Piece of the pot

Money and weed in Illinois

With growing support among politicians and the public, Illinois could likely legalize recreational marijuana as soon as next year. But, passing legislation may hinge on where the revenue will go...

Thursday, Jan. 3, 2019 12:07 am

Couple claims discrimination

Habitat for Humanity denies allegations

By Bruce Rushton

The sides can’t agree on what happened, and so at least one thing must be true: Someone is either lying or mistaken.Alex and Taylor Walker say they were the subject of discrimination at the ha...

Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 12:07 am

Deaf Wings, a voice for victims

Deaf victims of violence are about to get the attention they need

By Karen Ackerman Witter

Victims of domestic or sexual violence often don’t reach out for help or report incidents to law enforcement. For deaf women, the barriers are even greater. Deaf Wings is an initiative of the...

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 12:08 am

From vaccines to child abuse

Springfield doctor gets national attention

By Bruce Rushton

A recent story in New Yorker magazine paints a Springfield radiologist as a physician who’s moved from the fringe of vaccine controversies to the outer limit of child abuse experts.Before beco...

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018 12:07 am

A stronger voice for the environment

Illinois Environmental Council buys a downtown office building, increasing Springfield presence

By Karen Ackerman Witter

Protecting Illinois schoolchildren from exposure to lead in drinking water, reducing health risks and environmental impacts of pesticides and funding open space acquisition are some of the accom...

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 12:10 am

The Pharmacy gallery heads downtown

By Scott Faingold

“Everyone I talk to is so excited about us moving into this new space,” said Janet Sgro, president of the nonprofit The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space. The Pharmacy’s new location is at 62...

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 12:07 am

Familiar faces in mayoral race

Contest pits incumbent against former alderman

By Bruce Rushton

It’s been a dozen years since Springfield has seen a two-horse mayoral race.In 2007, incumbent Tim Davlin shellacked Bruce Strom, who got less than 40 percent of the vote, both in the primary...

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018 12:08 am

Off the record

Expungement summit gives hope to people with a past

By Fletcher Farrar

A conviction and prison time for marijuana possession more than 10 years ago prevents him from becoming a registered nurse, said one of the 204 who showed up for the “Expungement and Rec...

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018 12:07 am

Accused killers have records

One was free on recognizance despite felonies

By Bruce Rushton

Authorities haven’t said what led Michael Trone to the Sleep Inn.Trone’s body was found Sept. 7 in a room at the hotel at 3470 Freedom Drive, barely a mile from his Westchester home. Two men...

Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018 12:08 am

Questions not limited to hat

ALPLM says it will study hat, fan

By Bruce Rushton

A stovepipe hat that purportedly belonged to the Great Emancipator isn’t the only artifact at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum that needs further research to flesh out prove...