Founded in 1975, Illinois Times has a longstanding reputation for thoughtful news coverage and analysis. In recent years, Illinois Times has also won recognition for its investigative journalism, garnering statewide and national awards, as well as for breaking local and statewide news, helping set the agenda for the capital city of a major Midwestern state. The newspaper also strives to be the region's voice for arts and culture and provides Springfield¹s premier arts-and-entertainment section, including a comprehensive calendar of events, weekly film and music coverage, and regular lifestyle features, including popular local columns on food, cooking and gardening. Illinois Times is a local institution that enjoys a statewide following and a diverse and loyal readership. Springfield has a residential population of about 120,000, but commuters to state-government and medical-community jobs cause the weekday population to swell. Available on more than 500 newsstands in Springfield and 14 surrounding communities. Illinois Times is a founding member of the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies and a member of the Illinois Press Association.