Aggregator

ALTON — Alton, Illinois, has been named one of the "50 most charming small towns in America" by HGTV, a recognition that celebrates its unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage. The announcement was made as part of a broader initiative by the home improvement network aimed at highlighting small towns across the United States. Located at the confluence of Route 66 and the Great River Road, Alton is known for its striking limestone bluffs and is considered one of the premier locations in the country for viewing bald eagles. HGTV noted several historical highlights of Alton, including its role in American history as the site of the last debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, as well as Lincoln's only duel. The town also played a vital role in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War, contributing to its rich and complex narrative. Alton is the hometown of Robert Wadlow, known as the World's Tallest Man at 8 feet 11.1 inche

Continue Reading

Columnist Bill McClellan writes: Bob McCulloch "was unforgiving of sinners. His bumper sticker read, "Release Fish Not Felons.

With a focus on Britain, Italy and the U.S., Bolts of Color highlights the Saint Louis Art Museum’s recent acquisitions of post-WWII textiles, all made during the height of the […]

The post Bolts of Color: Printed Textiles after WWII appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

The Work of Art: The Federal Art Project, 1935–1943 presents a remarkable group of artworks that reflect the creative efforts of artists working under difficult circumstances. During the Great Depression, […]

The post The Work of Art: The Federal Art Project, 1935–1943 appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

A tour of the outer solar system, from Pluto-Charon to Planet X, plus saber teeth and punky molluscs.

The Magic House is excited to debut Alma’s Way: Welcome to My Neighborhood, an immersive exhibit developed and fabricated by The Magic House in collaboration with PBS KIDS and Fred […]

The post Alma’s Way: Welcome to My Neighborhood appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

While the destructive Los Angeles fires rage, all eyes have turned to the app that lets you track them.

SPRINGFIELD - The public voting period for the Illinois state flag redesign contest has kicked off and will run through Feb. 14, 2025. Illinoisans can choose to vote for one of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 new designs, or one of three former flag designs, including the current one. “Now is the time to make your voice heard and I encourage folks to join the process by voting for the flag that they feel best represents our great state,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office will conduct the public vote. “The public feedback received during this period will help guide the General Assembly’s final decision on the future of our state’s flag later this year.” Public voting is available at www.ilsos.gov/stateflag . Participating Illinoisans can vote for: One of the Illinois Flag Commission’s Top 10 flag designs Retaining the existing state flag Or reinstating Illinois’ 1918 centennial flag

Continue Reading

CHICAGO - Today Governor JB Pritzker announced the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will receive $43 million in federal funding for the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency’s (CREATE) 65th & Harlem Avenue rail project. The project will create an overpass for travel over Belt Railway of Chicago’s (BRC) tracks via 65th street each day, improving efficiency for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians in Chicago and neighboring Bedford Park, Summit, and Garfield Ridge, as well as allowing faster travel for freight trains heading into and out of BRC’s Clearing yard. “This sort of smart, people-focused infrastructure investment exemplifies the best in what federal/state funding partnerships can do—present a solution that will make the daily commutes of Chicagoans and their neighbors and the daily movement of freight more efficient, making everyone’s day a little easier,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m grateful

Continue Reading

ST. LOUIS – Crews battled a fire at a home in north St. Louis early Saturday morning on Newby Street off Garth Avenue. The Saint Louis Fire Department say it was a one-and-a-half story frame home and that everyone living there has been accounted for.