Lifestyle
8 hours ago in Lifestyle
Nod if you’ve heard this: Bobblehead dolls are an American favorite
Any head can bobble - entertainers, athletes, politicians, animals, fictional characters, even your own if you get one personalized. Kitschy, kind of funny, kind of clever, ubiquitous as giveaways at places like baseball games, who doesn't love a bobblehead? America most definitely does.
2 weeks ago in Lifestyle, Trending
How to reset your child’s sleep schedule for back-to-school season
After a summer of vacations and late nights, it's time to set those back-to-school alarms. A good night's sleep helps students stay focused and attentive in class. Experts say it's worth easing kids back into a routine with the start of a new school year.
2 weeks ago in Lifestyle
3-year college degrees grow more popular in the US, saving time and cash. But critics aren’t sold
Condensed college programs have exploded in popularity. As of this spring, 26 U.S. states have a college that offers at least one reduced-credit, three-year bachelor's, according to the nonprofit research group RAND. Advocates say these programs are a solution to the college affordability crisis and a godsend for non-traditional students.
2 weeks ago in Lifestyle
Fall books: Fiction takes the spotlight in bookstores during the midterm season
Midterm election news will fill the headlines this fall, but, among book buyers, fiction will likely have top billing.
3 weeks ago in Lifestyle
The best fabric for extreme heat? It’s more complicated than you think
When it's really hot out, getting dressed seems pretty simple: Wear something light, loose and made for summer. But textile researchers say it's actually a little more complicated than that.
3 weeks ago in Lifestyle, Trending
Winning ticket for $1 billion Powerball jackpot was sold in Illinois
A Powerball ticket sold at a gas station in western Illinois was the sole winner of the $1 billion jackpot, ending a three-month drought without a top-prize victor.
3 weeks ago in Lifestyle
3 big questions to ask your aging parents
One of the toughest things to go through as an adult is helping your parents as they get older. Life is finite, and both you and your parents might be reluctant to talk about what type of support they might need. But as difficult as these conversations can be, it's important to make time for them.
3 weeks ago in Lifestyle
Heading off to college? Here are some tips for managing your finances
Heading off to college is exciting, but it also involves new adult responsibilities. That makes it a great time to start getting comfortable with credit, building healthy spending habits and learning how to manage money.
Entertainment
15 hours ago in Entertainment
Fall movie season has arrived. Here are 5 early Oscar predictions
It might be only just September, but the jockeying for next March's Academy Awards is well underway. Movies first started revving up their Oscar campaigns at the Cannes Film Festival in May. But now that the fall festivals, in Venice, Telluride and soon Toronto, are in full swing, so is the prognosticating about what's in the mix for awards.
15 hours ago in Entertainment
Psychedelic ‘Furthur’ bus rolls back into San Francisco for new Grateful Dead exhibit
Ken Kesey's school bus — once painted in bright, swirly colors and driven across the country on a psychedelic journey — is back in San Francisco after 60 years as the centerpiece of a new exhibition celebrating the legacy of the Grateful Dead, a band that rose from the city's famed hippie movement.
2 days ago in Entertainment
Dollywood theme park will add new features, including a waterfall, to honor Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton's theme park in east Tennessee will unveil new features for fans to honor the life of the "dreamer-in-chief," Dolly Parton, who died at the age of 80.
2 days ago in Entertainment
Meet the 2026 ‘Dancing With the Stars’ cast
The newest cast competing for the Mirrorball Trophy on "Dancing With the Stars" was unveiled Wednesday, featuring the usual complement of entertainers, reality stars and athletes ranging from gold medalists to a Savannah Bananas player.
3 days ago in Entertainment
Ariana Grande steps out of the spotlight with gratitude at tour closing
Ariana Grande's final words, before she stepped offstage and out of the spotlight, were for her fans. Addressing the crowd during her last concert in London Tuesday before she takes a break from the public eye, the singer was full of emotion and gratitude.
Local News from Capitol City Now
6 hours ago in Lifestyle, Local
A Cardboard Boat Regatta Sunday benefits the local Special Olympics Illinois region
Get your crafty minds ready and let's build a boat!
6 hours ago in Business, Local
Central Illinois Customer Service Association has a guest speaker coming in October
"Purpose and Compassion at Work"
10 hours ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Music
‘STOMP’ coming to UIS PAC to kick off 2027
"STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments."
11 hours ago in Business, Food Scene, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National
Travelers flocked to the ‘Middle of Everything’ last year, generating over $88 billion in economic impact
The state welcomed 115 million visitors who spent over $50 billion.
11 hours ago in History, IL State News, Local
Illinois Capitol renovations ‘a few months behind,’ set to wrap up this winter
Architect of the Capitol Andrea Aggertt says the project will be within the $350M budget.
13 hours ago in Local
Much work to do on police / community relations, says Springfield Black Lives Matter leader
Sunshine Clemons: SPD "transparency portal" must be improved.
Rewind Spotlight
Rock and Run For Mental Health
The Rock and Run For Mental Health is coming up Sunday, September 13th at Rochester Community Park. Central Illinois 501c3…
SOB FEZtival
The Springfield Oyster and Beer FEZtival is coming up Saturday, September 5th at Ansar Shrine- 630 S. 6th Street- Springfield,…
Springfield Mile
The 2026 Springfield Mile is coming up Labor Day weekend from September 5th-6th at the IL State Fairgrounds – 801…
Heartland Heating and Cooling A/C Giveaway
Do you know a family or someone in need of a brand new A.C. unit? Nominate them below for a…
Hot weather cooling centers
Springfield Cooling Centers Municipal Center East Address: 800 E. Monroe Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Municipal Center West…
Donations Needed at Central Illinois Food Bank
Can you help? Central Illinois Food Bank on E. Cook Street is in need of, well, food. YOU can be…
Trending
15 hours ago in Sports, Trending
Louisiana judge rules against NCAA, clearing path for former NFL players to join LSU roster
SU coach Lane Kiffin's chances of fielding former NFL players improved Thursday night when a Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA in a high-profile eligibility case.
2 days ago in National, Trending
Gloria Steinem, a potent voice of US feminism and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, dies at 92
Gloria Steinem, the celebrated author and activist who became one of the most visible symbols and potent voices of the U.S. women's movement and a fierce advocate for feminist causes for over six decades, has died. She was 92.