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Arts & Culture

weareteachers.com

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How One Teacher Turned Everyday Art Supplies From School Smart Into Powerful Learning Tools

Teachers are always looking for new ways to help students demonstrate what they know. For Crystal Oswald, a reading specialist in Illinois with more than 20 years of experience, creative materials like paint, chalk, glitter, and modeling clay have become powerful instructional tools that support literacy, engagement, and student choice. We asked Crystal how she used art supplies from School Smart—School Specialty’s own line of quality, affordable classroom supplies—with her students and why she plans to keep them within easy reach all year long.

Illinois · 21d
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takemetotn.com

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13 Fascinating Illinois Civil War Sites Many Travelers Drive Right Past

You do not need a battlefield to uncover Illinois’ deep connections to the Civil War. Across the state, historic homes, monuments, cemeteries, museums, and former prison camp sites preserve stories of the soldiers, generals, civilians, and prisoners whose lives were shaped by the conflict. Some stand near well-traveled roads...

Illinois · 22d
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The State Journal-Register

partner publisher · 14.3K followers
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Trick or treat times in Springfield and the surrounding areas

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Looking to trick or treat this year in the Springfield area? Or are you looking for a trunk or treat to attend? The SJ-R found the hours for trick or treating in the greater Springfield area, plus trunk or treat events to attend. Here's the list. More: Find spooky fun at these Springfield-area Halloween events Springfield Date: Oct. 31 Time: 4:30-8 p.m. More: Kids pre-K through fifth grade can enjoy trick-or-treating on the Old State Capitol grounds from 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 24. More: The Springfield Police Department is hosting a Halloween safety event (involving treats, game stations and rescue and city vehicles) outside the police department from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Oct. 26. There are free giveaways available on a first come first served basis. Still Waters Counseling is hosting a Trunk or Treat & Community Business Expo at their parking lot from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 30. There will be candy, face painting, local food trucks, music, and games, along with local businesses. Proceeds will benefit the mental health nonprofit, Everyone's Healing. Buffalo Wild Wings at 4420 Wabash Ave. will host a trunk or treat from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 28. There will be pumpkin painting,

Springfield, IL · 23d

My Journal Courier

partner publisher · 8.4K followers
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Photo: Fun never gets old

Prairie Council on Aging's annual Senior Day drew a crowd to Hamilton's.

Jacksonville, IL · 22d

KFVS12

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Ill. students invited to participate in annual statewide art contest

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Heartland News) - Young artists across the Land of Lincoln are invited to participate in the annual student art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. This year’s theme is: “My Community, My Story.”. The deadline...

Illinois · 22d

Q985

partner publisher · 3.8K followers

Two Illinois-Born Country Stars Have a New Song Coming to Netflix

Illinois-born country artists Bailey Zimmerman and Stella Lefty have recorded “My Kinda Love,” a new duet set to be featured in the third season of Netflix's “Nobody Wants This.”

Illinois · 21d

unearththevoyage.com

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This 1950s Drive-In Near Route 66 In Illinois Still Shows Double Features Under The Stars

I almost drove right past it, a plain gravel lot and a tall white screen waiting for the sun to go down. Then the sky turned orange, the popcorn smell drifted through my open window, and a whole crowd of families settled in like they had been doing this for years.

Springfield, IL · 24d

takingthekids.com

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Cheap Tickets, One Screen, And Retro Charm Make This Illinois Drive-In A Rare Find Today

One ticket buys you two movies, and the night kicks off with a vintage cartoon. That alone made me sit up a little straighter. The sound comes through your car radio on 87.9 FM. Old-school metal window speakers still hang on some poles, too. I like how both eras get...

Illinois · 25d

Only In Your State

partner publisher · 18.1K followers

The Illinois Mystery That Still Has No Clear Answer

You've likely heard of the United Kingdom’s Stonehenge, but have you heard of Woodhenge in Illinois? At an ancient Cahokia settlement in Fairmont City, Illinois, visitors see large wooden poles with a history of more than 1,000 years. Often referred to as the "American Stonehenge," travelers have the opportunity to see a reconstruction of these […]

Illinois · 26d

illinoistimes.com

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Boots on the Line attracts dancers of all types

People from all backgrounds, ages and skill levels have found their home with a Sangamon County line dancing community. Boots on the Line is a community of dancers that organizes on a Facebook page and hosts weekly line dancing throughout Sangamon County. The schedule is posted monthly, with different venues open to different age groups. The group is hosted by and supports local businesses, and it regularly offers sessions that are free to attend.

Sangamon County, IL · 23d

everafterinthewoods.com

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This Quirky Illinois Museum Packs A Guillotine, Ouija Boards, And Creepy Clowns Into One Visit

Five dollars once bought a ticket to see a guillotine, a row of Ouija boards, and a shelf of clowns that seem to follow you with their eyes. That bargain sits in a small Illinois river town, inside a museum built for curious minds who like their history a little strange.

Alton, IL · 24d

967 The Eagle

partner publisher · 14.4K followers

Hallmark Is Bringing Christmas Movie Magic to Illinois

Carlinville, Illinois, beat more than 1,000 nominated towns to win a Hallmark Christmas contest and a movie filmed in 2027.

Carlinville, IL · 26d

My Journal Courier

partner publisher · 8.4K followers

Halloween book signing set for supernatural horror novel

Jacksonville-based author B.T. Kirgan will have a book signing Oct. 31 at the Illinois Theater for his supernatural horror novel, “The Demon’s Record Box.”

Jacksonville, IL · 23d

taylorvilledailynews.com

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First Ladies Expert to Speak at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) will host a free program Tuesday, October 27, exploring the evolving role of America’s first ladies and their influence on history, public policy and important causes. Anita McBride, co-author of “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women,” will...

Springfield, IL · 23d

travelmag.com

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This Illinois Historic Site Preserves The Remains Of A Massive Ancient City Built From Earthen Mounds

That one fact changes the whole walk. Centuries ago, a major Indigenous city stood here, and the earthworks still shape this part of Illinois today. What looks peaceful now once belonged to a place full of people and purpose. So do not just glance from the car. Walk between the...

Illinois · 25d

everafterinthewoods.com

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Illinois’ Old Railroad Museum Lets Kids Climb Aboard A Real Caboose For A Few Dollars

Grandpa’s stories about the old train days sound a lot better when your kids can stand inside the very cars he talks about. In one western Illinois town, a small volunteer-run museum sits right beside the active tracks, and families can step aboard a real caboose, a steam locomotive, and an old mail car for about the cost of a fast-food meal.

Galesburg, IL · 25d

Daily Illini

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New exhibit showcases history of Jewish sisterhoods in Illinois

Last updated on Oct. 21, 2026 at 04:21 p.m. The Illinois History and Lincoln Collections’ newest exhibit, Women of Valor: Creating Sisterhoods in Central Illinois, opened Thursday to bring light to the work of societies of Jewish women within their communities in central Illinois since the 1920s. The exhibit...

Decatur, IL · 25d

aroundptown.com

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Along the Rock: Nolan Kemp on Affordability, Utility Bills, Flock Cameras & Campaign Money

This is a sponsored episode of Along the Rock. Paid for by Nolan Kemp for Illinois House. A copy of Nolan Kemp’s report is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website, elections.il.gov, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, IL. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed during this interview belong solely to the candidate and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of Along the Rock, The Radar Free Press LLC, Around Ptown LLC, Stahr Media LLC, or its staff, management, or owners.

Illinois · 23d

everafterinthewoods.com

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A Secret Museum In Illinois That’ll Make You Lose Track Of Time

Fossils, giant animal displays, and a basement full of dinosaur bones for kids to dig through, all for the grand price of zero dollars. That is the surprise waiting for families in central Illinois at a museum many locals still walk right past. It packs millions of years of Illinois...

Illinois · 26d

decorhint.com

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These 10 Stunning Sculpture Gardens In Illinois Turn Art Into An Outdoor Adventure

One Illinois sculpture park sits just an eight-minute walk from a commuter train station. You can hop off a Metra train and stand beside giant outdoor art before your snack is gone. That detail hooked me right away. Then I learned that a park down south shows more than 70...

Illinois · 25d