Intellectual and developmental disability services brace for potential Medicaid cuts
Intellectual and developmental disability service organizations are bracing for potential cuts to Medicaid and Medicare from the federal government under congressional Republicans and President Donald Trump. About 3.9 million Illinoisans are enrolled in Medicaid. Of that total, 44% of Medicaid recipients are children, 9% are seniors and 7% are adults with disabilities, according to the…
The Friend a poignant pet tale, Nicole Kidman can’t save Holland and Jason Statham lacking in Working Man
Friend a testament to the power of pets I don’t have to tell those who have dogs as pets how wonderful their canine companions are. Studies have shown having one increases the owner’s life expectancy and helps relieve stress, while their presence is like having a live-in therapist. If you own one and your response to…
Kwame Raoul rules out bid for U.S. Senate
While many Illinois Democrats wait anxiously to hear whether U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin will run for reelection in 2026 or step down after five terms in the Senate, at least one incumbent officeholder appears to be ruling himself out as a potential successor. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said Tuesday he is not interested in…
Despite Trump order, Illinois won’t require voter proof of citizenship
Illinois voters casting ballots in the April 1 consolidated elections will not be required to show proof of U.S. citizenship, despite an executive order issued last week by President Donald Trump. On March 25, Trump issued an executive order directing federal agencies to implement and enforce a nationwide requirement that voters show documentary proof of U.S.…
O sing, you thing with feathers!
“She must have hated that,” my companion said, horrified. He seemed to know a lot about Emily Dickinson, though not the particular poem which he apparently heard for the first time from my lips. His response astonished me. She must have hated that? What’s to hate about hope, I questioned as I walked away. Though…
Summer camps offer adventure, discovery and growth
The things I remember most about childhood summers, besides the feeling that summer stretched on forever, were the new experiences and adventures I had. Summer, for me, was two and a half months of long, sun-drenched days that were filled with unstructured play, outdoor exploration and making new friends at camp. The lack of school…
State considers taking services
The Civic Federation, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability recently released a report calling for the expansion of the sales tax to several services, claiming such a move could raise $2 billion for the state. The state imposes an additional sales tax…
About the cover artist: Vivian Rollet
This year’s cover was designed by Vivian Rollet, a recent graduate of Glenwood High School who is currently pursuing a degree in graphic arts at Lincoln Land Community College. She has a passion for various artistic mediums, focusing particularly on digital art, film and comic art. Vivian said her approach to the Capital City Visitor…
Abe’s hometown
Two centuries after his birth, Springfield’s best-known resident remains a revered icon, a leader who bore the weight of destiny to his untimely demise. Born in dire poverty and self-educated, Abraham Lincoln rose to lead our nation during its darkest time. His words inspired Americans during the Civil War, and they inspire us today. Lincoln…
Looking for Lincoln
Find your Lincoln story! Learn about the people and places with connections to Abraham Lincoln with the Looking for Lincoln Story Trail. This series of wayside exhibit signs reveal interesting facts about Lincoln, individuals with whom he interacted, and the surroundings Lincoln would have experienced during his life and times. There are nearly 50 Looking…
Museums and historic sites
DOWNTOWN AREA Dana-Thomas House – A Frank Lloyd Wright design 301 E. Lawrence Ave. 217-782-6776 http://historicspringfield.dnr.illinois.gov/ Facebook.com/StateHistoricSitesOfSpringfieldIL Donations accepted A visit to Springfield is not complete without touring the magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House. The home contains the largest collection of site-specific, original Wright art glass and furniture befitting Wright’s first “blank check” commission.…
Springfield Art Association
The Springfield Art Association is at the heart of Springfield’s thriving arts and culture scene. Boasting two art galleries, an art school, a Lincoln-era historic house museum and a calendar packed with family-friendly events, there is always something to see or do at the SAA. For the art aficionado, the Springfield Art Association offers two…
Visual and performing arts
Copper Coin Ballet Company 420 S. Sixth St. coppercoinballet@gmail.com coppercoinballet.org Reimagines the context and potential for dance in our community to create unique collaborations in artistic expression among burgeoning artists nurtured by experienced artists. CCBC stages annual performances of “Rockballet” and Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Grant Conservatory of Music and Dance 501 S. Elliott Ave. grantconservatory@gmail.com…
The capital city
Illinois State Capitol 401 S. Second St. 217-782-2099 Illinois boasts a stunning State Capitol, and in recent years the legislative chambers and multifloor west wing were magnificently restored. It is well worth visiting this National Historic Landmark. Construction began on the sixth and current Illinois Capitol in 1868 after officials determined that more space was…
What the locals do for fun
Haven’t you seen enough sights? How about some fun? Take it from the locals – here are many ways to have a good time in the capital city that don’t involve learning anything at all. Just enjoy. FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT Amazing Xscapes 1650 Wabash Ave. 217-679-6396 amazingxscapes.com Choose from several different escape room themes and book…
Walk, Hike and Bike History
Illinois Department of Natural Resource’s State Historic Sites in Springfield invite you to check out Walk, Hike and Bike History, an exciting way to explore history in the capital city. Walk, Hike and Bike History is a series of inspiring outdoor experiences that connect you to “must-see” museums and monuments in the capital city. Guided…
The outdoors
Boating and fishing Lake Springfield 217-757-8660 x1011 cwlp.com Public boat launches are available from a variety of locations. Try your hand at fishing from the shoreline or from your boat in a private cove. Lake Springfield Marina 17 Waters Edge Blvd. 217-483-3625 lakespringfieldmarina.com Full-service marina with slip rental by day, week, month or season. Rent…
The nightlife
The nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, hip-hop, dance music, open mic events and karaoke nights are well represented on any given night in central Illinois and the capital city. Solid local acts playing original and cover material mix with national touring bands on the road…
Food and drinks
American 66 Mother Road Diner (inside Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center) 625 E. St. Joseph St. 217-529-6626 Abe’s Hideout 2301 S. Dirksen Pkwy. 217-679-2044 abeshideouts.com Applebee’s Grill & Bar 2554 Sunrise Dr. 217-528-7021 applebees.com Aunt Lou’s Soul Food 524 E. Monroe 217-717-1916 auntlous.com Big Sharks Fish & Chicken 330 South Grand Ave. 217-717-9700 Bob…
Drink up
Microbreweries Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling 619 E. Washington St. (downtown) 217-679-1195 anvilandforge.com One of a burgeoning number of craft breweries in the capital city, Anvil & Forge opened in late 2018. The place has a no-nonsense vibe, with walls made from metal siding and reclaimed barn wood, a cement floor and a mix…
Shopping
Antiques and Flea Markets Abe’s Old Hat Antiques & Country Store 111 N. Sixth St. 217-414-3320 Abe’s Tradin’ Post 2704 Peoria Rd. 217-753-2237 Barrel Antique Mall 14266 Frazee Rd, Divernon. 217-628-9192 Hilda’s Antique Mall 5850 S. Sixth St. Rd. 217-585-1438 barrelantiquemall.com Northfield Flea Market 3226 E. Sangamon Ave. 217-306-1873 Sangamon Antique Mall 3050 E. Sangamon…
This year’s big events
ONGOING Small Beginnings Various dates through June 6, 1:30 p.m. This short play tells the story of Robert Smalls. Smalls, enslaved from birth, commandeered a Confederate ship in Charleston, South Carolina, and used it to take family and friends to freedom. Reggie Guyton portrays Smalls and Randy Erwin provides a moving musical soundtrack for each…
