To someone who is getting sucked out to sea by a rip current, "Don't panic!" may be difficult to heed, even if that's exactly what you should do. But lifeguards say to not only relax but flip over and float out of the danger.

15 hours ago in Entertainment, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Ride Route 66 for a good cause this weekend

A motorcycle and Jeep ride along Route 66 helps the United Way of Central Illinois.

16 hours ago in Business, IL State News, Lifestyle, National

Chinese supercomputer displaces US machines as world’s fastest for first time since 2017

El Capitan, at the U.S. government’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, now ranks second, ahead of two other U.S. supercomputers at national laboratories in Tennessee and Illinois.

17 hours ago in Entertainment, Food Scene, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Route 66 Road Trip Caravan brings high-steaks challenge to Springfield

A steak-eating competition was held Tuesday in Springfield.

Three men in Springfield were challenged to eat 4.5 pounds of steak, shrimp, a baked potato, salad and a roll — all in one hour.

2 days ago in Business, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Illinois junk fees ban arrives on Pritzker’s desk

Sponsors said junk fees cost an average family of four $3,200 annually.

2 days ago in Business, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

How long does it take to buy a house in Springfield, Illinois in 2026?

Two real estate agents in gray suits stand outside a modern house with a 'For Sale' sign, discussing the property.

Redfin Real Estate compiled data on how long it takes to buy a house in 2026 in Springfield, IL.