Illinois Times

18/07/2025

The Chatham Sweet Corn Festival celebrates its 50th year this weekend with live music, a 5K race, ancient athletics competition, SweetCornhole tournament and, of course, the famous Illinois Championship Cow Chip Throw.

Chatham's big summer event celebrating that delicious, golden food staple just keeps going strong. The festival is celebrating its 50th year. The fun starts at...

17/07/2025

At this week's meeting, the Springfield City Council approved a billboard variance after hearing concerns about driver distraction and sign height. Persistent issues with derelict properties and code enforcement sparked heated discussion, with calls for stronger action and policy changes to address vacant buildings and overgrown lots.

Watch the highlight reel here:

https://www.illinoistimes.com/watch-public-meetings/council-calls-for-changes-on-derelict-properties-urges-support-for-downtown-20455370

17/07/2025

The Koffin Kats play the Rumble on 66 festival at The Stadium this Saturday. which kicks off Friday at Motorheads.

There's also plenty of live music happening at the Chatham Sweet Corn Festival this weekend, plus check out this week's Now Playing column for other happenings around town:

Holy smokes, things are flying high as we stroll into the next to last weekend in July for 2025. Before you know it, we'll be...

17/07/2025

"Oklahoma!" debuted on Broadway more than 80 years ago, and its celebration of small-town life and enduring American spirit has made it a cornerstone in the community theater repertoire.

See it at The Muni through July 19 and read the full review here:

Oklahoma! debuted on Broadway more than 80 years ago, and its celebration of small-town life and enduring American spirit has made it a cornerstone in...

17/07/2025

Native American groups in Illinois have been working on legislation that addresses stolen land, school mascots, requiring schools to teach Native history and more, with mixed results.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/getting-right-with-native-americans-20450788

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

Illinois makes progress, but has far to go

17/07/2025

Diana Elshref, a board member of Faith Coalition for the Common Good, explains how civil, social and racial justice has become increasingly integral to her life's purpose:

Hello, my name is Diana Elshref. I want to thank Illinois Times for allowing me an opportunity as a board member of Faith Coalition for...

16/07/2025

For the second year in a row, the state of Illinois has chosen to underfund the backbone of its conservation infrastructure.

This isn't just a budget issue. It's a public health, environmental and economic crisis in the making, according to Eliot Clay, executive director of the Springfield-based Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/stop-undervaluing-conservation-20420503

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

For the second year in a row, the state of Illinois has chosen to underfund the backbone of its conservation infrastructure. This year's state budget...

16/07/2025

Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans could lose benefits from a federal food assistance program while the state will be required to cover more costs under changes passed in the latest domestic policy plan.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/food-assistance-changes-threaten-benefits-20420486

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

New requirements mandate state pay for a greater share of program

16/07/2025

Make your own miniature butter cow for a chance to win cash prizes and have your creation on display next to the actual butter cow in the Dairy Building during the Illinois State Fair.

The entry deadline is 3 p.m. July 28. After that, public voting begins to determine the favorite entries. Find the details and entry form here:

Check it out now!

15/07/2025

Congratulations to Dean Olsen for his first place award from the Illinois Press Association.

His cover story, "High expectations," was recognized in the business/economic reporting category. The story previewed the ma*****na cultivation center that opened last year on Springfield's northeast side to produce beverages infused with cannabis and h**p oil.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/high-expectations-18569539

15/07/2025

A high school student wrote legislation that could save lives in Illinois.

The bill, which has passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting Gov. JB Pritzker's signature to become law, would require all public libraries in Illinois to carry naloxone, which saves people during opioid overdoses.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/high-school-student-writes-bill-to-prevent-opioid-deaths-20420494

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

A high school student wrote legislation that could save lives in Illinois. The bill, which has passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting...

15/07/2025

City Water, Light and Power is inviting the public to an open house from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at its Electric Shop located at 1600 Groth Street. Guests will have the chance to meet electric crews, see equipment and take bucket truck rides. Stations will also be set up to learn about jobs and career paths, plus program information on energy audits, efficiency and rebates will be shared.

This open house is part of a series of events hosted by city of Springfield departments to promote understanding of agency operations and services.