Cover Story
This I believe Illinois
Th is I Believe is an annual essay contest for high school seniors produced by NPR Illinois. Modeled after the program started by radio journalist Edward R. Murrow in 1951, students are invited to write an essay sharing their own personal beliefs. This year, 245 students within the NPR Illinois listening area submitted essays –…
Federal judge strikes down Illinois assault weapons ban
A federal judge in East St. Louis has struck down Illinois’ assault weapons ban on the grounds that it violates the Second and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution and issued an order barring the state from enforcing it. That order, however, was stayed for 30 days, giving the state time to file an appeal before…
Democrats seek to “Trump-proof” some state statutes
Back in 2018, about midway through President Donald Trump’s first term, the Illinois Senate passed a bill that was designed to prevent “the weakening of Illinois environmental and labor regulations in response to a weakening of federal regulations,” according to an Illinois Environmental Council press release. Some state rules are tied directly to federal rules,…
Mayor’s Awards for the Arts recipients announced
The Springfield Area Arts Council and the city of Springfield have announced the winners of the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, recognizing exceptional talent and dedication to the arts in Sangamon and Menard counties. This year’s honorees were celebrated at an awards ceremony held Nov. 2 at the Inn at 835. The event brought…
Small Things one of year’s best films, Anora a ribald fairytale, Memoirs of a Snail offers hope
Murphy devastating in year’s best Small Things Though is seems more pressing now than usual, the question regarding adhering to one’s personal principles in the face of differing societal beliefs and institutional oppression has always been with us. Right or wrong, each of us will eventually be faced with the choice of mindlessly going with…
November to remember music
Here we go full bore into our November transition stage, from the usual outdoor spaces so popular in Springfield to indoor entertainment areas of the cooler season. Let’s see what’s up for this upcoming weekend in the here and now of the who and where. Many thanks to all who attended the Best of Springfield…
Letters to the editor 11-07-24
FOCUS ON REAL PROBLEMS Cry me a river. The poor police get a middle finger from some kid whose friends, co-workers, relatives and acquaintances have been attacked by armed “jump out boys” of the Springfield Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit, who target Black people 5.7 times more often than whites, even though statistics fail to…
Lament
Lament Oh cursive hand oh cursive hand How much we miss your graces Oh cursive hand oh cursive hand The printed word replaces, some Future day the grid will fail; we May go back to pony mail. 2024 Jacqueline Jackson
The journey to commemorate the 1908 Race Riot
On Oct. 9, a great celebration was held at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital in Springfield for the 1908 race riot site’s federal designation as a national monument, which establishes it as a unit of the National Park Service. In 2014, a search for buried historical items in a portion of land purchased for the…
False claims abound in state races
As usual, plenty of false claims have been made during this state legislative election cycle. But the campaign I keep going back to in my own mind is the battle in the 97th House District. The race features freshman incumbent Rep. Harry Benton, D-Plainfield, a union ironworker and a former local elected official. The Republican challenger…
I believe in the moon
I believe in the moon Jessica Letterly Springfield High School I remain fascinated by the moon. I love how the phases represent life on Earth. I had no idea that later on in life, the moon would represent so many chapters of my life. The moon changes phases but, in essence, stays the same. This…
Victoria’s Secret “Bombshell” perfume
Victoria’s Secret “Bombshell” perfume Eva Marks Springfield High School Growing up, I wondered why my best friend’s house smelled differently than both of mine. My dad told me that every family just has a different smell, that was all. My mom told me it was because some families buy expensive laundry detergent and dryer sheets.…
I believe in SpaghettiO’s
I believe in SpaghettiOs Sara Street Meridian High School “Sissy, I’m hungry,” was always a phrase I heard growing up. My two little sisters would tell me this in hopes I would cure their hunger. I always did. Little 9-year-old me would venture into the kitchen and get a can of SpaghettiOs for my then…
I believe in reaching out
I believe in reaching out Keaton Morgan Litchfield High School It should've been one of the happiest times in my life. I was on vacation in Wisconsin before the school year began. My mom, sister, stepdad and I were out to eat at a restaurant of my choosing when my mom’s phone began to ring.…
I believe in destiny
I believe in destiny Addison Lessen Williamsville High School I believe in destiny. Destiny is truly mind-blowing once you think about it. Destiny can lead people to astonishing things, and for me, destiny brought my family together. As crazy as it sounds, it’s true. I am so grateful for it. My family lost my father…
Adult film star returns to area with comedy show
Adult film star turned stand-up comedian Stormy Daniels has been traveling the country performing shows. This Monday, Veterans Day, she’ll appear at the Backroom Lounge in Riverton with special guests the Copenhagen Bandit and Nina Kern. Daniels, 45, is the main figure in the hush money case against former President Donald Trump. Earlier this year,…
Preserving the past
Preserving the past Emily Lanter Hillsboro High School I’m 9 years old, standing just behind a velvet rope, and I’m staring up at the skeleton of a dinosaur that is inconceivably old. I’m 11, unable to tear my eyes away from the soft colors in a gilded-framed landscape. I’m 14, the farthest away from home…
Soda tabs and soliloquies
Soda tabs and soliloquies Nina McEuen Springfield High School I believe in soda tabs. Those shiny aluminum openers that sizzle and pop when you open a soda make me believe in love. Love is a concept that most of us do not understand – whether that be how to obtain it or how to keep…
Emerald and onyx
Emerald and onyx Mia Gephart Southeast High School I believe in those bright green eyes peering through the window, floating through the darkness of summer nights. I believe in walking barefoot through dirt, searching under the roof, by the wood pile, for her little black ears, her sleeping form. Walking outside in the summer heat,…
I believe in stained glass
I believe in stained glass Alexandria Gasperson Litchfield High School One night in mid-February, I sat in a church parking lot alone, with a black smudged cross on my forehead. The Ash Wednesday service wrapped up about 30 minutes prior and everyone had left. I thought about the sermon and how the pastor had given…
Rail project receives final piece of federal funding
Construction on the only overpass in Springfield’s rail improvements project is expected to commence in early 2025 after federal officials announced $157 million in final grant funds. The federal allocation, announced by U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, and by U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, and Tammy Duckworth, D-Hoffman Estates, also will help pay for construction…
It’s almost time to get cookin’
However you celebrate the holidays, the lengthening nights that mark the approach of winter solstice call for cozy cooking and spending time with the people you love. Whether you’re prepping for a big family get-together or just want to make the most of baking and soup season, having a clean and organized space will help…
No more money for minority scholarships?
A group determined to end racial affirmative action programs has filed a lawsuit against the state of Illinois in hope of ending its scholarship program for minority students who want to become teachers. “Illinois can offer assistance to young, aspiring teachers, but not when they exclude a significant number of applicants based on their skin…
Storm on stage
Hurricane Diane opens like an ancient Greek stage play. The perpetual character Diane comes out from the audience entrance in a gold gown and a leaf-made diadem on her head. She walks into the circular stage that sits before a barely lit setting that resembles a suburban kitchen. What starts as a comedic monologue quickly…
Editor’s note 11-07-24
The election prayer, “May the best person win,” often doesn’t work. Still, ballots are better than bullets for choosing officeholders, and if everybody participates by voting maybe we can keep nonviolent democracy going a while longer. Ours is not the same as the immigrant experience, but we who are disappointed in election results can feel…
Bringing global awareness to Springfield
In September over 100 people dined on Polish cuisine and then heard a fascinating presentation from former Polish ambassador Daniel Fried. In October another large group gathered, this time dining on selections from China, Afghanistan and Austria, and then listening to engaging stories and watching videos about music as a form of diplomacy. The program…
