Did you know that manufacturing plays a significant role in our local, central Illinois economy? From small- and medium-sized local businesses to national brands employing almost 1,000 people, the effect of these businesses is critical for our area. However, after spending much time talking with these employers, I know they struggle to maintain a full […]
Arts & Culture
Posted inArts & Culture
Stumbling toward unity
More than 150 years ago, Baha’u’llah proclaimed the oneness of humanity. Addressing mankind, he said, “The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the leaves of one tree and the fruits of one branch.” In another place he says, “O children of men! Know ye not why […]
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Pixar’s Elio wins you over, Materialists has love but no passion, Echo Valley tests a mother’s love
Elio eventually finds its footing Much like its titular character, Pixar’s Elio gradually wins you over. Directed by Adrian Molina and Domee Shi, the film gets off to an awkward start, clumsily executing the all-too-familiar plot points found in these coming-of-age stories. And, while I shouldn’t say this, the kid is less than engaging. Yet, as […]
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Classic fairytale gets contemporary retelling
There’s something enchanting about the story of Peter Pan and his adventures on the island of Neverland. He was created in 1902 by Scottish playwright and novelist J.M. Barrie. Since then, the mischievous boy who can fly and never ages has starred in many plays, movies and books. Peter Pan, the leader of the Lost […]
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Celebrate Juneteenth
Thursday, June 19 Lincoln Land Community College will host the third annual Freedom Walk at 8:30 a.m. The self-guided walk around the Springfield campus includes tributes to the timeline of events leading up to Juneteenth’s Freedom Day. Participants are encouraged to wear Juneteenth colors of red, green, gold or black. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast […]
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Found Poem
Some people don’t answer their email Some people don’t answer their voicemail Some people don’t answer their snail mail Sometimes don’t even open it because it gets lost That some people is me yet Everyone expects that everyone Six times a day boots up Their emails opens Their snail mail checks Their voicemail even though […]
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Healing of body and of spirit
Mortality, illness and suffering are an inescapable part of the human condition. When we are afflicted by disease, pain, injury or loss of bodily function, we seek healing and restoration to health. We enlist the skill of the physician to lessen our pain, to arrest or reverse the course of our disease, to repair injuries […]
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Phoenician Scheme a quest to right wrongs, Unholy Trinity a wayward western
Anderson’s Scheme on firm footing When the films of Wes Anderson are discussed, his distinct, meticulously rendered, symmetrical stylings are often front of mind. As such, the thematic thread that runs through his work is often overlooked. Invariably, the focal point of his stories concerns a character intent on reinventing himself, either in an effort […]
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162 years after emancipation
The line of demarcation is only 9 blocks from the capitol’s feet. Important information but, what does it matter to me? Springfield, my city in 1865 where Lincoln happened to be. Signed the 13th amendment so that Negros would be free. For hope to change America’s financial divide. For the government to pick a refreshing […]
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Threads of Truth quilt to be unveiled
The community is invited to the unveiling of a remarkable quilt made by young men from The Outlet in collaboration with the Social Justice Sewing Academy through a partnership with the Downtown Springfield Rotary Club. The quilt will be part of the “Noir V: Resilience” exhibit at the Illinois State Museum, curated by Austin Wells […]
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Celebrate Juneteenth with these community activities
Since 2021, when Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill to commemorate June 19, 1865, the date when the last enslaved Black people in the U.S. learned that they were free, the annual Juneteenth holiday in Springfield has continued to grow. With each passing year, new participating organizations join the festivities. Activities during the weeklong celebration […]
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Preserving Black history
The Allen Chapel African American Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Lincoln is on the Landmarks Illinois 2025 list of most endangered historic sites in the state. The church has a storied history from the formation of a congregation in 1868 to the construction of a building in 1881 until the chapel’s closure in 2012. The […]
