The top three winners of the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award in the ninth annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition were just announced by Jesse White, secretary of state and state librarian. Jonathan G. Travelstead of Murphysboro took first place with his poem “DuPont Paint Factory” Pablo Otavalo of Chicago, second. Richard Holinger of Geneva, third. The […]
Summerguide 2026
Our annual Summerguide has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for local theater, musical performances, outdoor activities or family-friendly events – many of them free of charge – we’ve got all the details. Plus, there’s an expanded three-month calendar of activities to help you keep track of everything. The International Carillon Festival is being held…
