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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
5 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
5 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
5 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
5 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
5 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.

Framed parchment with dense handwritten text displayed on a wall/gallery setting.
Local
5 months 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
5 months 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
5 months 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
5 months 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
6 months 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.

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