Cover Story
Sheriff’s department hiring under scrutiny
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell came under fire for his hiring practices after he employed a deputy with two DUI convictions, who is now accused of the murder of an unarmed Black woman in her kitchen. But it wasn’t the first time he chose to hire someone accused of drunk driving and repeated misconduct. In…
Embracing community and change
My name is Celinda Doolin, and I’ve worked as a real estate broker with Keller Williams Capital Realty for the past seven years. I’ve had the privilege of helping people navigate one of the most significant decisions of their lives – buying or selling their homes. For me, real estate isn’t just a job; it’s…
Making America great again …
For several months, this political mantra has been chanted by thousands, printed on placards, billboards, caps and clothing; promoted by organizations, political groups, religious bodies and individuals. Reviewing the social, economic, environmental, governmental, international and moral fluctuations, and what happened within the U.S. over the past 10 years alone has given rise from some, and…
Reforming Chicago transit could impact statewide taxes
One of the most important legislative debates next year will be about reforming, restructuring and finding a way to fund northeast Illinois’ public transportation system. Statewide taxes could possibly be raised to pay for this, so you should pay attention no matter where you live. Gov. JB Pritzker has said he’s not endorsing current legislation…
We Live in Time manages to be poignant, Smile 2 overdone, a female perspective on serial killers in Woman of the Hour
Pugh, Garfield overcome Live’s gimmick It’s fortunate director John Crowley has Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield in his new film We Live in Time. Though its story goes down a well-worn path, we’re invested in the outcome thanks to the genuine, poignant work the duo delivers. Their ability to bring forth intimate details about their…
Kristen Chiaro challenges incumbent Mike Coffey
The state legislative district representing much of Springfield and Chatham is destined to have an Italian flavor. The race for the 95th District House seat pits GOP incumbent Mike Coffey, a Springfield restaurateur against Democrat Kristen Chiaro, a Chatham village trustee and retired state worker. Coffey, 54, emphasizes the business acumen he brings to the…
Defenders of the Innocent celebrate exonerations
Kristine Bunch was 22 when her three-year old son died in an electrical fire. She was charged with his murder and served 17 years of her 60-year sentence in prison. The Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) brought her home in 2012. Now, Bunch educates police officers on wrongful conviction and received the 2024 Defender of the…
A roadmap for future development
Creating more affordable and market-rate housing, developing areas currently set aside for surface parking and catering more to walkers and bicyclists are among scores of suggestions in a newly released master plan for downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District. The costs of those suggestions aren’t included in the 278-page document, the first-ever long-term plan…
New sheriff to enact reforms voluntarily
The newly appointed Sangamon County sheriff plans to file Freedom of Information Act requests to obtain information from public agencies that have employed applicants for jobs as county deputies and correctional officers. Sheriff Paula Crouch also said she will mandate in-person visits to current and past employers, when possible, as part of a more-thorough background…
Exhibit honors Illinois sculptor Richard Hunt
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will open “Freedom in Form: Richard Hunt” on Oct. 25, an exhibition dedicated to world-famous Chicago-based sculptor Richard Hunt, who died Dec. 18, 2023. This will be the first major show of Hunt’s work since his death. Hunt is known for his large abstract metal works utilizing welding…
October music rolls on
Entering our last full weekend of October, we’re finishing up some beer/music garden events for the season and finding plenty of alternative happenings. Let’s pound the pavement in search of whatever it is you’re looking for. First, we have sad news at the passing of two lifelong musicians in the area. Bassist and arranger Rob…
Exiled barber returns for revenge in 19th century London
Sweeney Todd Oct. 25-27, Nov. 1-3 Hoogland Center for the Arts 420 S. Sixth St. 217-523-2787 hcfta.org Sweeney Todd, also known as Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, has become a worldwide success since its Broadway premiere in 1979. It’s the fictional tale of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber who returns to…
Mary Aono Yoshimura
Mary Aono Yoshimura was born Feb. 18, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. She passed away very early in the morning on Aug. 21, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. She had been in hospice care for the last months of her life. An older sister was sitting with her as she departed on her…
Editor’s note 10-24-24
Traffic stop data recently released by the Illinois Department of Transportation show that the Springfield Police Department has a lot of explaining to do. In Springfield in 2023 there were 11,516 traffic stops, a 37% increase over the year before. Of those stops, 51% involved Black drivers, while only 16% of the population is Black.…
Letters to the editor 10-24-24
GO VOTE I’m glad the Democrats are finally putting up candidates for county races (“County Board elections in the spotlight,” Oct. 3). Now get out there and vote! Anne Hofferkamp Springfield LONG ENOUGH A recent article in The Atlantic noted that one of George Washington’s greatest gifts to America was knowing that the office didn’t…
Tribute to my grandfather, written about 1940
Tribute to my grandfather, written about 1940 by several members of the Turtle 4-H club. “There is a man in our community who has given his time and talents rare; and taxed his strength and ingenuity for boys and girls clubs everywhere. Because of him, we did all sorts of things. We hoed the…
Symphony season launches with energy and purpose
After two seasons of flux following the departure of longtime music director and conductor Ken Lam, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra began a triumphant new era with the “Festive Fanfare” concert at the UIS Performing Arts Center on Friday, Oct. 18. Maestro Taichi Fukumura made his debut as new music director with excitement and aplomb, presenting…
Fall in love with making pasta
Over my five-year career as a chef, I’ve made thousands of ravioli. I was once the pasta maker at Spoon and Stable in Minneapolis and Pastaria in Nashville. A raviolo (the singular of ravioli) is a type of dumpling with a filling sealed between two thin layers of pasta dough. At both restaurants, I made…
