bell says the public’s longing for change at the local level, combined with dissatisfaction with Republicans nationally, may help him push the political pendulum in a new direction Nov. 3. “Everybody’s got to vote,” said Bell, a 62-year-old Democrat, Springfield resident and…
Nikki Budzinksi, Mary Miller both face challengers
Parts of Sangamon County are included in two congressional districts – the 13th and the 15th. The nationwide outcome of the mid-term election will determine whether the Republicans will keep control of Congress. Some political pundits predict Democrats are likely to gain a majority of the House and Senate, as President Donald Trump’s approval rating…
Signs of opposition
Signs popping up across Springfield make a blunt pitch to voters: “Landlord registration raises your taxes! Say no.” The Springfield Area Landlord Association, which is behind the signs, said they’re meant to warn voters about what the group sees as the inevitable costs of a landlord registration program. On Nov. 3, Springfield voters will weigh…
Frank Lesko challenges Doris Turner
Frank Lesko wants voters to send him to the Illinois Senate to cut the cost of government. Doris Turner wants them to keep her there to bring state dollars home. The Republican Sangamon County recorder and the incumbent Democratic state senator have both spent years in local government. But in their contest for the 48th…
Great Halloween recipes with minimal fuss
Halloween cookery can range from playfully autumnal to murderously macabre. From festive pumpkin crostini to bloodied witches’ fingers and ghoulish eyeballs, the best recipes strike an appropriate balance between shock value and delicious taste. I like to achieve this by focusing on deep, vivid colors, contrasting textures and a reliance on gorgeous fall produce like…
Falling into October music
As we fly on through October like autumn leaves in a fall breeze, the festivals are finished, but the fun of it all keeps on moving and grooving as we have gigs galore with plenty of upcoming excitement ahead. Let’s get to it. First off we offer some very exciting and welcome news as the…
Learn how to gather histories, memories
Local history enthusiasts, this one is for you. This Saturday afternoon, don’t miss two free oral history workshops presented by the UIS Performing Arts Center and the Sangamon Experience. The workshops are “Story Harvest: Collecting Oral Histories (12:45-2:30 p.m.) and “Story Harvest: From Memory to Meaning (2:45-4:45 p.m.). In the first session, participants will learn…
