Illinois Times

30/04/2026

Dumb Records hosts an all-ages show on Friday night, while Jaik Willis plays at Butternut Hut this Saturday.

The UIS Get Free Music Series continues this weekend, along with lots more live music around town. Find all the details here:

Join me in saying so long to anxious and unusual April and hello to the very, merry month of May. We’re certainly hoping and expecting more consistency as the weather turns toward the summer season, but as we know – who knows? So let’s go take a walk down music lane and see what we […]

30/04/2026

Meet former Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill, known for firing the shots that killed terrorist Osama bin Laden, during the inaugural Heroes at Home Plate event on Saturday, May 2, at Robin Roberts Stadium:

Meet former Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill, known for firing the shots that killed terrorist Osama bin Laden, during this inaugural Heroes at Home Plate event. O’Neill, 50, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Heroes at Home Plate is designed to feature inspiring individuals who have shown courage, ...

30/04/2026

While both the Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office have had armored vehicles for years, the $445,000 recently approved by the Springfield City Council marks the first time one has been purchased outright, rather than acquired through a military surplus or grant program.

The funding request led to heated council discussions about whether it was an appropriate investment:

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news/sending-the-wrong-message/

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

In March, the Springfield Police Department needed three City Council meetings to get approval for a new BearCat vehicle to replace the department’s 20-year-old one that has become unreliable. However, this would be the first armored vehicle paid for directly by Springfield tax dollars, rather tha...

30/04/2026

The Pharmacy Gallery & Art Space celebrates America's 250th and Route 66's 100th anniversary with a new exhibit opening 6-9 p.m. on May 1-2.

See artist members' work in various media: painting, blown glass, mosaic, photography, sculpture/paper mache and written word.

Plus, view Route 66 photography by David Schwartz, and work by local resident and Internationally known artist Bob Waldmire, whose art, maps, drawings and collections all relate to the famed and celebrated Mother Road.

29/04/2026

The American Business Club has used volunteers to operate the beer tents at the Illinois State Fair since 1954, with their share of money earned funding grants to dozens of local charities.

This year, ABC and another longtime nonprofit vendor lost their contracts to a private business:

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news/abc-loses-state-fair-contract/

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

Since the first term of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidency, one organization – the American Business Club of Springfield – has volunteered to serve beer and other concessions at the Illinois State Fair, with their share of money earned funding grants to dozens of local charities. For the first ...

29/04/2026

The newest location to pick up Illinois Times is Los Altos Cocina & Cantina, 3266 W. Iles Ave.

There are more than 400 distribution spots in five counties. Find the full list here:

https://community.illinoistimes.com/springfield/LocationSearch?feature=Find%20a%20Paper&sortType=range

29/04/2026

Last night, the Springfield City Council debated who directs the city’s lobbyist, how east side neighborhoods are represented in tourism and STAR bond plans, and who will control future downtown tax revenue.

Watch the highlight reel here:

https://www.illinoistimes.com/watch-public-meetings/springfieldcitycouncil/who-speaks-for-springfields-lobbyist-and-downtown-taxes/

29/04/2026

"If we treat tourism as downtown’s primary purpose, we will keep chasing weekend wins while missing the daily life that makes a downtown resilient."

Downtown Springfield Inc. executive director Jay Shanle explains why residents must come first:

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/invest-in-residents-first/

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

Downtown Springfield is the heart of our city, but more importantly, it is a neighborhood. It belongs first to the people who live here, work here, study here, worship here and return here again and again because it feels like theirs. Tourism is a vital piece of downtown’s economy, and we’re gla...

29/04/2026

The Junior League Kentucky Derby fundraiser on Saturday, May 2, is an afternoon of community, style and fun.

🐎 Don’t miss the featured horse auction
✨ Enjoy a wine and spirits pull, hat contest and other bonus games
🍽️ Dinner and drinks will be provided
👒 Don your best Derby attire

Take part in festivities that bring the spirit of the race to life — all while making a meaningful impact in our community.

Get tickets here:

Join us for the Junior League Kentucky Derby Fundraiser—an exciting event inspired by the elegance and tradition of the Derby! Enjoy an afternoon of community, style, and fun while supporting the Junior League’s mission and local initiatives. 🐎 Don’t miss our featured Horse Auction—the ma...

28/04/2026

Springfield’s version of Field of Dreams became another step closer to reality when Gov. J.B. Pritzker came to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $70 million Scheels Sports Park development just off MacArthur Boulevard.

The ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Ty Cobb did not emerge from a cornfield Tuesday afternoon at Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe. But Springfield’s version of Field of Dreams became another step closer to reality when Gov. J.B. Pritzker came to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $70 million...

28/04/2026

This month’s CyrusOne zoning petition vote was not partisan, and the Democrats on the Sangamon County Board split evenly on this vote.

Tony DelGiorno, an attorney in private practice who serves as the Democratic Caucus leader, explains why he voted in favor of it:

https://www.illinoistimes.com/news-opinion/a-case-for-data-center-growth/

Share your thoughts by emailing [email protected].

This month’s CyrusOne zoning petition vote was not partisan, and the Democrats on the Sangamon County Board split evenly on this vote. The Board had to decide if a proposal meeting zoning standards should advance while demanding strong building-code enforcement, transparency and accountability. Da...