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White-collar flight
For 90 years, “Caterpillar” was just a different way of spelling P-e-o-r-i-a. But the company has decided to move its entire executive team of some 300 people out of the River City to Chicago’s northern suburbs. The mayor called the decision a kick in the gut, and well he might.

Changing health care for the better
Leaders on Capitol Hill are about to turn their attention to health care reform again. While “repeal and replace” has the most attention, what is at stake is beyond the fate of the Affordable Care Act. We have the opportunity to strengthen health care for the future and create a more effective and efficient system for all Americans.

The people must build the people’s government
I’ve thought of that moment recently as I’ve seen instance after instance of the innate rebelliousness of the American people erupting across the country in surprising ways, unexpected numbers and with astonishing intensity. No need to wonder where this comes from, however.

LETTERS
MASTER PLAN FOR TREES As Arbor Day approaches, it is sad to see Springfield having lost so many of its trees to storm damage and disease over the last few years. The downtown, neighborhoods and parks have all been affected by the loss.

Two more Illinois universities downgraded to junk bond ratings
Last week, S&P Global Ratings lowered the credit score of both Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois University into junk bond status. Eastern, Northeastern and Governor’s State were already in junk bond territory and their ratings were lowered even further last week.

Pioneers in women’s baseball
The role of women in sports has traveled a somewhat winding road, occasionally strewn with potholes and detours. The women of my baby-boomer era played few sports in high school or college.

Take this plaque and shove it
The annual journalism contest sponsored by the Illinois Press Association is supposed to be a measuring stick for excellence, a chance for newspapers large and small to boast to readers about winning awards in categories ranging from news writing to photography to page design.

REPORT BUNTING SIGHTINGS
Two very colorful species of birds only seen in central Illinois during late April and early May are set to make their annual appearances. The Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting both feed on seeds, which are scarce in the area this time of year, making feeders a likely place to spot them (they are especially fond of sunfl ower seeds).

GOT DRUGS?
Once upon a time, a few extra Vicodins or Percocets after a root canal or sprained ankle were considered good things. No need to call the doctor for more drugs in the event of a twisted back or particularly bad day at the offi ce. But no more.

IPA helped with sale of newspapers
Egbert says the IPA drew his ire last year when the association helped arrange the sale of a dozen southern Illinois newspapers that otherwise would have gone out of business.

Pritzker takes strong stand on abortion rights
“Either Rauner lied when he was running for governor and said he was pro-choice but isn’t, or changed his mind because his rightwing buddies said, ‘If you don’t, we’ll run somebody against you,’” Pritzker said in an interview Tuesday in Springfield. “I don’t know what it is, but either way, he is wrong and he shouldn’t be our governor.

The end of the landline
Legislation sponsored by AT&T could threaten access to services such as 911 and medical monitoring for low-income and rural residents in parts of Illinois served by the telecommunication giant, according to AARP Illinois, Illinois PIRG and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB).

You’re a free man! Now what?
The Illinois Innocence Project based at University of Illinois Springfield, is part of a nationwide network of groups working toward overturning wrongful convictions.

Free Fire a slick exercise in nihilism
Set in late-1970s Boston, a motley crew of ne’er-do-wells convenes in a rundown warehouse by the docks to conduct a piece of business. Seems Chris (Cillian Murphy) and Frank (Michael Smiley), members of the IRA, want to get their hands on a cache of M-17 assault rifles to help their cause.

FOOD IS FUN AGAIN IN THE 217!
Cinco de Mayo is a great day – but 24 hours is just not enough time to fully explore the tasty offerings our creative restaurant teams have developed. So, get ready to experience Mexican cuisine in our next epic food event: #217NachoTacoWeek! These are nach-yo mama’s tacos.

Be careful what you wish for
I was in Montreal for my annual trip with my son Robb. We were in a quiet gallery in the Marc Chagall exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts when the loud call of a hunting horn emanated from my shirt pocket and shattered the silence.

So long April and Riverboat 5+1
Don Udey of Riverboat 5+1, central Illinois’ leading Dixieland jazz band, is calling it a day for the long-running group of jazz and otherwise players.

PUB CRAWL
JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Devin Williams.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | JC Brooks
A force on the national scene for several years now, what started as a lark with a band called Uptown Sound has morphed into a major career of increasing proportions for JC Brooks.

THE CALENDAR
Mason City Limits Comedy Club, 114 E. Chestnut, Mason City, 482-5233..

CHILDREN’S CORNER | Charge into summer
Support the YMCA’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of children and their families by attending the Healthy Kids Day Triathlon and Festival. The second annual triathlon is open to children ages 5-14; triathlon length/intensity is dictated by age category.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS | Sustainability
On Saturday, April 29, area adults and children are invited to celebrate the start of the 2017 growing season with a festival hosted by Grow Springfield and the Lincoln Land Community College Culinary Institute.

ART & ARCHITECTURE | Porky party
For the perfect date night, family fun day or solo outing, look no further than the Springfield Art Associations’ annual Roasted: Hot Pots and Pork event. Choose a pre-made ceramic pot, glaze it, and then watch the pot be fired in an outdoor Raku kiln.