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This trolley is used to provide tours of historic sites in Springfield that's part of the "History Comes Alive" program.
Local
4 weeks ago
‘History Comes Alive’ returns to Springfield for 17th season

One of Springfield’s signature summer programs is back for its 17th year, bringing the city’s rich history to life through interactive tours, performances and educational experiences.

Pope Leo XIV speaks to Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican. Frerichs returned $8.65 of the Pope’s own money from the state’s unclaimed property system. (Photo courtesy of Treasurer Mike Frerichs’ Twitter account)
Local
4 weeks ago
Illinois treasurer’s gift to Pope Leo? $8.65 of pontiff’s own money

Robert Prevost had money in unclaimed property from closed PayPal account.

Framed parchment with dense handwritten text displayed on a wall/gallery setting.
Local
4 weeks ago
New exhibit examines post-Civil War America

“The Second American Revolution” is at the ALPLM Friday through Jan. 17.

The Obama Presidential Center is seen Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
IL State News
4 weeks ago
Inside Obama’s presidential museum opening this month: The cost, the books and a beehive

A look at the numbers behind the former President Barack Obama’s presidential museum.

Statues of former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Thursday, May 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
IL State News
4 weeks ago
With Oval Office replica and skyline views of Chicago, Obama’s new museum is political and personal

Here’s a closer look at the top attractions of the campus that is expected to draw as many as 1 million visitors annually.

The St. Patrick's Day parade in Springfield gives a check for $10,000 in proceeds to the Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation, who is in turn giving the money to the new "My Heart's Downtown" initiative.
Local
4 weeks ago
From shamrocks to hearts: Where proceeds from the St. Patrick’s Day parade are going this year

“My Heart’s Downtown” says their efforts are already working.

Illinois State Museum
Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide
1 month ago
Route 66 exhibit opens at Illinois State Museum

Museum officials said the collection includes a variety of Route 66 memorabilia, such as vintage souvenirs, neon signs, fiberglass advertising figures and Burma-Shave signs.

The make and series are displayed on the side of a 1956 International Harvester S-130 pickup truck in Mason, Ill., Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Holly Meyer)
History
1 month ago
In farm country, an old American pickup truck becomes more than a workhorse

Pickups were made for work. Until the first purpose-built ones rolled off American assembly lines in the early 20th century, people DIY-ed their own.

Chicago, IL, April 11, 2026, Barack Obama Presidential Center Tower with a blue sky background, Presidential Library, former President of the United States with words and letters on the exterior
IL State News
1 month ago
In a city with an iconic skyline, the Obama presidential museum aims to reshape Chicago architecture

Residents have compared it to a grain elevator, ship from “Star Wars” and a mausoleum.

Maid Rite has long been a staple along historic Route 66 in Springfield.
Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide
1 month ago
Long before McDonald’s, Maid Rite pioneered the American drive-thru

“The original way — mustard, chopped onion, chopped pickles, scoop of ground beef … 1-2-3-4 this is what the Maid-Rite is. You made that in all of 15 seconds — I do 15 in a minute,” said Owner Sam Quasi.