While many dads celebrate Fathers Day, many others are struggling to develop and maintain a relationship with their children. Illinois Fathers is a network of non-custodial parents and grandparents encouraging co-parenting in separated and divorced families. The group held a gathering outside the Capitol June 10 to observe “Fatherless Day.” This day is recognized by […]
Jacqueline Muhammad
Posted inNews
New sex ed law would require the full story
The days of sexual education emphasizing only abstinence may be over. Legislation headed to Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk would require schools to provide more information on contraception and disease control in grades 6 through 12 as part of a comprehensive, age-appropriate and medically accurate curriculum. Quinn is expected to sign into law the House-passed bill […]
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Medical marijuana closer to legalization
As Illinois waits for Gov. Pat Quinn’s decision on the medical marijuana bill, many citizens are wondering how they will be affected if he signs it into law. The Illinois Senate last week approved legalization of medical marijuana, 31-25. If the bill becomes law, Illinois will join more than 20 states allowing medical marijuana. The […]
Posted inArts & Culture
From the earth to the kitchen
With all the local foods movements going on, Illinois Times has decided to start a blog about gardening. Over time people have become less knowledgeable about where their food comes from. However, it seems as though times are changing. With the rise of community gardens and urban agriculture, more people are returning to the age-old […]
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A plea for African-Americans to get screened for diseases
A diagnosis with stage three Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 12 led Julius Simmons of Springfield to make a lifetime commitment to health and medical research. While urging a Springfield audience to get more involved in minority health issues, Simmons, now 42, said he learned there was little medical knowledge about the causes of […]
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We’re all losers in the War on Drugs
The “War on Drugs” launched by President Richard Nixon in the 1970s has had a lasting effect on society that can be felt decades later. For many American families the War on Drugs has created grief, separation and a continuous cycle of poverty. In the film The House I Live In, the drug industry […]
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Trying to legalize medical marijuana, again
UPDATE: The Illinois House passed HB1, the medical marijuana bill, by a vote of 61-57 on Wednesday afternoon. This article was written before the vote on April 17 in the House. Patients suffering from diseases such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and Crohn’s disease can be in extreme physical discomfort and pain. Vicodin, OxyContin and morphine […]
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Springfield groups push for immigration reform
On April 4 and 5, two Springfield organizations took to the streets and the Springfield offices of members of Congress to generate support for federal immigration reform. More than 11 million people may be living in this country without immigration documents. Families are separated, people are deported and the government invests millions of dollars into […]
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Lobbying for local food
Consumers, farmers and other citizens traveled from across the state to Springfield last week to lobby for local food reforms. As a part of Local Food Awareness Day, the group wanted to spread the word to legislators about issues on urban and rural composting. The day was sponsored by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a group […]
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The typewriter man
In February of 1949, at the age of 18, Ben Bushnell started working for Royal Typewriter Company in Springfield. He had no idea then that his job would lead to a lifelong hobby. Bushnell began his career as a delivery boy for Royal and eventually became a service technician, but in May of 1974 he […]
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Doctor awarded for medical innovation
The Illinois State Medical Society’s third Medical Innovators program honored several innovative medical scientists, clinicians and professionals in Sangamon County. The program highlighted their achievements in medical treatments, research and community service. Among the honorees was Dr. Kathleen Campbell, a professor and director of audiology research at the SIU School of Medicine. Campbell is known […]
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Gay marriage delayed while both sides count votes
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have delayed action on the Religious Freedom and Marriage Act while they work to secure votes for or against the bill. After passing the Senate after a groundbreaking debate, gay marriage proponents and opponents are waiting for the House to vote on the bill. “The reality is that this is […]
