The Springfield Urban League hosts a HBCU College & Cultural tour each year over spring break, offering high school students an enriching experience that exposes them to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well as other culturally significant historical and national landmarks. This tour is designed to inspire and educate students, broadening their horizons […]
Arts & Culture
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Antiracism training and building the beloved community
A piece of artwork hangs over my desk. For more than 20 years of ordained ministry, it has reminded me of connections with others and a touchstone when the path is cloudy. It is an inscribed painting of the “Golden Rule” as translated from many faith traditions and ethical systems of the world. We share […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The promise of one world
We all know what a time waster surfing the internet can be yet, occasionally, something pops up which illustrates a truth, simply but profoundly. Sometime during the past year, I came upon such a story. It goes something like this. Somewhere in the U.S., a middle-aged man is standing in the checkout line at a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Nightmare at Camp Killamanbimbo
Continuing on her journey through the decades, local playwright Courtney Wick brings the third story in her trilogy of plays to a colorful conclusion with Nightmare at Camp Killamanbimbo. Billed as “a gnarly prequel to her previous murder mysteries, Nightmare at the Sweet Dreams Inn and Nightmare at the Hot Mess Hair Salon, Camp Killamanbimbo […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rooted in something more: The women reimagining community in downtown Springfield
There are businesses you visit because they offer something you like. And then there are businesses that, through action, remind a city what community is supposed to feel like. The team at Bloom is the latter. In a downtown Springfield landscape that is constantly evolving, Bloom has created a soft place to land at the […]
Posted inUncategorized
Hail Mary good but too long, Immortal Man brings Peaky Blinders to an end
Epic Hail Mary a journey too long Having not read Andy Weir’s novel Project: Hail Mary, I came in cold to Phil Lord and Christopher Miller’s big screen adaptation of the same. It didn’t take long to understand why the book was on the New York Times’ Best-Sellers List for nearly 40 weeks. Knowing that […]
Posted inPoetry
Psychology
My sister gave violin lessonsHer studio was her home nearour dairy. When her own daughterhad a scheduled lesson she had toput on hat, coat, and boots, go outthe back door, come around andknock on the front door, and belet in for her lesson – just like allthe other students she had! 2026 Jacqueline Jackson
Posted inIT Picks
Old State Capitol site of activities, presentations
Starting Saturday, history will come alive downtown at the Old State Capitol for spring break with a variety of family-friendly activities and presentations. On Saturday, participants can learn about toy making and crafts in the 19th century, hear the Gettysburg Address, enjoy live music by duo Peaches & Bacon and more. Different activities will be […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Good trouble
Being a resident of this town often reminds you of the Vachel Lindsay poem Springfield Magical. Lindsay describes Springfield as “the City of my Discontent” and any longtime resident would second his sentiment. As a native of Springfield, I am all too familiar with the feeling of discontent this city breeds. Growing up here, I […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The Passover Seder is an occasion for worship, storytelling and feasting
Before turning my attention to our Jewish festival of Passover, which will begin this year at sunset on Wednesday, April 1, I want to acknowledge the wonderful experience I recently had as a guest speaker at the motherhouse of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. In conjunction with the Lenten season and in anticipation of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Disaster!: A jukebox musical
Most people of a certain age can probably say they’ve at least heard of, if not watched many popular disaster films of the 1970s such as Airport, The Towering Inferno, Earthquake and The Poseidon Adventure. Personally, I couldn’t get enough when I was a kid. They were epic. These films boasted major special effects for […]
Posted inSpring Guide
“Seam to Shining Seam” Quilt Show
More than 400 colorful quilts, along with other quilt-related items, will fill the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on March 20 and 21. The 2026 “Seam to Shining Seam” show features quilts made by Springfield-area quilters who are part of Q.U.I.L.T.S – Quilters United in Learning, Teaching and Self-Improvement. Now held every two […]
