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U of I stifles press freedom
She, along with ProPublica, published an investigation into how the university protected the reputations of faculty even after serious allegations of sexual misconduct were substantiated. Serial offenders were given paid leave and had the circumstances of their offenses hidden from future perspective employers.

Up from homelessness
Montross had visited before, after I wrote a column about street-corner panhandlers nearly two years ago. He showed up angry and, after we chatted, left, saying I really wasn’t such a bad fellow, which was nice, even though I suspected that he’d been drinking.

Contenders to replace Cullerton
Much will change at the Statehouse when Senate President John Cullerton retires in January, a year before his term expires. Unlike his House counterpart, Speaker Michael Madigan, Cullerton always wanted to find ways to get things done - and he got a lot done.

LETTERS
CONVERSATIONS CONTINUE Diversity and inclusion has become a part of the conversation for the nonprofit sector in Springfield. David Blanchette’s article, “How and Why to Diversify” (Nov. 14), was a great introduction to the work taking place in this community with the help of United Way, Forefront and the Building Board Diversity task force.

Plan for downtown homeless center resurfaces
“I will tell you, it’s a great idea,” Juan Huerta, city community relations director, said after architect John Shafer unveiled his plan at an Inner City Older Neighborhoods event on Monday. “I like the location because it’s close to the Washington Street Mission.

Program helps Illinoisans save for retirement
At a Chicago news conference, Frerichs said more than 32,000 Illinoisans have saved more than $8.5 million for their retirement as part of Illinois Secure Choice, a program which has been implemented in the past year after it was created by state law in 2015.

Here’s what happened at the Statehouse
Indian Creek Democratic Sen. Terry Link is the sponsor of Senate Bill 1864, which would include vapes, e-cigars, e-hookahs and other such devices in the existing prohibition on smoking in public places, areas of employment, and within 15 feet of the entrance to a public building.

Fashion comes to Springfield
“There’s really nothing quite like fashion,” said Clare Frachey, local artist and Prevention Educator at Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault. “I think many artists and creative people in Springfield are drawn to that because it has to do with adorning and decorating our bodies.

State’s anti-gambling lobbyist is one tough ‘Church Lady’
Gambling has expanded throughout Illinois as the state struggles to catch up with its budget deficit. The lure of additional revenue brought support from local governments, businesses and unions. But not everyone is a fan, as some argue it takes advantage of the vulnerable among us.

For something different, Cassoulet
High atop the kitchen cabinets in my apartment sits a pottery bowl known as a cassole. It is quite large – about the size of a basketball. It is wide at the top and is tapered down to its base. My cassole is glazed in its interior and rim but is unglazed on the outside.

Frozen II a bit muddled
Things start off on a dour note as we’re treated to a flashback in which young Anna and Elsa are being told a bedtime story by their father King Agnarr (Alfred Molina) about their grandfather, who was a general in the Arendellian Army.

A November to remember
This week the Curve Inn kicks off a new season of Thursday Night Roots, featuring area Americana-type bands every third Thursday of the month with the one and only, The Deep Hollow, playing two full sets to kick things off.

LIVE MUSIC
Andon (Ted) David and Michael Burnett.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Wayward Motel
This six-piece, all-American, Americana, rock ‘n’ roll, rock band based here in the capital city puts out a sound that spans across a sonic landscape far more far reaching than one might expect from the local scene.

Holiday Happenings | A popular holiday tradition
Memorial Medical Center’s Festival of Trees is celebrating its 30th season as a central Illinois holiday highlight. In addition to bringing holiday cheer to all ages, the annual festival also raises money for health-related projects and programs at Memorial Health System and in the Springfield community.

THE CALENDAR
Pathway Services Festival of Trees.

ART | Eleanor Spiess-Ferris
That moment of Daphne’s transformation from a woman into a tree has been repeated throughout art history. Eleanor Spiess-Ferris’s figures often are depicted as hybrid creature – part human and part natural form.