In the month of May, the Indiana Territory is approved, a bomb explodes at Haymarket, Century of Progress opens, single atom is discovered, child labor laws are passed, AA flight 191 crashes, Lincoln is nominated for President, Illinois State Historical Society is created, Columbian Exposition opens, Gwendolyn Brooks wins Pulitzer, Land of Lincoln slogan becomes law, Sears Tower is the tallest, State of Illinois building gets new name.

1. Political slush funds
- Funds slated for anti-violence program are handed out to Chicago alderman and others right before an election.

2. Clouted families cashing-in 
- Politically connected family members were paid through state contracts

This month in Illinois History, Kaskaskia is founded, Ninian Edwards is appointed, permanent school fund is created, Illinois & Michigan canal is put to use, Civil War begins, President Lincoln is assassinated, William Holden is born, Daylight savings time is made uniform, Jane Byne & Harold Washington are elected Chicago mayors and tornadoes cause death and damage in Utica and LaSalle counties. 

Does Illinois make the list of states with the highest monthly wireless tax rates in the United States? With more and more Americans giving up their landlines and relying predominately on wireless phone service for home and work, cellular telephones and other wireless devices have become big business – not only for their manufacturers and carriers – but for states who levy taxes and fees to generate revenue from it.

The following totals represent the combined State-Local tax rates on monthly wireless service; excluding the federal wireless tax rate of 5.60% which applies equally to all states.  Here then, are the Top 10:

Do you know where Illinois ranks in terms of the highest sales tax rates in the United States? 45 of the 50 states collect statewide sales taxes, as does the District of Columbia.

Illinois’ state sales tax rate is 6.25%, but the Land of Lincoln is one of 38 states that allow counties and municipalities to charge an additional local sales tax.

Among the 50 states, these totals include the combined state and average local sales tax rates in 2014:

1. Tennesse        9.45%
2. Arkansas        9.19%
3. Louisiana       8.89%
4. Washington    8.88% 
5. Oklahoma       8.72%
6. Alabama         8.51%
7. New York       8.47%
8. California       8.41%
9. Arizona          8.17%
10. Illinois            8.16% 

The highest combined sales tax rate in Illinois is in suburban River Grove, at a whopping 10%.  Click HERE to see the alphabetical list of sales tax rates throughout Illinois by county/municipality.


*Sources: Sales-tax.com & Tax Foundation

Do you know how much of every gallon you purchase of gasoline goes to pay taxes? With temperatures warming up and the summer driving season rapidly approaching, we thought we’d take a look at where Illinois ranks among the 50 states in terms of motor fuel taxes.

These totals include all local, state and federal excise taxes on motor fuel; with the federal tax of 18.4 cents per gallon applying equally to every state.

Some of the most legendary names in television and entertainment are originally from Illinois! These men and women have made us laugh and given life to some of the most unforgettable characters of all time; and one has transcended her famous family’s legacy to forge her own successful career in journalism, public service and recognized charitable work with the Special Olympics; an organization her mother founded. Can you guess her name and which other stars are Illinois natives? Who would you add to the list?

Autumn is a beautiful time of year in the Midwest; and what better way to explore the sights and colors of fall than a scenic drive close to home?

Here are five can’t miss scenic drives in Illinois. Stop along the way to explore the hidden treasures just waiting to be found along these trails full of history and cultural landmarks.

Click the links below for complete information about each of these beautiful scenic drives:

Great River Road
The scenic road that runs along the Mississippi River in western Illinois tells the story of American history. Modern visitors are treated to lessons in history as well as modern architecture and plenty of outdoor diversions.
Length: 557 miles
Illinois cities it runs through: Galena, Moline, Quincy, Cairo

Can you name the seven Illinois cities that hosted a Lincoln-Douglas debate?

This autumn marks the 155th anniversary of the historic debates across Illinois that foreshadowed the looming Civil War and catapulted Abraham Lincoln to national prominence.

Illinois’ public universities are known for providing a quality, affordable education for students and inspiring the next generation of leaders in business, science and technology, medicine, broadcasting, civic affairs,  education and much more.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the most notable alums of Illinois’ public universities.

Illinois State University – Normal, IL

• Jim Durkin, Illinois House Republican Leader
• Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times columnist/film critic and WLS-AM 890 radio personality
• Dan Roan, WGN-TV sports anchor
• John Malkovich, Actor, producer, director and fashion designer

Can you name the six Native American Tribes who were the original inhabitants of present-day Illinois? If not, we’ve got you covered!

Native Americans have made significant contributions to the history and culture of the United States, particularly here in Illinois. In fact, our state was named after a Native American Tribe!

Native American heritage has borne strong influence in nearly every community in our state. From city and street names to schools to public parks; Native American heritage can be found all across the Land of Lincoln.

Here are the six original tribes who called Illinois home prior to European settlement:

We’re sure you know # 1, but can you name all the others in the top 10 – in the correct order?

David Davis Mansion – Bloomington, IL

Here's our list of  Illinois High School Mascots. What's yours?

1. Teutopolis Wooden Shoes

2. Southwestern Piasa Birds 

3. Illinois Valley Grey Ghosts

4. Lincoln-Way East Griffins

RoadsideAmerican.com has compiled a great list of places to visit in Illinois. Here are our picks for the 12 sights you just gotta see:

1. Two Story Outhouse in Gays, IL