Not everyone has the privilege of paying extra for grocery delivery. But health experts are telling us, especially those older and the immune compromised, to limit public exposure. So many are turning to online shopping for pick-up and delivery options. “Online grocery currently comprises a small portion of grocery overall but is on a rapid […]
Newsletter – Main
Posted inNews
Springfield’s ERA battle stars in new TV series
“I’d like to burn you at the stake.” Considered a mother of the women’s liberation movement, Peoria native Betty Friedan spoke those words to Phyllis Schlafly during a 1973 talk show appearance and subsequent debate at Illinois State University in Bloomington. Schlafly’s name still elicits a strong reaction in Illinois and national politics. Love her […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
The buzz on urban bees
Urban beekeeping is a growing trend. It may seem odd to many to keep bees in an urban area, but bees in cities are actually more likely than rural bees to survive the winter as well as Colony Collapse Disorder (the main culprit of bee decline). This is due to the more varied diet and […]
Posted inNews
Moving Pillsbury Forward, inches at a time
Asbestos, arson and a dead dog. The things Pillsbury Mills are now known for are a far cry from its origins. “Pillsbury was a fantastic company,” said John Keller, president of the Pillsbury Mills Neighborhood Association. “They wanted to be a good neighbor. And most of the neighborhood worked over there at the time, that […]
Posted inNews
Making history
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is setting its sights on how to retain the historical impact of the new coronavirus. Previous planned exhibits and events have been canceled as a result of efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus. But the museum is forging ahead in a new direction. “We want to hear […]
Posted inOpinion
A mid-pandemic night’s dream
“Timmy! Get a move on. We’re going to be late.” “Don’t worry, Dad. I wouldn’t miss Lisa’s graduation for the world.” “I know, son, but the ceremony’s going to start in 15 minutes. Good thing we found a parking spot so close. And in the shade, too. Didn’t used to be this way. Springfield’s sure […]
Posted inNews
Suspended for three days
A City Water, Light and Power supervisor was suspended for three days last month for his role in the failure of a generator last November that has resulted in a repair bill estimated at nearly $6 million. Files obtained by Illinois Times under the state Freedom of Information Act show that Robert Archer, CWLP supervisor […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Pandemic rocks the capital city
The influenza outbreak of 1918 brought the nation to a standstill, and the Springfield area was not immune. One hundred two years ago, the United States was swept into a global influenza epidemic that was called “one of the worst natural disasters in history.” As many as 50 million people died around the world, while […]
Posted inNews
Call for submissions: thanking essential workers
Grocery store workers. Mail carriers. Sanitation workers. Nurses. Teachers. Those braving the unknown. Illinois Times invites you, our readers, to thank an essential worker in your life. We’re all having to cope with the impact of this pandemic. Those on the frontlines are carrying a heavy burden and adjusting to a new normal. We want to pay tribute. Here […]
Posted inOpinion
Plant this
There’s lots to criticize about our 28th president. A racist’s racist, Woodrow Wilson fired black federal employees while installing separate bathrooms, work stations and lunch areas for remaining ones. He also signed the Treaty of Versailles, which helped sow World War II and was never ratified by the Senate. But Wilson knew sheep, which he […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Overcoming trauma
The first time I met Dana Pfeiffer she picked the place. It was near her home in Pleasant Plains, a combination coffee shop slash auto detailer that employs people with disabilities to help them learn job skills. She wore a bright red hoodie. She was impossible to miss. The moment I stepped inside, she turned […]
Posted inNews
New parties sue over Illinois election rules
Social distancing and stay-at-home orders, instituted to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic, are in direct conflict with Illinois’ ballot eligibility requirements, the Libertarian and Green parties of Illinois allege in a lawsuit filed April 3. Both are considered “new” parties under state election rules, meaning a candidate running for office under those banners must receive […]
