Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by David Belcher
Bringing Attention to Art From the Middle East
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Bringing Attention to Art From the Middle East A Saudi gallery will be making its Frieze London debut, showcasing two artists from the region. Part of the “Will of Nation” series by the Egyptian artist Ahmed Nawar.Credit...via Hafez Gallery Oct.
Wood Carvers Preserve Signs of a City’s Heritage
A Man Paid Extra for a Window Seat. Someone Was Already Sitting There - Then the Wife Rejected the Flight Attendant’s Solution for a Reason He Didn’t Expect Imagine getting to the window seat you paid extra for on a packed flight and discovering that somebody is already sitting there. You check your …
Wood Carvers Preserve Signs of a City’s Heritage
Wood Carvers Preserve Signs of a City’s Heritage Artisans in George Town, Malaysia, are restoring some of the Chinese business plaques in the city’s historic center. The entrance to a traditional Chinese townhouse in George Town bears the family name on its wooden sign. Photographs by David Terrazas Reporting from George Town, Malaysia Sept.
Liberty Road Reunion set for Sept. 19
Liberty Road residents will gather Sept. 19 for lunch, ice cream and shared memories, revisiting the neighborhood’s history of schools, churches and neighbors helping neighbors. MOUNT VERNON — Reliving memories and making new ones will be featured during the Liberty Road Neighborhood Get-Together and Reunion on Sept. 19. The celebration of the Liberty Road neighborhood located east of Mount Vernon will begin at noon with lunch at Bonnie Cafe at the Mount Vernon Airport.
The Suddenly Popular Opera Ignored for Nearly 200 Years
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. The Suddenly Popular Opera Ignored for Nearly 200 Years “Alcina” is long, hard to sing — and irresistible to opera houses and singers alike. Lisette Oropesa performs as Alcina in Richard Jones’s production of Handel’s “Alcina” at the Royal Opera in London.Credit...Marc Brenner Sept.
How Dansaekhwa Has Inspired and Shaped Frieze Seoul
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. The 1991 painting “Recurrence SNM93016” by the South Korean artist Kim Tschang-Yeul hangs in the office of HyungTeh Do, owner of Gallery Hyundai. The nearly 45-square-foot image of a simple water drop against a massive rust-colored background speaks volumes, Do said.
MV football team to tackle cancer at Sept. 18 Pinkout Game
MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon Township High School will host Marion in a South Seven Conference football battle on Sept. 18 at Ken Hunt Stadium. However, the Rams will be tackling another opponent — cancer. The MVTHS football team and Future Business Leaders of America chapter are teaming up to hold the Pinkout Game to Tackle Cancer. “Every year, FBLA raises approximately $5,000 to aid in finding a cure for breast cancer,” according to MVTHS FBLA Advisor Julie Hayes.
Remembering a Champion of Independent Filmmaking
Remembering a Champion of Independent Filmmaking Moritz de Hadeln’s legacy is one of bringing film to the masses and celebrating the power of cinema. Moritz de Hadeln ran several film festivals during his career including Venice in 2002 and 2003 and Berlin for more than 20 years.Credit...Rabau/ullstein bild via Getty Images Aug.
'Special Needs Superheroes' set for Oct. 3
MOUNT VERNON — Superman, Spiderman, Incredible Hulk, Thor, Wonder Woman and Iron Man are all scheduled to converge on Mount Vernon. They are just some of the superheroes planning to visit their friends during “Special Needs Superheroes” from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Mount Vernon Baptist Temple, 817 Woodland Drive, Mount Vernon. The event will be free to children and adults with special needs, along with their families and caregivers.
The idea of jewelry being for everyone has played a big role in Pattaraphan Salirathavibhaga’s design career. After all, said Ms. Salirathavibhaga, 31, who goes by the nickname Nok, wearing jewelry has been part of human existence for centuries. Yet as much as she has devoted herself to this concept of inclusivity, she nearly didn’t become a jewelry designer. It all began when she was a student at the Pratt Institute in New York City.
First UMC of Mt. Vernon book sale set for Aug. 27 to 30
MOUNT VERNON — “We like books," Julie Heller-Hoffman said. “We had a lot of books that we had to get rid of,” she added. It turns out her family was not the only family that liked books and needed to get rid of excessive books. One thing led to another and the First United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon Summer Book Sale was born. The congregation’s 6th Annual Summer Book Sale is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 27, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug 28, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug.
This Opera Singer Is Living With Monks for His Latest Role
This Opera Singer Is Living With Monks for His Latest Role Philippe Sly felt he needed an immersion course to portray St. Francis in the new Salzburg Festival production of “St. François d’Assise.” For Philippe Sly, who is making his role debut as St. Francis, immersing himself in the teachings of the saint was crucial.Credit...Monika Rittershaus/Salzburg Festival Aug.
MVTHS Marching Band to perform music of Bruno Mars
MOUNT VERNON — Good news for Bruno Mars fans. The Grammy-award winner’s music, featuring a blend of pop, funk, R&B and soul, will be featured during the Mount Vernon Township High School Marching Band’s halftime show this marching season. “I am excited because I have wanted to do Bruno Mars music almost since my time here at MVTHS, so I think everybody is going to have a lot of fun with our show this year,” according to MVTHS Band Director David Mateyka.
Logan Street Baptist hosts Mount Vernon Prays
MOUNT VERNON — Logan Street Baptist Church is adding prayer to area students and educators back to school shopping list. The Mount Vernon church will host Mount Vernon Prays at 6 p.m. Sunday at the congregation worship center. This is scheduled to be “a night of prayer for our city and our schools,” according to a church statement. “We’re hosting Mount Vernon Prays to unite our city in prayer as we head into a new school year,” according to the Rev.
Stanley Ray notches second No. 1 internet radio debut
MOUNT VERNON — For most artists, having one song debut at the top of the charts would be a dream come true. It has happened to Stanley Ray twice. The Mount Vernon man’s fifth studio album “Revelation” was released on Dec. 9, 2025. The album’s first and lead single “SongBite” debuted at No. 1 on internet radio station Ouro Verde FM in Brazil on June 10.
MV FFA captures 3rd place in state
SPRINGFIELD – Mount Vernon FFA Chapter took third place in the state at the recent 98th annual Illinois State FFA Convention in Springfield. There are 403 Illinois FFA chapters, which places Mount Vernon in the top 1 percent of Land of Lincoln FFA chapters. As always Mount Vernon FFA students came home from convention with a collection of awards to add to the school's already colossal compilation of honors won over the decades.
MVTHS Foundation holds golf scramble, awards teacher grants
MOUNT VERNON — Golfing for Rams could have been the theme of the recent Mount Vernon Township High School Foundation’s 21st Annual Golf Scramble at Green Hills Golf Club. There were 30 teams participating — enjoying the outdoors, food and drinks all under beautiful weather.
His Jewelry Ranges From the Look of Coral to Dragonflies
Now Designers are again showcasing the colorful gems, most of which are mined Down Under. Opal, once a favorite of Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelers for its bright flashes of color, has been experiencing another burst of interest from designers and jewelry fans alike. Chaumet, Dior and Tiffany & Company …
His Jewelry Ranges From the Look of Coral to Dragonflies
His Jewelry Ranges From the Look of Coral to Dragonflies Jonathan Yun has drawn inspiration from his years of scuba diving and Peranakan Chinese heritage. Jonathan Yun has operated his own jewelry brand in the Penang district of Malaysia since 2002.
Luna Landesman rules in AR reading
Calling Luna Landesman an avid reader does not do her justice. The Mount Vernon Primary Center third-grade student earned 500 Accelerated Reader (AR) points during the 2025-26 school year. This is the most AR points in school history, according to Primary Center third-grade teacher Katie Baumhoegger. To put this remarkable reading achievement in perspective Baumhoegger said a student accumulating 100 AR points in a school year “is amazing.” “Most kids get 40 points a year,” she added.
Jefferson County HCE to celebrate U.S.A.'s 250th birthday
MOUNT VERNON — Jefferson County Home and Community Education will have a semi-annual meeting/250th U.S.A. birthday celebration at 5 p.m. June 23 at Mount Vernon Baptist Temple, 817 Woodland Drive. Sara Lee will speak on “The National Daughters of the American Revolution.” Paula Hatfield will give a presentation on “The History of the Feed Sack.” In addition to a meal, plans call for a silent auction, patriotic decorations and “lots of fun,” according to a HCE statement.
It is transition season for area graduates
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — This is a season of transition for graduating students as they prepare to enter the next chapter of their lives. Two area principals offered advice to graduating high school students as they begin to make their way into the world. “Stay true to who you are, never forget where you came from, and remember that we are proud of each and every one of you, no matter where life leads,” said Webber High School Principal Jenny Allen.
MV FFA Ag Issues Team prepares for state contest
MOUNT VERNON — Community members can help the Mount Vernon FFA Ag Issues Team prepare for the Illinois FFA State Contest. The team will have a practice session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Mount Vernon Township High School ag room. Community members are invited to hear team members practice a presentation on the 2026 Farm Bill and provide feedback as the young people prepare to compete in Springfield on June 8.
MVTHS CTE students are among the best in state
MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon Township High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) students proved they are among the best in the state by their performance in recent state competition. Logan Schwaner placed second in the state in sheet metal competition. This is his second year of competing in state in sheet metal. Last year he took third-place before advancing to this year’s runner-up spot.
In the Opera World, a Loss of More Than Just a Role Original
In the Opera World, a Loss of More Than Just a Role The coloratura soprano Rainelle Krause, who died in March, was one of the most sought after performers of Queen of the Night in ‘The Magic Flute.’ Rainelle Krause, shown in a production in Montpellier, France, was renowned for her performance as Queen of the Night in “The Magic Flute” and had contracts to perform around the world, but died suddenly at 38 in March.Credit...Marc Ginot Even by operatic standards, the role of the Queen of the...
Ritchie shares message of hope with community
Daniel Ritchie was born without arms. However, as the Rev. Bob Burton, associational mission strategist, Salem South Baptist Association, put it, “he has never let that stop him from finding purpose in life. He travels across the country, speaking a message of hope at schools and churches. He really encourages students with the way he comes and shares his message” Ritchie came to the area recently to deliver his message of hope at schools and churches.
Beyond Resilience: Park Daesung Is Suddenly Everywhere
GYEONGJU, South Korea -- At nearly 81, artist Park Daesung, considered by many to be the keeper of traditional hangukhwa painting, is having a bit of a celebrity moment. His large-scale ink landscape paintings of an almost mythical version of his country are part of recent, current and upcoming exhibitions, and he will be sponsored by Gana Art in Seoul at this year's TEFAF New York.
Beyond Resilience: Park Daesung Is Suddenly Everywhere
Beyond Resilience: Park Daesung Is Suddenly Everywhere The Korean artist is nearly 81, but his works have been featured in shows in Chicago, London, Washington and Los Angeles. Now they are also headed to TEFAF New York. Park Daesung at his studio in Gyeongju, South Korea.
MVTHS FFA students earn State FFA Degree status
MOUNT VERNON — Seven Mount Vernon FFA students can truthfully say they are among the best of the best FFA students in Illinois. Madalynn Adams, Tyler Curry, Brody Elliott, Shaylen Rowland, Hannah Stuehlmeyer, Ava Tolley and Elizabeth Zirkelbach have been recommended for the State FFA Degree, the highest honor a student can receive in Illinois FFA. They are scheduled to receive this honor at the Illinois FFA State Convention in June.
Daniel Ritchie to share message of encouragement
MOUNT VERNON — Daniel Ritchie opens doors, writes his name, drives a car and eats meals. He does all the above with his feet. “I was born without arms,” he said. Do not expect to find him indulging in self-pity. As he puts it, “God is glorified in my difference and has given me a thriving life.” What a thriving life it is.
Mount Vernon FFA members collect awards
MOUNT VERNON — Mount Vernon FFA members have stayed busy collecting awards. In looking at keys to success, Cherie Rogier, Mount Vernon Township High School agriculture instructor and co-FFA advisor, cited, “students willing to invest in what we ask of them, supportive parents and administration, encouragement from ag teachers, and the chance to do something to improve their lives down the road, either directly or indirectly.” Four FFA Rams were honored at the 2026 Illinois FFA State Awards Day.
An Installation in Nature has Climate Lessons for Humans
For the artist Antti Laitinen, his childhood playground among the trees and streams of central Finland has become an experiment in how the world can survive. He only has to look at the lichen sprinkled around the region's landscape. kAm*6D[ E92E 4@=@C7F= DJ>3:@E:4 >:D9>2D9 @7 7F?8FD 2?5 2=826 >2J @776C 9@A6 7@C @FC 7FEFC6] xE :D 2=>@DE =:<6 2 82F86 7@C 2== E92E DFCC@F?5D {2:E:?6? :? E96 C68:@? @7 ~F=F[ u:?=2?5[ H96C6 9:D >@DE C646?E H@C<D 2C6 A2CE @7 Qr=:>2E6 r=@4<[Q 2 DAC2H=:?8 :?DE2==2E:@?
MVTHS Car Show set for May 9
MOUNT VERNON — A battle for car supremacy will be held at the Mount Vernon Township High School Car Show May 9 at the Changnon Gymnasium parking lot. Parking begins at 9 a.m. with registration from 9 to 10:30 and judging starting at 10:30. The show is a fundraiser for the school auto shop and communication arts departments with all proceeds going to those departments. This will be the place to be for car enthusiasts.
An Installation in Nature has Climate Lessons for Humans
For the artist Antti Laitinen, his childhood playground among the trees and streams of central Finland has become an experiment in how the world can survive. He only has to look at the lichen sprinkled around the region’s landscape. Yes, that colorful symbiotic mishmash of fungus and algae may offer hope for our future.
Abby Newell named HCE state top volunteer
MOUNT VERNON — Jefferson County Home and Community Education was awarded third-place for 2025 at the Illinois Association for Home and Community Education affiliate of Associated Country Women of the World State Conference. “Their state volunteer hours totaled 356,360 hours. This is valued at an hourly rate of $34.79 which totals $12,397,764,” according to a Jefferson County HCE statement.
Popcorn Pete plans 60th Birthday Bash
MOUNT VERNON — Popcorn Pete is celebrating his 60th birthday with a birthday bash. And everybody is invited. The 60th Annual Popcorn Pete Children’s Variety Show — “Popcorn Pete’s Colorful 60th Birthday Bash” — is set for 7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Mount Vernon Township High School Theater. Popcorn Pete has traditionally followed the same format over the decades.
With These Watches, It’s Not Just What’s on the Inside That Counts
Skeleton watches seemed to take center stage at this year’s Watches and Wonders, with no fewer than three brands unveiling new models, along with a few twists and turns. These new models aren’t just about displaying their inner workings — the show-and-tell approach — but about finding a more specific role for various parts of the watch, thus signaling a shift in the flashy skeleton watch sector.
Wolff wins Southern Illinois Classic Spelling Bee championship
INA — Zachary Wolff is not just a spelling champion. He is the Southern Illinois spelling champion. The New Horizon Christian School in Centralia seventh-grade student won the recent first Area VI Southern Illinois Classic Spelling Bee at Rend Lake College. Myla Hearle, a Cisne Middle School eighth-grade student, earned the bee’s runner-up position. To be permitted to participate was a big honor.
Mt. Vernon FFA sets Greenhouse Plant Sale
MOUNT VERNON — RAM Planters are another way Mount Vernon Township High School fans can express their devotion to the school. RAM Planters are a color-themed planter with black and orange petunias, some white euphorbia, and a dracaena spike in the center. RAM Planters will be just one of the plant selections during the Mount Vernon FFA Greenhouse Plant Sale set for the next three Saturdays at the MVTHS John T.
In Search of Paradise in Malaysia
Style|In Search of Paradise in Malaysia https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/30/style/borneo-paradise-malaysia.html You have been granted access, use your keyboard to continue reading.
In Search of Paradise in Malaysia
EX-HEAD HUNTERS WORK IN OIL FIELD; Borneo Labor Shortage Leads to Recruiting of Primitive Dayaks for Unskilled Jobs SERIA, Brunei State Borneo, March 27-The primitive Dayaks from the remote jungle villages of Sarawak are getting intensive contact with machine-age life as workers in the big Seria oilfield here. More than seven hundred representatives of the tribesmen who once were the most feared headhunters of …
On this island of sun seekers who rarely venture out from the bevy of resorts and foot massage parlors, the Thailand Biennale, through April 30, celebrates another side of Phuket: a rich history of the crafts that defined this destination before mass tourism set in. The fourth installment of the biennale, which has been held in a different region of Thailand since 2018, presents a collection of artists from Phuket, other parts of Thailand and around the world.
There’s More to Phuket Than Mass Tourism at the Thailand Biennale
Iran and the US harden their positions as Tehran tightens its grip on the Strait of Hormuz DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse Thursday, with each side hardening its position over talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war. Thousands more U.S. troops neared the region, while Tehran tightened its …
The Gardens of His Childhood Now Show Up in His Designs
You have been granted access, use your keyboard to continue reading. The Thai jewelry designer Sarran Youkongdee creates pieces for the body inspired by the flowers his grandmother grew.
Remembering Marilyn Monroe, Draped in Diamonds and Coveting More Original
You have been granted access, use your keyboard to continue reading. Events marking the birth centennial of the person who became Marilyn Monroe will feature jewelry — though she was rarely associated with expensive pieces offscreen.
Andrew Hoffman is Jefferson County spelling king
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above. Username Password Lost your password? Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link. Email ← Back MOUNT VERNON — Andrew Hoffman correctly spelled “prestigious” to win the prestigious Jefferson County Spelling Bee recently at the Rolland Lewis Building. It was all in the family and all for Rome Grade School at the spelling bee.
Hats Have Hidden Talents as Great Gifts
1 day ago From Wuthering Heights romance to Old Hollywood inspiration, meet the talents behind the looks. In a post-Barbenheimer world, method dressing has never been more omnipresent. Whether it’s the ethereal romance of Wuthering Heights or the Gen Z microtrend mania surrounding Marty Supreme and The Moment, …
Hats Have Hidden Talents as Great Gifts
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Some are one-size-fits-all and some can be worn year-round. What’s not to like? Listen to this article · 4:37 min Learn more In the film “Sinners,” Michael B. Jordan wears both a fedora and a flat cap in his performance as twins.Credit...Warner Bros. Feb. 13, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET Michael B.
Keeping Time With ‘Marty Supreme’
1 hour ago The Projectionist Packed with A-list stars and acclaimed veterans, this year’s best actor field is the strongest that Oscar voters have assembled in quite some time. But which man will prevail? With a month and a half to go until the winner is picked, here is each nominee’s potential path to victory. …
An Elgin Watch Kept Time for ‘Marty Supreme’
SKIP ADVERTISEMENT You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. About an hour and 50 minutes into “Marty Supreme,” the fever-pitch movie about a table tennis player’s dramatic life, the title character checks his wristwatch with all the urgency of an action hero intent on saving the world. Marty Mauser, loosely based on the real-life Ping-Pong demigod Marty Reisman, is up against the wall.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with David
Contact David, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack