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What one apology can do
There were only three people in the theater – one black woman (me), one white man and one white woman. All of us sat in different sections. As the film was ending, I stood against the back wall near the exit to listen to the last song as the credits rolled, to give myself time to push down the rage.

Understanding our brave new world through the old one
I know. You’re saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Riots, murders, corruption, skulduggery – Illinois’ past has it all. The problem is that hardly anyone knows it. Ask an Illinoisan about her state history and she will mention how Lincoln started the Chicago fire and how Al Capone used to manage the Cubs.

Augustus Trumpus
Once again, The Amazing Donald has demonstrated his phantasmagoric power of perception, having a new outcome in November’s election that others haven’t seen. Trump has been greatly perturbed by the official results, which showed that while he won the Electoral College majority, he was not the people’s choice.

THE WEEK
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LETTERS
With a month to go before President-elect Trump takes office, we’ve received a warning shot across the bow in Springfield. It came in the form of a press release from Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association, and Chip Kahn, president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals.

Don’t hold your breath
Top folks in the governor’s office said they didn’t quite understand last week why the Senate Democrats and House Speaker Michael Madigan’s spokesman were so upset with them about canceling last Thursday’s leaders meeting to discuss ending the long Statehouse impasse and finishing up an incomplete budget.

THE MODERN WORLD
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Parsons, scolded, walks again
He came to Springfield, his former home, in a late-model Ford F150 pickup truck with plates from Texas, where he now lives. In a three-piece charcoal pinstripe suit, French cuff shirt and cufflinks, he resembled more a banker than someone who has declared bankruptcy and been accused of hiding assets.

STUDIO SEEKS FUNDS
A crowd-sourcing campaign via kickstarter.com is underway to renovate and reopen Southtown Sound (formerly South Town Studio).

ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION
were of this type.”.

Too much phosphorous in Lake Springfield
It would cost an estimated $143.5 million to reduce levels of pollutants entering the lake to acceptable levels, the consultant found.

Springfield’s art scene is riding high
The visual arts in Springfield blossomed throughout 2016, with established institutions and grassroots groups alike reporting a great range of positive motion in spite of potentially mitigating factors such as the ongoing state budget impasse.

Holiday Happenings
DePue Brothers Band: A Magical Grassical Christmas.

It’s tradition!
For 10 years Clinton Kelly told people what not to wear and gave his refreshingly honest fashion advice.

Ornamental style
“I remember the experiences we had together so much more than anything my parents ever purchased for me,” says Guerrero, who owns her own craft store, The Lemon Row, on Etsy. “Every year when we put up the family Christmas tree, each ornament had a special meaning.

A new car is a magical gift
There’s something almost magical about those ubiquitous holiday commercials featuring new cars parked in the driveway on Christmas morning. The enormous red bow on top, the recipient in utter disbelief and the gift giver looking impossibly selfsatisfied – it’s the closest a tech-savvy, carloving adult can get to feeling like a kid again.

Look natural
You’re planning the perfect holiday dinner. Guests have been invited, the menu is prepared – with allergies and dietary preferences accounted for – and decorating is last on the list.

Keep holiday cooking simple
I have vivid memories of years ago answering a knock on my door the week before Christmas. We were experiencing snow showers and my wife’s friend was standing outside my kitchen door with a stressed-out countenance and icy wet hair.

Rousing Rogue One a worthy Star Wars entry
More than anything, the film belongs to Felicity Jones as she brings to life a fearsome warrior in Jyn Erso, a young woman trying to escape the shadow of her father, Galen (Mads Mikkelsen), the architect of the Death Star. Having not seen him for more than a decade, she and others believe him to be dead.

Mixes and matches
Kick off your ever-advancing Advent season with a “Deck the Halls with The Deep Hollow” performance in Arlington’s upstairs room (some remember the space as On Broadway).

PUB CRAWL
theSHIFT, Owen and Dooley Present: Keith Voegele & Patrick Miller.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Juke House
Five longtime, local musicians by the names of Brian Moore (lead vocals, sax), Tim Bahn (piano, vocals), Mark Sanders (drums), Mike Lang (bass) and Manley Mallard (guitar) got together after Brian and Mike had a late-night discussion about their love of jump blues and invited others to join in the fun.

THE CALENDAR
On My Own Time Citywide Exhibition.

MUSIC | Telemann, Hindemith, Beethoven
Escape the chilly outdoors and enjoy a heartwarming concert by the Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra on Friday, Dec. 16, 7:30 p.m., at Springfield’s First Presbyterian Church.

HOLIDAY | Bluegrass band of brothers
Who says you can’t have it all? Enjoy a little bit of everything this Christmas by taking in a holiday concert highlighting a variety of genres by the DePue Brothers Band, also known as the “Musical Family of America” according to a 1989 presidential decree.

BULLETIN BOARD | Remember, honor, teach
The public is encouraged to remember fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom by participating in one of three Wreaths Across America ceremonies to be held in the Springfield area on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 11 a.