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Local
2 months ago
Springfield celebrates Juneteenth with week of events honoring freedom, culture and community

The city’s annual Juneteenth Celebration, now in its 32nd year, features activities throughout the week leading up to June 19, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

2026 Juneteenth Parade
Local
2 months ago
Springfield Juneteenth Unity Parade draws crowds along MLK Drive

The Unity Parade traveled through Springfield’s east side before ending at Comer Cox Park, where a weekend music festival and community celebration continued throughout the day.

Fencing surrounds what's left of Illinois State Fairgrounds Building 29, which is in the process of being demolished.
Local
2 months ago
Building on Illinois State Fairgrounds is being demolished

“Building 29 started as a dormitory and ended as a document storage facility.”

ALPLM
Local
2 months ago
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Hulu series host to speak at Juneteenth event in Springfield

The event is titled “Free-ish: Juneteenth and the Long Legacy of 1619—a conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones.”

Front of Shea's shop along Route 66, blue trim, large windows with decals; two men approach the entrance.
Local
2 months ago
4 generations later, Bill Shea’s legacy lives on at Shea’s Gas Station Museum

A state grant helped provide some sprucing up and a wayside information board for current curator Randy Pickett, who bought Shea’s Gas Station Museum in 2017.

Older man with glasses and a white beard stands inside a rustic eatery, hand on chest, with a weathered red sign behind him and outdoor picnic tables visible outside.
Local
2 months ago
Tom Irwin’s latest song is about the Mother Road

“Route 66 Runs Right through It All.”

Hot-air balloons fly in Central Illinois.
Local
2 months ago
Balloon portion of Balloons Over 66 to return after brief cancellation

Balloons Over 66 announced Tuesday it would discontinue the portion due to a lack of “consistent support” and “financial backing” needed to fly the balloons.

Route 66 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds
Local
2 months ago
It’s time to run Route 66

Tourism Chief, Scott Dahl, guest runner for the 5k, Dean Karnazes, and a part of the festivities, Alex Klymco all “ran” to the WTAX Morning Newswatch to tell Will Stevenson all about the fun!

This trolley is used to provide tours of historic sites in Springfield that's part of the "History Comes Alive" program.
Local
2 months 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
2 months 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.