ILLINOIS

Apr 21 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Explore Northern Illinois Museums Beyond Chicago

Northern Illinois hides a treasure trove of museums that offer more than just art displays. These spots cover history, science, and quirky local tales, making them perfect for family trips or weekend adventures. The Lizzadro Museum in Oak Brook showcases gems and stone carvings, letting kids touc

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Mar 31 2026SPORTS

Illinois Fans Cannot Bet on Their Own Team in the Final Four

In Illinois, people can place bets on most sports online. But there is one big exception: the state’s own college basketball teams are off limits for wagering. The law says you cannot bet on any in‑state NCAA school, no matter the game or championship. So when Illinois’ University of Illino

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Mar 18 2026POLITICS

Tech Money in Illinois Primaries: A Mixed Battle

In the recent Illinois primary races, tech companies spent large sums to influence outcomes, but their impact was uneven. The cryptocurrency sector poured more than $10 million into a super PAC that opposed Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s campaign, yet she still secured the Democratic nomination.

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Mar 12 2026ENVIRONMENT

Field Trip to Restore Fulton’s Prairie: A Community Visit

The Fulton Historical Society is arranging a day out on March 15 at two in the afternoon, taking folks to a nearby prairie restoration project. The event is led by Dean Huisingh, who founded the society and also runs a conservation foundation that works to protect Illinois plants and animals. He

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Mar 11 2026POLITICS

Illinois Senate Race: New Faces Step Forward

A 24‑hour gap after Senator Dick Durbin said he would not run again saw Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton announce her bid for the seat, signaling a possible shift in Illinois’ Senate representation. The state’s Senate seats have long split between the Chicago area and downstate, but Durbin’s

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Feb 11 2026SPORTS

New Stadium Dreams for Portage and the Chicago Bears

Portage, a city in Indiana, is hoping to land a big deal by offering 300 acres of its own land for a Chicago Bears football stadium. The plan, dubbed “Halas Harbor, ” plays on the Bears’ famous headquarters in Lake Forest and aims to bring the team closer to its fan base in Northwest Indiana. The si

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Nov 26 2025LIFESTYLE

The Changing Face of Thanksgiving Shopping

Thanksgiving has always been about family, food, and gratitude. But in recent years, it's also become a day of intense shopping. People wait in long lines, hoping to snag the best deals. This trend has changed the way many people spend their holiday. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, used t

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Jun 14 2025POLITICS

A Longtime Politician Falls from Grace

The man known as Illinois' "Mr. Speaker" has seen his political career come to an abrupt end. Michael Madigan, who held significant power in the state for decades, was recently handed a 7. 5-year prison sentence. This comes after a lengthy trial where he was found guilty of corruption charges. Madi

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Jun 01 2025POLITICS

What Happened This Week in Illinois and Chicago?

The month of May has flown by, and there's a lot to catch up on. Let's dive into the key events that shaped the past week. Lawmakers in Springfield have been working overtime as the spring legislative session wraps up. They're racing against time to finalize a budget without resorting to "broad-bas

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May 13 2025CRIME

How Small Crimes Can Lead to Big Evictions

In Illinois, a set of rules called crime-free housing laws are causing big problems for some residents. These laws let police and landlords kick out tenants if they are suspected of breaking any law. This can happen even if the tenant is found innocent later. It's a harsh reality that has affected m

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