As of this writing, the nation keeps vigil with the Texas families whose loved ones were swept away by flood waters, the death toll north of 100 and climbing. According to media reports, over the Fourth of July weekend gun violence killed 189 people and injured 500 in our country. Last week I traveled out […]
Arts & Culture
Posted inArts & Culture
Liberty, equality and fraternity – The blessings and the challenges
A week and a half ago, we observed the Fourth of July, our American Independence Day with picnics, fireworks and parades and, hopefully, a renewed dedication to the principles and aspirations on which our country is founded. This week France observes its national holiday, Bastille Day, the 14th of July, marking the date in 1789 […]
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Flawed Superman still soars
There’s a great deal riding on James Gunn’s Superman. Not only is this the initial entry of what promises to be a revitalized, expansive cinematic universe featuring the DC Comics’ characters, but it is also an opportunity to remind people what the Man of Steel represents. Gunn has stated the timing couldn’t be better for […]
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Found Poem
Another Letter From My Grandpa My grandpa wrote this letter to his second son who is at college: “My Dear Boy Trever You have a great day outlined for me and I am sure I would enjoy every bit of it. But I cannot come. We are building the floor tomorrow between the milk house […]
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Grease at The Legacy: It’s electrifying!
The current run of Grease at The Legacy Theatre glows with happy memories and non-stop grins. Director and producer Scott Richardson said, “I only saw Grease once, at the 1994 London production with Debbie Gibson, and it was a trip.” The show is brightly entertaining with resounding energy, especially in its iconic song-and-dance numbers choreographed […]
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Morgan County Fair
Need to get to a county fair? The Morgan County Fair in Jacksonville will fill the bill. Enjoy some of what Morgan County has to offer from thrilling carnival rides and games to livestock shows and agricultural exhibits. Savor delicious fair food, watch exciting events at the grandstand such as the demolition derby and tractor […]
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In pursuit of justice: A personal reflection
Hello, my name is Diana Elshref. I want to thank Illinois Times for allowing me an opportunity as a board member of Faith Coalition for the Common Good to share my story and the outstanding work that the FCCG is doing in the community. My passion and journey have always concerned civil, social and racial […]
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Jurassic World; Rebirth and M3GAN 2.0 both solid sequels, Heads of State all action, no plot
Rebirth may be familiar, but it still has bite Do we need another Jurassic Park movie? I think you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’d reply in the affirmative to that question, other than the executives at Universal Pictures. While the studio has had their share of misses at the box office over the last year, […]
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Chatham Strong Fest
A daylong family-friendly music festival featuring six performers will give people an opportunity to pay tribute to the April 28 accident victims in Chatham and raise money to support them. Billed as the Chatham Strong Fest, it will run from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 6, at the Chatham Community Park, 711 S. Park […]
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Friday Night Live in downtown Springfield
Downtown Springfield is the place to go on four Friday nights this summer to enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, shopping and family fun at local businesses. Friday Night Live is a collaboration among downtown businesses and community supporters to bring people downtown and experience all those local businesses have to offer. It was born from a grassroots […]
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Visit Illinois Beach State Park
East from Illinois Beach State Park, Lake Michigan glistens and beckons anyone seeking summer fun in the sun. Plenty of beach lovers answer the call, if packed parking lots on the weekends are any indication. Tucked into the far northeastern part of the state, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities four hours from […]
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The Prom at the Hoogland is an inspiration
In 2010, a controversy erupted in the Itawamba County School District in Indiana. A lesbian student wanted to bring her girlfriend to the school prom and the school refused, choosing instead to cancel the prom for all students. A second prom was scheduled which was also canceled, a lawsuit was filed with the ACLU, a […]
