The Sangamon County Republican Committee hosted the annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Wednesday, May 7, at the BOS Center in Springfield. The keynote speaker was Johnny “Joey” Jones, a FOX news host and U.S. Marine corps veteran who lost both legs above the knee while serving as an explosive ordinance disposal tech in Afghanistan. Jones is […]
Newsletter – Main
Posted inNews
Urban farming in Jacksonville
Juan Caballero plants seeds a little differently than most people. “I use my finger to make a hole in the potted soil and that way I can judge how deep the seed will go,” Caballero said. “When I’m in the potting room sometimes I would rather have the light off than on, but it depends […]
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New leadership for Springfield police, fire departments
Mayor Misty Buscher’s picks to lead the Springfield police and fire departments are receiving high marks from members of the city council. Buscher is recommending the promotion of Assistant Fire Chief Nicholas Zummo to fire chief and Assistant Police Chief Joseph Behl to police chief for the city of Springfield. The promotions need to be […]
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“An insult to Emma’s memory”
A tragedy became a backdrop for political theater Wednesday as Kristi Noem, part ofPresident Donald Trump’s cabinet, spoke near the home of Emma Shafer, a womanpolice believe was killed by a Mexican immigrant. “Governors like JB Pritzker don’t care if gangbangers, if murderers, rapists and pedophiles roll free in his state,” the Homeland Security secretary […]
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Major solar development opens in Sangamon County
Sangamon County is now home to the largest solar power development east of the Mississippi River. On April 30, Swift Current Energy, a Boston-based firm, held a ribbon-cutting at its Auburn office for the Double Black Diamond solar farm. The collection of solar panels was erected on more than 4,000 acres in western Sangamon County […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Heartland HOUSED expands community outreach efforts
We all benefit from support systems that help us navigate life’s challenges and difficulties. At times, that support may come from a family member, mentor or teacher who guides us and helps us grow. In other seasons, it might take the form of a loan, a public benefit or advice on how to handle a […]
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50501 protest held outside Capitol
A 50501 protest took place in front of the Capitol on Saturday, May 3. The grassroots movement has been organizing gatherings in all 50 states to protest the actions of the Trump administration. An initial protest in Springfield was held Feb. 5, one of dozens of protests that took place across the nation that day. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Missing indigenous women: An invitation to care
You might have anticipated that this month I’d be writing a eulogy for Pope Francis, who died April 20. True, I am sad at his passing – sometimes when my heart remembers he is gone I feel the void. But more than sad, I am grateful for the gift of his life and the witness […]
Posted inOpinion
GOP outraged by Pritzker speech
During a rip-roaring speech in New Hampshire last week, Gov. JB Pritzker called for mass national protests and “disruption,” assailed “do-nothing” Democrats for their “simpering timidity” and labeled President Donald Trump a “madman” who cannot be reasoned with. The Jewish Ukrainian-American governor said of Trump: “Stop tearing down the Constitution in the name of my […]
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‘Never asked to be a part of this somber club’: Illinois honors fallen police officers
Nine Illinois police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024 were honored at a ceremony in Springfield Thursday. The Illinois Peace Officers Memorial takes place every year on the first Thursday of May to honor officers who died on the job in the prior year. Families of the officers are […]
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Getting better local news coverage
Based on encounters I have across Springfield, I’d say a whole bunch of people want better local news. They see that the number of reporters covering local events has gone down here, just as it has in cities and towns across the country. But in addition to agreeing that the local reporting scene has suffered […]
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Feds cut funding for cultural institutions
The Trump administration is dismantling the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a tiny federal agency and primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries. Grants help libraries and museums in every state achieve high standards of excellence and serve their communities – through educational programming, exhibits, collections, professional development and library services. […]
