The Latest
REVIEW: ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ and Robin Wall Kimmerer ethos of reciprocity is a philosophy for today
What if we lived like the corn, beans and squash — each filling a role that supports others, while also receiving what we need? Danny Trip centers on this concept in their review of “Braiding Sweetgrass,” a “book of indigenous wisdom” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
December 26 in History: Columbus goes off course, Lincoln orders America’s largest mass execution, Karenga founds Kwanzaa, more
Inspired by the Watts Rebellion, Maulana Karenga founds Kwanzaa. Abraham Lincoln orders the largest mass execution in American history. The Indian Ocean tsunami kills 250,000. And Simone Biles’ place as the most decorated gymnast in history is solidified with her third Athlete of the Year award. It’s This Day in History for December 26.
Coming Up in Illinois
The Fire Service • Carbondale IL Dec 28, 10:30 am. All generations are welcome for this “Burning Bowl” service, to welcome the new yea. "We’ll burn our outdated habits and thoughts and enter into a new year full of promise."
- Lighting of the Kinara • Flossmoor Park IL Dec 28, 5:00 pm.
Come out to celebrate the start of Kwanzaa with the lighting of the Kinara, seven candles symbolizing the seven principles of Kwanzaa, with Saint Veronica Parrish. Today's principle: collective work and responsibility.
- Lighting of the Kinara • Flossmoor Park IL Dec 29, 5:00 pm.
Come out to celebrate the start of Kwanzaa with the lighting of the Kinara, seven candles symbolizing the seven principles of Kwanzaa, with Saint Veronica Parrish. Today's principle: cooperative economics.
Coming Up in Iowa
- CR Pride Holiday Potluck Party • Cedar Rapids IA Dec 28, 6:00 pm.
CR Pride joins with Basix, Cedar Rapids' only LGBTQ+ club, for an evening of food and companionship. CR Pride will provide a loaded baked potato bar and ham. attendeees are encouraged to bring sides and desserts; sign up here. Open Mic Night also featured.
- Safe and Sober New Year's Eve and Games at MCCQC • Davenport IA Dec 31, 6:00 pm.
Enjoy cards, board games and music -- plus, a toast to 2026 with sparkling juice, at this family-friendly event. If you are able, please bring an appetizer, snack or sweet treat to share. FMI: 563-324-8281.
- First Friday Flick • Waterloo IA Jan 2, 10:00 am.
Take in the Waterloo Public Library's monthly free movie, including free popcorn and soda.
More of The Latest
December 25 in History: First Black published poet, “White Christmas” debuts, NAACP pioneers killed, James Webb telescope launched, more
Jupiter Hammon becomes the first published Black poet. Confederates receive a pardon. Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette Moore, lose their lives for Black civil rights and the NAACP. Bing Crosby debuts “White Christmas.” And the James Webb Space Telescope takes off, transforming space research. It’s This Day in History for December 25.
December 24 in history: “Silent Night” is born, first hospital for Blacks, ObamaCare passes Senate, Santa Claus by tracker and Picasso, more
“Silent Night” is composed and performed for the first time ever. Santa is tracked for the first time — and also drawn by Pablo Picasso, using crayons. ObamaCare passes the U.S. Senate. And the Ku Klux Klan comes into existence. It’s This Day in History for December 24.
