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The preexisting pandemic known as chronic disease
The COVID pandemic would be little more than a bad flu season in a healthy population. It would barely make the news. Without Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, arterial disease and other chronic conditions, the mortality rate, the strain on our health care system and the devastation to our society would be far less.

Going to church, or pot
I have not come to Jesus at a drive-in, but I have heard that Buddhists believe divinity is everywhere, so I suppose a drive-in would be as good a place as any to find God. That’s what Pastor Eric Hansen, who presides over Destiny Church on MacArthur Boulevard, had in mind when he planned an Easter service in the church parking lot.

What will it take to reopen Illinois?
And we now know what states are supposed to do to get to the finish line: 1) A measurable and sustained reduction in new positive tests over three sets of two-week periods, or the same downward trajectory of positive tests as a percentage of total...

LETTERS
Thank you, Bruce Rushton, but is it really necessary to have you expose our city officials’ decision to hide the truth from us tax-drained citizens (“What happened? City still mum on CWLP mishap,” April 9)? I guess it is. The reason for the $6 million breakdown at the CWLP power plant five months ago must be none of our business.

Tattoo artists have time
Brian McCormic was in the middle of smoking a chicken outdoors when I called him on a weekday afternoon. He took a long polite pause in the conversation for a garbage truck to go by. Not much is being rushed these days. McCormic’s friends have joked that it took a pandemic for him to finally take a break.

STATE OF THE AIR
As the world battles a respiratory virus with no known cure, Springfield faces increased ozone pollution. That’s according to The American Lung Association’s 2020 “State of the Air” report.

POUNDING NAILS
Construction trades are essential and hardware stores are open under pandemic orders. And so, if you’re handy with tools, you’ve got time on your hands and you can finish by June 15, you might be eligible for recognition by Landmarks Illinois, which is now accepting nominations for the Richard H.

Dollars and sense
In Peoria, the city has predicted a budget shortfall as large as $50 million, which likely will lead to layoffs and canceled or delayed public works projects – the city council this month deferred $27.4 million in capital improvements. In Springfield, the city is bracing, with ideas ranging from wait-and-see to layoffs and new taxes.

East Springfield is worth it
Like you, I am frustrated with having to limit my movements and social interactions. I am worried daily about my family and friends, thankful for each day that averts bad news. I am terrified by the prospect that my children or my 90-year-old mother could become sick and I couldn’t be there.

Making history
The Illinois State Museum in Springfield is setting its sights on how to retain the historical impact of the new coronavirus. Previous planned exhibits and events have been canceled as a result of efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus. But the museum is forging ahead in a new direction.

Moving Pillsbury Forward, inches at a time
Asbestos, arson and a dead dog. The things Pillsbury Mills are now known for are a far cry from its origins. “Pillsbury was a fantastic company,” said John Keller, president of the Pillsbury Mills Neighborhood Association. “They wanted to be a good neighbor.

Ramadan in Springfield
Ramadan is a time of coming together, something that will prove challenging with social distancing and stay-at-home precautions in place. But Springfield-area Muslims, who represent more than 30 ethnic groups, will find ways to observe their faith as adherents across the globe have for more than 1,400 years.

Pandemic connections
Researching and writing a feature story focusing on people is difficult when you can’t physically meet those people.

How to cook a wolf
As long as we end up beating the Reaper, these past weeks of self-quarantine really haven’t been awful. Amid bad news and increasing fears we have been gifted a rare period of respite to reflect and reassess. Life as we knew it will never be the same. The future? It’s not yet been written.

Living well in the world
“After disaster and disruption, nature teaches us the fine art of rising again.” This is Ferguson’s most poignant lesson. Rejuvenation following major forest fires is a testimonial that in the wake of devastation comes new growth.

Impressive action makes for thrilling Extraction
It’s funny the things you end up missing. Since movie theaters have closed, I find myself yearning to see a bigger-than-life, Hollywood production wash over me, the kind that, through its sheer size, overwhelms and takes me away.

Flims to watch at home
Now that movie watching has become a home-viewing option for the time being, this space will be devoted to small reviews of films that can be seen on various streaming services, cable channels and video-ondemand. Stay safe and happy viewing!.

FOOD | Fresh food is serious, not social
Downtown Springfield, Inc. will host the final Winter Farmers Market on April 25. Farmers markets are considered essential businesses that should remain open during the pandemic because they are a critical link between local farms and consumers.

Music to cope by
Welcome to week number six of downtime, sheltering and stay-in-place doings as we pay attention to the experts and curb the curve on this COVID-19 pandemic that has sent our world and the world at large into a tailspin.

THE CALENDAR
Send us your events! Deadline: 5pm Fri. Submit online at: www.illinoistimes.com.