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Statewide: The last days of Route 66

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford
Published August 13, 2026 at 5:26 PM CDT
Route 66 road sign
Leo visions

Back in 1984, the final stretch of U.S. Route 66 in Arizona was bypassed by an interstate. The Mother Road officially became a ghost road the following year.

As Route 66 was in its final days, the Kitchen Sisters traveled the historic highway and produced a documentary. As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66, we listen back.

Also:

* This Week in Illinois History has the story of a Chicago man convicted and executed for being a Nazi spy. But there are still questions about his guilt.

Spunky Bottoms
Rich Egger/TSPR
Spunky Bottoms

* Rich Egger takes us to Spunky Bottoms in Brown County, a former wetland now being restored.

* As part of our Illinois 250 series, we talk about labor, free speech and voting rights.

* A federal lawsuit challenges a whites-only development being constructed in Arkansas.

* Peter Medlin talks with Illinois Head Start as it shares stories of how ICE activity is impacting kids at its childcare centers.

* A new federal housing law aims to increase the nation's supply of homes. Illinois housing experts are hopeful it can fulfill its promises.

* In the St. Louis County Jail, the incarcerated are getting a boost in morale thanks to piano lessons.

State News
Sean Crawford
Email Sean Crawford
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