Cover Story
The future of farming
Fertilizer belongs in farm fields, helping crops to grow. It doesn’t belong in drinking water supplies or in the Gulf of Mexico. Central Illinois farmers are adopting more practices to make sure that fertilizers, or nutrients as they are called in the business, stay where they’re supposed to stay, and stay out of the places…
Voters choose crime prevention over tough on crime approach
A couple of Chicago mayoral race polling results from last month have been stuck in my head ever since they were released. The BSP Research poll taken March 15-23 for Northwestern University’s Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy found the two mayoral runoff candidates were running neck and neck. The poll was almost…
Why another financial crisis?
Why every 15 years since the 1980s savings and loan collapse has there been a financial crisis? Martin Wolf of the Financial Times states, “We have created a banking sector that is in theory private, but in practice a ward of the state.” Let’s take a look at the failure of the Silicon Valley Bank,…
A new direction for Springfield
Springfield Mayor-elect Misty Buscher, who denied incumbent Jim Langfelder a third four-year term with her almost 800-vote margin, pledged April 4 to govern in a bipartisan manner but made a point of thanking the 14 labor unions that helped push her over the top. “Those unions made a difference,” she told an enthusiastic crowd of…
SNL Poem
a pleasant voiced lassie will answer almost all I ask time temp weather report but I mustn’t say her name (shh—ALEXA) out loud unless I really want the info I did ask her recently if she’d seen the classic SNL production about herself and the “greatest generation” her reply was “it is still popular to…
Sentenced to Life: The Path to Redemption and Freedom for Prisoner E-25212
Curtis Roberts, now a Springfield resident, served 29 years in prison for three robberies totaling $116 due to the “three strikes” law. His story was shared on an Ear Hustle podcast in 2017, which gained 750,000 listeners almost overnight. Ted Koppel, Bryant Gumbel, the PBS News Hour and many others interviewed him while he was…
Protecting children
A longtime member of the performing arts community has resigned from the board of managers at Springfield Municipal Opera after parents called for his ouster. Efforts to kick Bill Bauser Jr. off the board of The Muni after his appointment by Muni officials in December arose because of allegations that Bauser, while on the board…
SJ-R gets new editor
The State Journal-Register last week got a new editor. Leon Tucker will run the paper’s news operation from Lakeland, Florida, where he is executive editor of the Lakeland Ledger owned by Gannett, which also operates the SJ-R. With more than 220 newspapers across the nation, including USA Today, Gannett has the largest circulation of any…
SHS teacher fights for his life
Not long ago, K.J. Reid, a popular Springfield High School science teacher, was teaching youngsters about medical procedures; today he is in Springfield Memorial Hospital missing his arms and legs. “He teaches medical interventions – the cutting edge of technology when it comes to medicine. Unfortunately, it’s what he’s experiencing right now,” said Amy Weller,…
Man vs. machine
I refuse to use self-checkout lanes at the grocery store. This isn’t a new thing; I just don’t like the technology. It’s not that I find it too complicated. My objection is that when I use it, I’m contributing to someone losing their job. Low-skill, repetitive jobs like those of checkout clerks are on the…
Editors note 4/6/23
Misty Buscher knows what it takes to be a fine mayor. She has pledged an administration of openness, transparency and communication, and we’re eager to watch that unfold. As a newcomer to most of the issues facing city government, Buscher’s performance will be key, while Springfield welcomes new energy and a fresh face. We’re intrigued…
Herbs, the flavorful rewards of spring
After months of comforting cold weather cuisine, the arrival of fresh spring herbs can add some much needed freshness to mealtime. Even early in the season those lucky enough to have established plantings of herbs in a sheltered spot may already be enjoying some of the most flavorful and nutrient-dense rewards of spring. Chives are…
Easter weekend music
Looks like we definitely have this, that and the other thing happening in our music scene this Easter weekend and throughout the week. All that’s missing is for you to agree to participate in the fun and excitement. Let’s take a look at the goings on you could be going on out to see. First…
Letters to the editor 4/6/23
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. —- DISAPPOINTING This is terrible news, in my opinion (“United Airlines departing Springfield,” March 30). The United flights to Chicago currently make travel to places in the U.S. and overseas easy and convenient for Springfield…
Catch some Air, Paint is flat, Tetris a Cold War thriller
Air soars Unlike its subject matter, there’s nothing particularly flashy about Ben Affleck’s Air. This less-is-more approach is vital to its success. He knows well enough to stay out of his own way, focusing on getting solid performances from his cast and telling his tales with a steady pace that sweeps the viewer along. While…
