This time, gumshoes figured out that Alan Lowe, erstwhile executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, wasn’t up to snuff.

Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the U.S. since 1863, and the people of Illinois have found ways to celebrate the occasion ever since. Some of those long-ago Thanksgivings reflect both the past and future – and somewhat resemble modern celebrations.

After thanking them for their work on behalf of “Himself” (presumed to be Madigan), McClain claimed to have reviewed a “magic Excel sheet” and asked for more contributions, which were to be directed to a Madigan person at the Democratic Party of Illinois so their money could be tracked on said magic spreadsheet.

I even stated that just building new schools will not necessarily raise achievement scores. Something more needs to be done, beginning in preschool.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 25 declined to hear an appeal challenging a controversial state law that allows someone to be convicted of murder even if the death is caused by someone else, if it occurs during the commission of another forcible felony..

We’re a tough sell when it comes to Facebook, which we consider inherently evil, what with privacy violations and Russians and too darn much power in too few hands. But the state and local cops are making an offer that’s tough to refuse.

A service of remembrance will be held Dec. 1 for AIDS victims and their loved ones nearly four decades after the epidemic first began. In September, the Fifth Street Renaissance/ SARA Center dedicated a long-awaited AIDS Memorial and Labyrinth in Lincoln Park on the north side of Springfield.

Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance.

You can find many selections at Springfield historic site gift shops, including the Lincoln Home Visitor Center, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Dana-Thomas House or at a bookstore such as Books on the Square in downtown Springfield, which has a huge collection of Lincoln books.

Kids love making homemade cards and gifts. Children derive deep satisfaction from sharing something they made themselves, from macaroni necklaces to hand-painted cards. These gifts are easy to make, economical and can be personalized to fit just about anyone.

Pecans have a special place in Karen Voss’s heart. “I should have known what I was getting myself into when my husband and I were dating 44 years ago. We’d often go out and pick up pecans on nice fall Sunday afternoons.

A fault that many of us have is taking things for granted. As soon as the power goes out or a loved one isn’t near, we come to understand how dependent we are on things and people. Our appreciation sometimes comes after the fact.

The scene of the film’s central crime is the vast estate of mystery novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) who has died under strange circumstances. While the authorities are quick to label it a suicide, someone thinks the writer was killed and has dispatched detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) to investigate.

Welcome to our Thanksgiving special, complete with truckloads of thankfulness, the most prodigious party night of the year, a weekend full of happenings and a lead into the holiday season. Great googly-moogly, let’s gobble up the gobbledygook as the ruckus gets going good right now.

Eric Brackett and the Cocktails.

Morgan Minsk left Springfield for Boston in 2011 to use her recently awarded, quite coveted, full scholarship to Berklee College of Music.

The holiday season is meant for spending time with your friends and family, including those of the four-legged variety. Whether you have a dog, cat, fish or other small pet, Christmas can serve as the perfect time to show your affection by showering him or her with thoughtful gifts.

This class is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Free. Jacksonville Public Library, Jacksonville, 201 W. College Ave., 217- 243-5435..

Soprano Awet Andemicael will debut with the Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra to perform Alleluias written by Vivaldi and Mozart, and paired with the sounds of Corelli’s Concerto Grosso and Haydn’s Thirtieth Symphony “Alleluia.” Andemicael has sung across the United States, as well as in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Each month, the Illinois State Museum hosts the Paul Mickey Learning Series which features a variety of topics and expert speakers. This month Duane Esarey, director of the Illinois State Museum at Dickson Mounds, will discuss the Mississippian history of central Illinois during the 11th through 14th centuries.