As travelers prepare to set off on summer trips, scorching temperatures lie in wait. Above-average temperatures could be on the books this summer, according to forecasters, and a developing El Nino event could spell out warmer weather later in the year or next summer.

19 hours ago in Business, History, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

4 generations later, Bill Shea’s legacy lives on at Shea’s Gas Station Museum

Front of Shea's shop along Route 66, blue trim, large windows with decals; two men approach the entrance.

A state grant helped provide some sprucing up and a wayside information board for current curator Randy Pickett, who bought Shea's Gas Station Museum in 2017.

20 hours ago in IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Hottest Junes in Illinois since 1895

Stacker compiled a ranking of the hottest Junes in Illinois since 1895 using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information

22 hours ago in Entertainment, History, Lifestyle, Local, Music, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Tom Irwin’s latest song is about the Mother Road

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.

"Route 66 Runs Right through It All."