Members of the Massey Commission, which is nearing an imposed deadline to submit a report of findings and recommendations, argue creating meaningful solutions for Springfield will require more than just one year of discussions. Next month, the group will host members of the Ferguson Commission to discuss transitioning the commission into a nonprofit. “(Sonya’s cousin) […]
Newsletter – Main
Posted inNews
‘Democracy is pissed and she’s raining’
Heavy rain and booming thunder did not stop protesters from showing up to the Illinois State Capitol for a rally Saturday honoring the legacy of U.S. Congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis. Cheered on by the honking of passing cars, the crowd donned umbrellas and signs as they gathered in front of the statue […]
Posted inOpinion
Fights continue over RTA funding
The Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois and the Regional Transportation Authority agree that a change to Illinois’ sales tax law will net the RTA an additional $150 million this year and another $225 million next year. That money will drastically reduce the impact of the looming $770 million “fiscal cliff,” which begins in January. The extra […]
Posted inNews
Creative Reuse Marketplace relocates to White Oaks Mall
Creative Reuse Marketplace has reopened in White Oaks Mall on the upper level next to Malibu Jack’s. CRM is much more than a retail store. It is a nonprofit organization that inspires creativity, provides a place to donate items for reuse, keeps materials out of the landfill and engages in educational programs with art as […]
Posted inNews
Illinois bet on solar to meet its climate goals. Trump has the industry in his crosshairs.
President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans earlier this month curtailed federal tax incentives for the solar energy industry and for individuals and companies that purchase solar panels. The move sent shockwaves through the industry nationwide, pulling key incentives for major projects and residential rooftop solar alike. But in Illinois, members of the industry say state […]
Posted inNews
Illinois measles outbreak “officially over”
Ule James remembers when there was no vaccine for measles. Growing up as a child in the 1960s, he said it was fairly common for people to experience bouts of disease from the deadly virus. “Back then, it was like, ‘It’s just measles. All the kids get measles, who cares?’” James said. The first measles […]
Posted inOpinion
Higher hotel taxes won’t bring more visitors
From Route 66 nostalgia and Abraham Lincoln sites to a vibrant dining scene and a new sports park that is poised to make our city a regional destination, Springfield has a lot to offer visitors. Yet, what should be our crown jewel – our beautiful and historic downtown – has become stagnant in recent years […]
Posted inNews
Comptroller Mendoza won’t run for reelection, opening up statewide office
After almost a decade, Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza will not seek another term as the state’s chief financial officer. Mendoza, who took office in December 2016 after beating an ally of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in a special election, has overseen the state’s financial systems through both the COVID-19 pandemic and the worst budget […]
Posted inNews
Getting right with Native Americans
Amid the annual bustle at the Illinois Capitol during the legislative session’s midpoint, a sea of color and singing filled the rotunda on a sunny March day. Attendees of the 2025 Native American Summit, organized by the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative, were draped in regalia and leading a drum ceremony for the first time […]
Posted inNews
Illinois hospitals fear massive cuts under Trump domestic policy law
Hospital officials in Illinois say they will have to make some difficult decisions in the next few years that could involve laying off staff, cutting back services and even closing some facilities entirely. That’s the expected result of federal funding cuts built into the recently passed domestic policy bill that President Donald Trump signed into […]
Posted inNews
City’s Black Caucus addresses disparities
When the Springfield City Council voted July 1 to expand the way revenue can be spent from two tax-increment financing districts to improve homes and businesses on the economically challenged east side, a council member from the west side asked the proposal’s sponsors: “What are we trying to fix that’s broken?” The main sponsor, Ward […]
Posted inNews
Minority Business Institute coming soon
The city of Springfield is developing a new program to provide training and resource education to minority business owners and nonprofit leaders. Plans for the new Springfield Minority Business Institute were recently announced by Office of Community Relations Director Ethan Posey. The institute intends to serve Black and other racial or ethnic minority, female and […]
