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

Thanksgivings past in Illinois
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.

Many implications for Madigan
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.

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

U.S. Supreme Court won’t review Illinois ‘felony murder’ law
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..

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
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.

AND ANOTHER ONE GONE
Kate Schott, State Journal-Register editorial page editor turned interim editor after her predecessor was walked out of the building and a successor had second thoughts about accepting the job, has left the newspaper.

Remembering AIDS victims
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.

Holiday events calendar
Old State Capitol Holiday Music Performance.

A gift guide for book lovers
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.

Gifts for kids to make
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.

It’s pecan season
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.

Hanks shines as Rogers in Neighborhood
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.

Sharp Knives a witty send-up
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.

Thanks for giving
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.

LIVE MUSIC
Eric Brackett and the Cocktails.

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

Holiday gift ideas for furry friends
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.

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

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Holiday shop and save
After a five-year hiatus, Design Ideas is bringing back its holiday store to Springfield. All the merchandise is sold at a loss and Design Ideas covers the overhead to operate the store so that all proceeds can be donated to local charities.

MUSIC | Awet Andemicael
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.

HISTORY | Central Illinois during the 11th through 14th centuries
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.