My sister Pat, maybe 7, woke early and decided to have an adventure She took some apples, set out along the shore path, cut across a field, passed some cows, ate an apple, continued on until she had eaten all her apples, judged the long day was over, others would worry, and decided that running […]
Arts & Culture
Posted inIT Picks
Monster X Tour
Springfield, are you ready to feel the monster truck thunder? With such names as USA-1, Veteran, Double Trouble, Skykotic and Lone Wolf, these monsters are set to rock the BOS Center for two shows on Saturday. “These 10,000-pound, car-crushing giants race, do wheelies and more,” according to the BOS Center. And get this, attendees can […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Wuthering Heights a beautiful, frustrating film; Glen Powell shines in How to Make a Killing
Fennell her own worst enemy in Wuthering HeightsEmerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights is a glorious, frustrating mess of a film. Thesumptuous production captivates with its broad visually romantic strokes, the directorputting her distinctive stamp on the Emily Bronte classic in using a vibrant and, at timesbrooding, aesthetic that’s never less than captivating. And yet, the overall […]
Posted inArts & Culture
DSI appoints interim executive director
Downtown Springfield, Inc. is searching for a new executive director “following a mutual separation with Carlos Ortega,” according to a statement the organization issued Feb. 17. Always On Consulting, the human resources company led by Debbie Thompson, has been retained to lead the search process. Jay Shanle, who currently serves as DSI’s director of communications […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The greatness of a nation
It is ironic and more than a bit frightening that in this Black History Month, 2026, those who claim to want to “make America great” are actively working to erase the numerous contributions made to this country by people of color and to downplay the enduring effects of slavery. A nation does not achieve greatness […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
31,875 households: The reality of ALICE in our community
ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed – but behind that acronym are real people you probably see every day. They’re the teacher at your child’s day care center, the aide who cares for your aging parent, the cashier who rings up your groceries, and the server who brings your coffee. They work full-time […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Wreath-laying ceremony at Lincoln’s Tomb
Started by World War I Veterans and members of The American Legion in 1935, the Legion’s annual pilgrimage to the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery is in its 92nd year. The wreath-laying ceremony that is part of this long-standing tradition was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Lincoln Tomb in […]
Posted inFilm
Desperation drives Crime 101 characters, Good Luck is whiplash-inducing ride
Exceptional Crime a study of desperation Though it is being touted as an action film, Bart Layton’s gripping Crime 101 actually consists of multiple character studies, examining three people who’ve each come to a crossroads in their lives. Captivating and smart, the film benefits from exceptional work from its three veteran leads and old-school pacing, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Heart and soul: A legacy built on love
February holds two truths at once: It’s a month where we pay homage to Black history. We honor the names, the hands, the kitchens and the legacies that our ancestors have shaped. It’s also a season devoted to the essence of love. Many times, the most powerful love stories aren’t written in cards. They are […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Wedding Issue 2026
More than 40% of engagements in the U.S. occur between Thanksgiving andValentine’s Day, so this is the time of year many couples are startingto plan their weddings. We talked to area business owners involved inthe wedding industry to find out the latest trends. Couples are focusingon more personalized details and experiences to engage their guests,rather […]
Posted inPoetry
Letter From My Dad to Brother
Dear Craig, your application received. We can find work you’ll certainly enjoy.Lester could use help, he starts at 4AMand seldom finishes till after 2. Ourmen use to deliver 300 quarts a day.Now up to 600 with every other daydelivery. Your schedule would bestrenuous, 4AM, 7 days a week. Itisn’t as bad as it sounds, but if […]
Posted inFilm
Crime 101 a throwback thriller
Though it’s being promoted as an action film, Bart Layton’s Crime 101 is actually a triptych of character studies. Adapted from the novella by Donald Winslow, the film focuses on three people who’ve each reached the end of their respective ropes, which compels them to make some rash, desperate decisions. Propelled by an ever-increasing sense […]
