New attractions join old favorites at the Illinois State Fair this year, kicking off Aug. 11 and running through Aug. 21. Life-size animatronic dinosaurs in Happy Hollow and the Route 66 Experience near Gate 2 are just a couple of the additions to this year’s fair. Our special fair-focused issue also looks at some of […]
Cover Story
Posted inArts & Culture
African American history in photos
African Americans in Springfield is a new book by Mary Frances and Beverly Helm-Renfro of Springfield that brings to life African Americans who lived and worked in Springfield. Prominent African Americans who visited Springfield are also featured. Richly illustrated with nearly 150 black and white photos, the deeply researched book celebrates people who shaped the […]
Posted inNews
Big brother is watching, even in Springfield
You’re being watched. Someone is behind your screen watching every move you make: taking notes on your interests, spending habits, browsing history, where you go in the real world and anything else they can gather to fully understand who you are. Their file on you is long, detailed, and it’s for sale to the highest […]
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Rent victims
LuAnn Atkins is 90 years old, she’s lived in her home for ten and a half years, and she’s mad as hell since learning her rent will be raised from $1,667 to $3,000 per month starting Oct. 1. “I’m furious. I’m very angry,” Atkins said. “They haven’t been forthright in getting us ready for this. […]
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Supremes: Changing of the guard
On July 7, Justice Rita Garman retired from the Illinois Supreme Court and Justice Lisa Holder White was sworn in to replace her. Garman, 78, was the longest serving judge in Illinois, having served 48 years, including 21 on the Illinois Supreme Court. Garman says she has “had an amazing career and lived the impossible […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Grillin’ And Chillin’ 2022
Our Grillin’ and Chllin’ issue has plenty of ideas to celebrate the holiday weekend, from camping and nature areas around Springfield to short day trips and backyard get-togethers. Related Related Related Stories
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Illinois ends cash bail
The elimination of cash bail in Illinois, now about 200 days away, continues to worry Sangamon County law enforcement officials. They fear the landmark criminal justice legislation will result in more crime even as it addresses the injustice of poor people remaining in jail pretrial while people who can afford bail are released. The bail […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Juneteenth
This is the first year that Juneteenth is an official state holiday in Illinois, but Freedom Day, as it’s also known, has been celebrated in various forms since 1865. This special issue of Illinois Times includes background on the historical significance of Juneteenth, information about citywide celebrations and profiles on The Springfield Project and the […]
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The last Illinois Stories
Mark McDonald’s greatest professional reward is knowing that people enjoy the product he produces. “When I go to the grocery store and people say ‘I love your show,’” McDonald said, “that makes it all worthwhile. I love that.” McDonald has been the only host of the Public Television series “Illinois Stories” since its inception 19 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Pet Issue 2022
People love their pets, and rates of pet ownership have only increased since the pandemic began, with 70% of U.S. households now including at least one furry friend. It’s an appropriate time for our first Illinois Times’ pet issue, which includes tips on getting your dog to behave in public, what to do about that […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Summerguide 2022
The annual fairs, festivals and events that are a staple of summer have returned this year, and performers will once again take the stage at the Springfield Muni and Theatre in the Park after a two-year hiatus. Springfield’s baseball team has a new name and new owners who plan to offer the community a lot […]
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Global headquarters
The COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine and other developments have brought into sharp focus the global relationships that reach into every part of our daily lives. What happens around the world affects our health and safety, what we can buy and how much we pay for it, and what the future […]
