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Congress spends on wars, ignoring low-wage workers
In January the Brookings Institution reported that “53 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 – accounting for 44% of all workers – qualify as low wage.” Low wage is defined as median hourly wages of $10.22 – about $18,000 annually in the national sample.

Super sounds of the Illinois legislature
The commission isn’t in the mood for big bites, which explains why it’s only wading out knee-deep in an effort at convincing folks that lawmakers are serious about fixing a system that everyone knows has been fixed for a very long time, and not in the right ways.

Democratic candidates support Madigan stepping down
I reached out to five of the six to follow up, asking, among other things, if this meant they wouldn’t be voting to reelect Madigan next January. I didn’t bother asking Jimmy Garfield, who’s made opposition to Madigan a centerpiece of his campaign.

LETTERS
I’ve noticed that conversations and concerns regarding homelessness frequently change, as often as the weather moves from one extreme to another. Something else I recognize is our community’s inability to stand together for real change and measurable progress.

SIU to provide prison health care
A mentally ill inmate has died from gastrointestinal bleeding two months after swallowing two sporks – a nurse determined there would be no issues after he revealed what he’d done.

SCHOCKING
In a complaint made two years ago to the inspector general for the U.S. Department of Justice, federal prosecutor Tim Bass alleged there were grounds to believe that two colleagues in the U.S. attorney’s offi ce in Springfi eld conspired with U.S. District Court Judge Colin Bruce, the presiding judge, to sabotage a corruption case against former U.

Oncologist enters Springfield High Hall of Fame
Michael Vasconcelles graduated from Springfield High School (SHS) in 1981 and went off to Northwestern University, initially terrified he wouldn’t be able to hold his own. Nearly 39 years later, he returned to SHS for the first time since graduation and was inducted into the SHS Hall of Fame.

Will something be done about parking?
Outdated meters only accept coins, and it’s getting harder to repair broken ones. The company that made them discontinued the model Springfield has and stopped servicing them. Parking revenue for the city of Springfield is near its lowest point in the last eight years.

Springfield’s living black history
“In order to be a mentor, and an eff ective one, one must care. You must care. You don’t have to know how many square miles are in Idaho, you don’t need to know what is the chemical makeup of chemistry, or of blood or water. Know what you know and care about the person, care about what you know and care about the person you’re sharing with.

Jambalaya for Mardi Gras
Those who have been lucky enough to experience true Cajun jambalaya, cooked slowly over a wood fire in a cast iron pot, studded with succulent nuggets of andouille sausage, shrimp and what folks down by the bayou call the “holy trinity” (diced pepper, celery and onion) know how deeply satisfying a dish it is.

Scientist in search of a spiritual higher power
Throughout recorded history, scientific minds have considered religious people to be superstitious. At the same time, those with spiritual feelings have considered science to be somewhat heretical. Now, Daniel Punzak, a Springfield resident, has published a book that attempts to bridge that gap.

Romance and bombast
The Illinois Symphony Orchestra returned to the UIS Performing Arts Center Saturday, Feb. 15, with a spirited Valentine’s Day-themed program entitled “Love Notes.

Mardi Gras and more
Thursdays keep rolling on as a good night for live music and this week is no exception. Over at the Butternut Hut, Jeff Berendt (of The White Oak Staves and other things) kicks off the night at eight o’clock with some cool songs done right.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Mary Jo Curry Band
What can be said about Mary Jo Curry (vocals) and her band of Michael Rapier (guitar), Rick Snow (drums) and Chris Rogers (bass) that you don’t already know by hearing them play? Well, how about that the new CD just released this weekend has guest spots by some top blues cats, namely, Albert Castiglia, Tom Holland and Andrew Duncanson.

LIVE MUSIC
Wolf Creek Boys & Blue Ribbon Revival.

THE CALENDAR
Virtuoso organist Stephen Tharp.

NATURE | Tap into some sweetness
The sugar maple tree is a Midwestern favorite enjoyed for its range of brilliant colors in the autumn and valued for its wood and sap. At this time of year, as the cold winter weather eases, sugar maple trees begin the process of turning stored starch into sugar.

HISTORY | The abolitionist movement and the underground railroad
Discover how the abolitionist movement in Illinois played an important role in bringing slaves to freedom through the underground railroad.