Gary Sinise, Jeff Perry, and Terry Kinney are three prominent figures whose careers have left a significant mark on both the entertainment industry and the state of Illinois. Each of these actors has not only achieved success in their respective fields but has also maintained a deep connection to their roots in the state.

Gary Sinise, best known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump, was born in Blue Island, Illinois, and has long been a proud advocate for the state. Beyond his film career, Sinise is known for his charitable work, particularly through the Gary Sinise Foundation, which supports veterans and first responders. His contributions to Illinois' cultural and social landscape are significant, and his work to give back has earned him widespread respect.

Are you looking for gifts, stocking stuffers or maybe just a little holiday cheer? Look no further than the Holiday Extravaganza in Springfield!

The Holiday Extravaganza is a holiday craft show with over 170 vendors! The show will include jewelry, woodcrafts and many different vendors selling their elegant art. The show also features live entertainment from several local music groups like Springfield Dance, Central Illinois Irish Dancers, Radiate Dance Company, and more! For those looking for a sweet treat, there will be a cake walk that features baked goods, comic books and gift cards from local businesses. There will even be visits with Santa for kids from 1-4 p.m.! Plenty of concessions and food will be available if you get hungry!

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has reached new heights after its newest project has launched to study the Earth’s outer atmosphere.

The Carruthers Geocorona Observatory was launched into space on Sept. 24, marking the beginning of the first NASA mission overseen by an Illinois researcher. Dr. Lara Waldrop, lead scientist and associate professor at U of I, led the construction and launch of the new space telescope. The mission, which aims to use ultraviolet imaging to explore how the Earth and its atmosphere interact with space, was the accumulation of more than six years of planning. Her team received $75 million for the building of the observatory at the University’s Grainger College of Engineering.

In a nod to its roots, the observatory is named after Dr. George R. Carruthers, a U of I alumnus and one of the first African-American men to earn a doctorate degree in astrophysics. He invented the camera that took the first images of space in 1970, which allowed scientists to gain a deeper understanding of what space looked like and the prospects for the future of astrophysics.

The observatory carries on the legacy of Dr. Carruthers, as the mission of the geocorona space telescope while in space is to orbit the sun and to take ultraviolet images of the Earth’s upper atmosphere. This information will be vital to determine the pattern and strength of space storms and evaluate how these storms will impact the shape of the atmosphere’s outer edge, helping scientists develop new ways to protect our planet from the sun’s geostorms.

The Grainger College of Engineering has been famed in delivering quality education to its students since 1868 and has produced remarkable alumni such as the co-founders of YouTube and of PayPalhas also sent six alumni into space.

With the weather getting cooler and leaves changing color that can only mean one thing… spooky season is right around the corner. Whether you and your friends looking for a terrifying tour or are you interested in Illinois horror lore, this list is for you.

Old Joliet Prison

Famous for its cameo in Blues Brothers and a staple in Joliet, the Old Joliet State Prison becomes haunted on select nights throughout the fall. Featuring storied prisoners such as John Wayne Gacy and Baby Face Nelson, the prison still holds a lot of dark energy. This haunted experience claims to be the only haunted house within a real abandoned prison in the Chicagoland area and is not one you will forget anytime soon.

13^th Floor Haunted House

This Chicago experience includes a haunted house, shattered skyline, immersive experiences and more. Founded in 2002, this is a classic Halloween experience with high quality production that remains a staple of Illinois’ spooky season. With over 30,000 feet this haunted house is run by the country’s largest professional haunted house production company. Learn more about this haunted house here.