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Lincoln’s first turkey pardoning

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Tuesday, November 25, 2025 12:59 PM

A male wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) strutting at Deer Island Open Space Preserve near Novato, Marin County, California

Did you know Abraham Lincoln was the first president in U.S. history to pardon a turkey? The first instance of a president pardoning a turkey dates back to the Civil War.

As the story goes, Lincoln’s son, Tad, had become fond of a turkey named Jack. When presented with Jack for the family feast on Christmas, Tad adopted the bird as a pet. He exclaimed that he could not bear to see the animal killed – so President Lincoln submitted to his son’s request, created a reprieve for the turkey in writing, and gave it to Tad.

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Artists of the Month – Gary Sinise, Jeff Perry, and Terry Kinney

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Tuesday, November 25, 2025 10:53 AM

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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.

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Springfield Holiday Extravaganza!

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Friday, November 21, 2025 01:09 PM

Close-up image of a stand with wooden toys and Christmas tree decorations at the Christmas Market in Old Riga, Latvia

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!

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Innovation in Illinois - Global quantum computing pioneer, Pasqal, to establish U.S. headquarters in Illinois

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Wednesday, November 19, 2025 08:47 AM

PsiQuantum IQMP CITY VIEW 1200x737

Pasqal, a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, will establish their U.S. headquarters as a future tenant of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on Chicago’s South Side.

Located at a historic and scenic site on Lake Michigan just minutes away from downtown Chicago, the IQMP offers direct access to universities, national labs and transportation for local, national and global connectivity. The multibillion-dollar, 128-acre public-private IQMP will include shared cryogenic facilities, equipment labs and research spaces. Tenants include quantum computing company PsiQuantum and the DARPA-Illinois Quantum Proving Ground and will ultimately become a full ecosystem of companies, researchers, suppliers, end users and other partners. It will be managed by an organization affiliated with the University of Illinois system.

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More Articles …

  1. Home of the brave: How Illinois honors our veterans
  2. Fischer Theatre to host festival in honor of Danville native Dick Van Dyke with exclusive screening of documentary
  3. Honoring Illinois’ Native Roots
  4. From Champaign to space: The first U of I NASA mission
  5. Professor from Northwestern wins Nobel for Economics
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