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Leak questions remain, but there are deeper problems
Many questions remain unanswered regarding the unlawful release by School District 186 of student data from the Capital College Preparatory Academy (CCPA), and the official apology issued by the Springfield Board of Education rings hollow. The police and district investigation did uncover much of the mystery – the who and how.

Cakes on a plate
In a recent column (“Keeping Springfield weird,” April 25, 2013) I tried to explain why Springfield’s built environment strikes so many visitors as off-putting. I mentioned as likely causes parking lots and incoherent zoning practices and tawdry construction.

Editor’s note
It’s good to hear our new state senator, Andy Manar, speaking up for school funding and a better way to distribute state aid to local schools. “We have disparity that is getting worse in the state . . .

Gagging on ag-gag laws
Still, it seems strange that legislators in so many states – including Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and Vermont – have simultaneously been pushing “ag-gag” bills that are not merely outrageous, but downright un-American.

LETTERS
UNSUNG TREASURE Of course Mbanna Kantako has made a difference (“Keeping it real,” by Bruce Rushton, April 25). If Mr. Kantako has been able to widen just one person’s view of the universe (with all of its glaring injustices, absurdities and whatnot), he has succeeded.

A state divided on guns
A new statewide poll shows a majority of Illinoisans favor concealed carry. But an overwhelming majority in every area of the state also say it’s OK with them if Chicago and Cook County police have additional authority over who gets to carry in their own jurisdictions.

We’re all losers in the War on Drugs
Melinda Shopsin, producer of the film, said, “We have an incredibly vested interest in a system that nobody believes is working – 40 years of policy 1 trillion dollars and 45 millions arrests. And drugs are cheaper, they’re more available, and they’re more potent.

HELP HISTORIC FIREHOUSE
Adams and has been owned by the Prince Hall Free Masons since the 1970s. A collection of Springfi eld organizations have helped to raise $6,450 for the fi rst phase of restoration which will cover architecture and engineering work and $2,350 is still needed.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Is this sluggish economy ever going to get back to normal? A recent survey of Sangamon County employers doesn’t hold out much hope, though the employers seemed optimistic about their own situations.

Ready, set, shred
Springfield city council members want answers about the shredding of dozens of police department disciplinary files last week. This comes in the wake of an unexpected change in policy that shortened the retention period for internal affairs files from five years to four.

Courting favor
The officer pulled the driver over and noticed a smell of alcoholic beverages and the driver’s bloodshot eyes. The driver, Blake Samat of Springfield, then 24 years old, admitted to drinking that night and refused a breath test, according to the officer’s sworn statement.

Bloodbath in Beason
With trial scheduled to start in just three weeks, defense attorney Daniel Fultz had tainted the jury pool by granting an interview to a television news reporter, Wright told the judge as the defense attorney buried his head in his hands, as though deep in thought or despair.

Happy birthday, King’s Daughters, with an apology
“Sure!” I replied. “When do we go?” Nana and I had countless similar exchanges throughout my childhood. Though it might seem strange that a young child would be so enthusiastic about a trip to a retirement home, I loved those outings. Just the name – King’s Daughters – made it seem special.

Pain’s outlandish story matches Bay’s garish style
Taking place over the course of eight months, from October of 1994 to June of 1995, in Miami, the movie deals with three bodybuilders who are just smart enough to get into deep, deep trouble.

20 years of the FTQ
Oh, how we love to measure time, indeed, we live by that desire, but that’s the human way of observing and commemorating movement through our lives. Important events in our travels are designated by counting the years and creating anniversaries. Please join us for one of these milestones as we celebrate 20 years of the Frank Trompeter Quintet/Quartet.

PUB CRAWL
Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so we suggest calling before attending an event..

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Josh Catalano and The Dirty Thoughts
A stalwart on the local music scene in performing, writing and recording original, rocking American music, Josh Catalano (guitar, vocals, songwriting) formed The Dirty Thoughts in 2011 with former Damnwell Betters bandmates Patrick Miller (drums)...

THE CALENDAR
Mary Todd’s legal battle against being declared insane. $12. Tickets online presidentlincoln.illinois.gov. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St, 217-782-5764. Proof.

MOTORCYCLES | See them
A.B.A.T.E. (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education) of Illinois motorcycle organization has a ride planned for Sunday, May 5, for motorcycle awareness month. The ride starts at the Illinois Department of Transportation parking lot. There will be food, beverages and A.

SCIENCE | Brilliant trails
Join Lincoln Memorial Garden in an evening of stargazing on Friday, May 3. Dr. John Martin from the University of Illinois Springfield’s Astronomy and Physics program will kick off the agenda with an hour talk about planets, meteors and meteorites that can be seen in the night sky.

FILM | Must-see screening
Touted as a “must-see, jaw-dropping” film, the documentary Burn.

ARCHITECTURE | Unseen floors
Downtown Springfield, Inc. presents its 14th annual Upper Story Tour on Thursday, May 2 during National Historic Preservation Month. The tour gives Springfield residents the opportunity to see historical, residential and commercial spaces downtown that are not usually open to the public.