Cover Story
Project Censored
“We have made the planet inhospitable to human life.” That’s what the lead researcher in Project Censored’s No. 1 story this year said. He wasn’t talking about the climate catastrophe. He was talking about so-called “forever chemicals,” per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), linked to prostate, kidney and testicular cancer and additional health risks, and the…
Springfield Clinic, Blue Cross make a deal
After two years of financial and emotional stress for thousands of central Illinois patients, those covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois will regain in-network access to Springfield Clinic medical providers on Jan. 1. Chicago-based Blue Cross and the clinic issued statements Dec. 22 that they have reached a new five-year agreement allowing…
Trade unions lock horns with ICC
Three of Gov. JB Pritzker’s appointees to the Illinois Commerce Commission have not yet been confirmed by the Illinois Senate, including the chair, Doug Scott. All three unconfirmed appointees have recently voted against the stated interests of trade unions. Senate President Don Harmon has assiduously courted trade union support and has raised millions of campaign…
Eggnog, the divisive drink
Of all quintessential holiday flavors, eggnog might be one of the most divisive. Folks either love it or hate it, however it’s hard to argue that this richly spiced and strongly spiked holiday beverage has left an indelible mark on the American holiday tradition. Eggnog is widely believed to be a descendant of posset, a…
Holiday memories of downtown Springfield
For some, a big family Christmas dinner is how they celebrate, while for others, it is baking cookies, singing carols or remembering family members who have passed away. Sangamon Experience asked several individuals to share their special holiday memories of growing up in Springfield. For those whose memories go back far enough, nothing will ever compare…
Last call for Christmas music
We’ve surely had ourselves a fun December time as the final, pre-holiday Now Playing of the season sits before your eyes. After this, we prepare for the New Year (eve, day and beyond), welcoming 2024 with open arms and open hearts, and for some of us at a certain age, with open mouths at the…
Park district plans night of skating, holiday-themed fun
There’s nothing like gliding across the ice on skates. This Friday night, the whole family can take to the Nelson Center ice for Holiday Ice Jamz, a holiday-themed night of skating and fun hosted by the Springfield Park District. The event will feature music, a hot chocolate bar and even an ugly sweater contest. In…
Iron Claw showcases family tragedy, Family Plan a fun action movie, Maestro examines Leonard Bernstein’s life
The Iron Claw a numbing assault If you didn’t know any better, you’d likely think the phrase, “If I didn’t have bad luck, I’d have no luck at all,” was coined to describe the experiences of the Von Erich family. A multi-generational clan of wrestlers, they would climb to the pinnacle of success within the…
Editors note 12/21/23
The Springfield Immigrant Action Network and its president, Veronica Espina, had the most helpful response to recently exposed divisive anti-immigrant rhetoric from Teresa Haley, Illinois NAACP president. “We need to stop using the lenses in which we see ‘us’ versus ‘them,'” SIAN said in a statement. “What we need instead is an analysis in which…
Wrongful incarceration
Brian Beals walked out of prison this month after serving 35 years for a murder he didn’t commit. He blames his wrongful incarceration on a corrupt legal system and credits his freedom to the Springfield-based Illinois Innocence Project. “I got involved in the Innocence Project because my sister and my family petitioned them to take…
Problematic bug makes its way to Springfield
Dr. Meredith Mahoney, a zoologist for the Illinois State Museum, made a discovery in her Springfield home that could be a bellwether not only to global climate change but to a deadly disease making its way into the Midwest. Perhaps the actual discovery should be attributed not to Mahoney but to her cat, Darcie. “She…
My Dearest Mother
(by Demi, age 10) My eldest, as did her sisters, grew up on fairy tales and imaginative stories, so I am honored to be portrayed fairylike in her poem. Like a fairy you once were, Flitting by the forest creek. Being near a flower so dear. The small forget-me-not Our mother then you came to…
Letters to the editor 12/21/23
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. —- NEED TRANSPARENCY This project is supposed to be a public/private initiative with each entity covering half of the total $67 million cost (“Scheels Sports Park development on track,” Dec. 14). According to Ryan McCrady,…
Haley suspended by NAACP
The national NAACP has suspended Teresa Haley as president of the group’s Illinois State Conference after the Springfield resident was recorded on video in October calling immigrants “savages” and saying they are “raping people” and attracting more sympathy than Black people with similar needs. Haley’s comments, made during an online monthly video call with NAACP…
