Illinois Times

22/03/2025

Catching a movie this weekend?

Two-time Oscar-winner Robert De Niro takes on the dual roles of rival gangsters in "The Alto Knights," a gangster chronicle that covers a heretofore unexamined chapter in mob history.

Meanwhile, "Magazine Dreams" is a difficult, yet gripping examination of mental illness and desired salvation, driven by a staggering performance from Jonathan Majors.

Read the full reviews here:

Dual De Niro’s a Knights asset There’s an unfortunate gimmick hanging over Barry Levinson’s The Alto Knights, a gangster chronicle that covers a heretofore unexamined...

22/03/2025

Another of the fire-damaged buildings in the 400 block of East Adams Street in downtown Springfield is being demolished, but historic preservation advocates are pleased that the adjacent one will now be saved.

Heritage Foundation working with owners to save adjacent building

22/03/2025

Support local artisans, crafters and vendors offering unique, handmade goods at these area vendor fairs this spring.

The Bloom Spring Vendors Market kicks things off from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, and 12-3 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, at Vinegar Hill Mall.

Enjoy flavorful creations and outdoor dining

21/03/2025

The historic Bunn family farm in Springfield has been donated to Refuge Ranch, a Rochester-based nonprofit that utilizes equine therapy and now plans to expand its services.

Introducing horse care and riding to traumatized children has been proven to be effective therapy. The Refuge Ranch in Rochester utilizes that strategy and will...

21/03/2025

Author Taylor Pensoneau, author of two true-crime books focusing on organized crime downstate, will present "True Crime Tales from Southern Illinois" at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at the Chatham Public Library.

Author to talk about the Shelton gang, bootlegging and more

20/03/2025

The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, "Rabbit Hole," explores the emotional journey of a couple coping with profound and unthinkable loss.

The play continues at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 21, and Saturday, March 22, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 23, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Springfield Theatre Centre produces the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama

20/03/2025

Mayor Misty Buscher's civility pledge at this week's Springfield City Council meeting didn't quell anger from attendees about a recently retired police officer's DUI and police action after the accident. A victim's sister addressed the council, along with Tiara Standage, who was arrested outside SPD headquarters last fall while leading a protest.

Watch the highlight reel here:

https://www.illinoistimes.com/watch-public-meetings/mayors-civility-pledge-at-council-meeting-doesnt-quell-anger-about-fallout-from-retired-police-officers-dui-accident-19919568

20/03/2025

The weekend starts on Thursday with a five-bad show at Dumb Record's downtown location, plus One Night with Queen at the UIS Performing Arts Center.

Then celebrate a belated St. Patrick's Day with Skibbereen at George Rank's on Friday, or Wild Columbine doing Irish acoustic folks songs, plus dinner, at Elkhart Christian Church.

Find all the other live music happenings in this week's Now Playing column:

Goodness gracious, great balls of fire, we have a good bunch of live music coming at you this week in the Springfield area. It's all...

20/03/2025

Spring Guide has information on worthwhile day trips, nearby museums, area vendor fairs, brunch options, an expanded three-month calendar of events and more.

Spring Guide has information on worthwhile day trips, nearby museums, area vendor fairs, brunch options, an expanded three-month calendar of events and more. [content-2][content-5][content-3][content-6] [content-4]...

20/03/2025

Are you looking for new employment, including summer, seasonal or part-time work? Don't miss the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Job Fair on Tuesday, March 25, from 4-6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Springfield.

Meet employers looking for talent and explore job opportunities.

19/03/2025

Dr. Shreepada Tripathy, president of the Sangamon County Medical Society, addresses the recent death of a child from measles in Texas and why these are not "normal" outbreaks, but the result of missed opportunities to vaccinate, the erosion of public trust in science and a failure to uphold the standards of disease prevention that medicine has worked so hard to establish.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/commit-to-vaccines-19882226

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

"Among the safest ... medical advancements in history"

19/03/2025

State Fair organizers announced further updates to the Illinois State Fairgrounds improvement project at a recent meeting of the Springfield Citizens Club, detailing restoration efforts of historic buildings, greater disability accommodations, sensory stations and 16 selfie kiosks.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/fixing-the-fairgrounds-19882214

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

Administration spending millions to preserve and update historic buildings

19/03/2025

The Faith Coalition for the Common Good will host a Community Health Initiative from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at Saint Paul AME Church, 1130 S. 16th St.

This event aims to bring together community resources, health screenings for health and mental health, fun activities for children and more.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/arts-culture/the-importance-of-mental-health-in-our-community-19849327

18/03/2025

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser has upgraded the charges for a 16-year-old driver who hit a woman and her dog Feb. 27 while they were in a crosswalk, killing the canine.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/charges-increased-for-teen-driver-who-hit-woman-and-dog-19910160

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

Lilly was a bright-eyed Labrador retriever who brought joy to her family and smiles to her neighbors. On a sunny afternoon Feb. 27, her owner,...

18/03/2025

Damond Boatwright, president and CEO of HSHS, addresses the potential massive and drastic Medicaid cuts under consideration by Congress.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/preserve-medicaid-funding-19882233'

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

Safeguard health care for our neighbors in need

18/03/2025

The Springfield Police Department has three new "community service officers" who will be tasked with addressing private property accidents, fly dumping and illegally parked vehicles, among other duties.

The idea is to free up armed, sworn officers to handle more serious offenses by assigning less dangerous assignments to uniformed civilian employees.

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/spd-adds-community-service-officers-19882205

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

Civilian employees will be used to address low-level violations

17/03/2025

Celebrate Women’s History Month through story and song at various events March 21-22 with the Springfield Choral Society and Sangamon County Historical Society as they highlight the significant contribution of often unsung heroines and their impact on our community.

Songs for the Unsung: Music and Stories of Women Celebrate Women’s History Month through story and song with the Springfield Choral Society and Sangamon County Historical Society as they highlight the significant contribution of often unsung heroines and their impact on our community. The celebrat...