Nursing home industry officials are urging Illinois lawmakers to increase the rates they receive from the state’s Medicaid system, arguing the current rates are outdated and are forcing many facilities around the state out of business. “We’ve expressed our concerns that closures will happen. We’ve been saying that for years, and it’s actually happening now, […]
Newsletter – Main
Posted inNews
Sean Grayson’s trial moved to Peoria
The trial of the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy accused of murdering Sonya Massey in July 2024 will take place in Peoria County with jurors who live there, Circuit Court Judge Ryan Cadagin decided April 8. The judge ruled in favor of a motion filed by attorneys for Riverton resident Sean Grayson, 30, to move […]
Posted inNews
Illinois Republicans explain support for Trump
Interviews with some optimistic Illinois Republicans, encouraged by President Donald Trump’s reinvigoration of conservative ideals, reveal how they view the political landscape as it shifts within the Democratic stronghold known as the Prairie State. Trump’s first term in office was inundated with uncertainty about possible impeachment and hesitant support from allies. The first 70-some days […]
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From bedsides to the boardroom
Edgar Curtis was 17 and a junior at Lanphier High School when an aunt he was particularly close to died from cancer at 47 after a 100-day stay at Springfield Memorial Hospital. During the many visits he made during her decline, Curtis said he noticed “the kind heart and compassionate care” that his aunt received […]
Posted inOpinion
Democrats see success in local elections
You’ve probably read about the Republican Party implosion last week in suburban municipal and township campaigns, particularly in DuPage County. It’s important to remember that these consolidated elections are not always a reliable indication of the future. They’re very low turnout, and in years like this – when the election was held during a hugely […]
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Juvenile Detention Center reopens
The Sangamon County Board in 2024 spent more than $362,000 on security upgrades for the county’s Juvenile Detention Center, including $132,500 for an X-ray body scanner similar to what is used in airports. The improvements are hoped to make the center, in the 2200 block of South Dirksen Parkway in Springfield, safer for staff and […]
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Catholics want a choice
A new Illinois law prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their position on abortion, but Catholic Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield is challenging its constitutionality. “States can’t force religious groups to violate their faith by affirming and accepting employees who violate their religious beliefs,” said Paprocki, who has made a name for himself as one […]
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Springfield airport waiting on payment from state
Imagine being owed $1 million and going years without collecting. Emails are sent, with no response. Phone calls aren’t returned. Knocking on the door doesn’t do any good because no one seems to ever be in the office. As a last resort, a note demanding payment is slipped under the deadbeat’s door. But still, no […]
Posted inNews
American lynching
Exploring the history of American lynching from Chicago to New Orleans, the Citizens Club of Springfield recently presented an account of racism and murder spanning the country, including the 1908 Race Riot in Springfield. In the United States, racism has evolved and changed with time, yet the same actions, attitudes and views are still present […]
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Illinois governor moves to slash cover crop funds despite rising demand
When Steve Stierwalt studied agriculture at the University of Illinois in the 1970s, soil health wasn’t commonly taught or discussed. Faculty often told their young farming students to put all their faith in commercial fertilizers. But over his 40 years as a corn and soybean farmer in Champaign County, Stierwalt said soil erosion, which can […]
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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 […]
Posted inOpinion
More than a statistic
I met Donny Treadwell in August of 2024 while looking for people to interview about living on the streets in Springfield. We spoke several times, and on four of those occasions I was able to interview him at length. After trying to connect with him again, I learned he froze to death while living outside […]
