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A billboard about language and intolerance
America is a nation composed of immigrants, the fairly recent descendants of immigrants, native peoples and the descendants of slaves. Unlike regions of the world where majorities may descend from those who resided nearby for hundreds of years, the circumstance simply is not possible given the founding of the United States a mere 241 years ago.

Parade unrest
The mayor and others have complained about the state fair’s plans to change the route of its annual Twilight Parade. In my view, they didn’t change it enough: a better route would have the parade conclude at its traditional destination at the north end of the Grandstand after beginning at the south end of the Grandstand.

Dare we entrust our students to corporate profiteers?
This is the Koch Boys Billionaire Club, which meets annually at some luxury resort to schmooze, strategize, hear a select group of GOP elected officials kiss up to them – then throw money into a big pot to finance the Koch’s planned takeover of America.

LETTERS
“Then Anne Morrison, the florist, told how the book was revealed to her. First she saw the days of Johnny Appleseed returned, for in this Mystic Year Springfield had fully developed the Great Amaranth Apple Orchards, from seeds given by Hunter Kelly, one of the founders of Newtown, Calhoun or Springfield, as the first chapter of this book recounts.

The bane of their existence
“You mean after the irate phone calls and emails and the letter that arrived at my house today telling me and my wife (by name) to move out?” he texted back. “I’m doing fine – seriously I am. I can just guess what the new chief of staff might have in store for me.

GROCERIES TO YOUR DOOR
Grocery delivery service company Instacart has recently launched in Springfi eld, providing over 75,000 homes with the option of having their Schnucks, Shop ’n Save, CVS and even PetCo purchases delivered to their doorstep within an hour of placing an order online, along with offering job opportunities for shoppers / delivery people.

Funding plan ‘harmless,’ but expensive
The sounds of a rehearsing gospel choir, complete with organ accompaniment, bled through the walls of Union Baptist Church during a sparsely attended town hall meeting there July 13. The meeting was organized by the Faith Coalition for the Common Good to address school funding as outlined in Senate Bill 1 (SB1).

ZAP! THAT’LL BE NINE GRAND, PLEASE
Richard Haley, who has epilepsy and was tased in the Sangamon County jail while suffering a seizure, has settled his federal lawsuit against the county for $9,000. Haley had asked for more than a quarter-million dollars, claiming that he was tased in the midst of a seizure while unable to understand guards (“County defends tasing epileptics,” Feb.

Officer explains fight that cost him job
Terminated by the city on May 9, Samuel Rosario faces charges of official misconduct and battery in connection with the beating of Robert Humes, whom the former officer challenged to a fight while responding to a call at Humes’ east side home.

Dying for better health care
On July 18 grassroots group Organizing for Action (OFA) staged a demonstration in front of the Illinois Policy Institute office on Second Street.

Time expired?
The truth lies somewhere in between. Yes, there may be parking nearby, but where, exactly? Once you find a space, can you also find change for the meter? If you don’t have change, will you get a ticket? If you do have change, how long will you be away from your car, or should you just stuff in extra quarters to be on the safe side?.

Miso is more than soup
I first encountered miso nearly four decades ago at a hole-in-the wall sushi restaurant in Chicago. It came in the form of a complimentary bowl of miso soup that preceded my sushi selections.

Impressive Dunkirk hampered by gimmick
The three-pronged attack to provide audiences with a look at these events from the shore, the sea and the air all have a different feel to them, coupled with varying perspectives of time.

Ecstatic and blue
Since launching in the autumn of 2013, DEMO Project – the alternative art gallery located on the campus of the Springfield Art Association – has steadily developed a reputation regionally and nationally as a unique space for contemporary work,...

Explosive scenario
On Friday, singing sensation and Springfield-area native Kelsey Hickman returns to central Illinois as a special guest at the Granger Smith concert during the Menard County Fair. Folks around here will remember her as a teenage singer tearing it up with Still Kickin’ and other local groups.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | The Brotherhood
Although The Brotherhood originally started out as the same blues band under various names, members eventually evolved into their current group, playing music that covers many genres, all reflecting the varied tastes and influences of its members.

PUB CRAWL
Kryosis, Eyes From Above, Robot Army.

THE CALENDAR
Jul 22, 9am-1pm Sat. Featuring 20+ artisans on the third Saturday of each month. Pleasant Plains Market Days, 408 E. State Highway 125, Pleasant Plains, 415-0731. River Country Quilt Show.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS | Summer’s sweetest festival
Sink your teeth into a delicious cob of sweet corn this weekend at the 44 th annual Chatham Jaycees Sweet Corn Festival, a two-day celebration of food, family fun, athletic tournaments and live music. The festivities officially begin Friday at 5 p.m.

THEATER | Shaking up the social order
Don’t miss Theatre in the Park’s dazzling presentation of High School Musical,.