As executive director of the Kidzeum, Leah Wilson recently helped secure a National Science Foundation grant to create a new community-designed STEAM Center, an investment not just in science education, but in imagination itself. This conversation explores curiosity, leadership, play and why children’s dreams might be one of the most important resources a city possesses.
Newsletter – Event
Posted inArts & Culture
Visit ISM to get free State Fair admission
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of historic U.S. Route 66, visitors to the Illinois State Museum’s new Route 66 exhibit in Springfield this summer can earn free weekday admission to the 2026 Illinois State Fair, happening Aug. 13-23. The promotion began June 8 and runs for the next 66 days. Each visitor to the Illinois […]
Posted inFilm
Masters of the Universe is fun, Backrooms leads nowhere
Fun is front and center in this Universe Realizing their mistake in passing up the opportunity to license toys for a little movie named Star Wars, the suits at Mattel charged their head designer, Roger Sweet, with coming up with something to rival George Lucas’ universe. Released in 1982, the result was Masters of the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Caitlin Becker and Brittney Ballenger interview
This week on The Mosaic Project, Tony Stang sat down with Bloom Wine Bar & Florals founders Caitlin Becker and Brittney Ballenger, two young entrepreneurs who are investing their creativity, energy and future in downtown Springfield. Through Bloom, they are creating more than a business; they are cultivating beauty, connection, and a sense of belonging. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Artist in the Park kicks off 2026 season
The Springfield Area Arts Council is celebrating a successful start to the 2026 Artist in the Park at Food Truck Fridays season after welcoming nearly 200 attendees to the kickoff event on May 29. The organization invites the community to join them for the remaining nine weeks of free live entertainment in downtown Springfield. Held […]
Posted inNews
A deflated event
The hot air balloon portion of Balloons Over 66 Weekend in Lincoln, a festival that has been one of the biggest annual attractions in Logan County, has been canceled for 2026. However, Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch offered hope that hot air balloons will be seen during the Aug. 28-29 event in some fashion. Seth Goodman, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Who’s your daddy?”
Since its world premiere in 1999, Mamma Mia! has been a continuous fixture of the theatrical landscape, drawing crowds with its timeless 70s soundtrack. Co-directors Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich are on their second go-round of this iconic, disco fever show after having directed it previously at Sacred-Heart Griffin High School. “We wanted to take […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Illinois College to host Camp College
Local middle and high school students are invited to the Illinois College campus this summer for Camp College, a two-day immersive experience designed to introduce students to STEAM projects, college life and career exploration. The camp will take place June 15 – 16 and is open to rising sixth graders through eight graders and rising […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Bella Szabo interview
Bella Szabo, executive director of the Springfield Area Arts Council, joins The Mosaic Project for a conversation about creativity in a changing world. From the rise of AI-generated art to the community impact of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, Bella explores what it means to keep art human, accessible, and rooted in connection. It’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Ashwin Manivannan interview
From India to American citizenship, Ashwin Manivannan shares his deeply personal journey through the immigration and naturalization process. In this episode, he talks about what it meant to leave home, navigate the long road to citizenship, and face the challenges, uncertainties and sacrifices along the way. It’s a conversation about identity, perseverance, belonging and what […]
Posted inTurning Points
Leroy G. McDaniels
Beloved husband, father, coach, mentor and community leader Leroy G. McDaniels, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his residence at 8:51 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026. He was born Aug. 9, 1945 in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillie Mae (McDaniel) Daniels; father, Harry Flake; and brother, Jackie Daniels. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Hospital Sister Mission Outreach ships $1 million of supplies to Bolivia
Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach has shipped a container of medical supplies and equipment valued at $1 million to Bolivia. The 40-foot shipping container of requested supplies left the Mission Outreach warehouse, 4930 Laverna Road in Springfield, on May 5. This is the most expensive shipment since the medical supply and equipment recovery organization was founded […]
