IL's Richest Person Is Worth $44.4B, Ranks 24th On Forbes 400

A total of 18 Illinois residents made the 45th annual list from the global media and publishing company.

Popular Retailer Closes Over 100 Stores Nationwide, Including In IL

No official reason has been given by brand leadership for the nationwide closures of Scrubs & Beyond stores.

Spirit Halloween Opens 56 Stores In IL: Here's Where

While spooky season is still a month away, some of the nation's most popular Halloween stores are already open.

Sponsors sought for Forest Preserve District’s 2027 Centennial Celebration

A variety of sponsorships are being offered by The Nature Foundation of Will County as a way to show support for the District.

Trump Endorses Darren Bailey In Illinois Governor's Race

The president praised Bailey while criticizing Gov. JB Pritzker as the November rematch takes shape.

Halloween 2026: Submit Your Haunt For Patch's Tour O' Scary Yards

Patch is compiling its 2026 guide to Chicagoland's Best Halloween Yard Displays. You know what to do: submit your yard haunt today.

Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes Near Chicago: Fall 2026 Guide

Farms around Chicago are welcoming visitors who make the trek out to pick pumpkins, collect apples and stock up on all things fall.

What IL Lawmakers Are Saying About $5K ‘Trump Dividends’

Trump's promise of $5,000 if Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate has been met with skepticism from IL lawmakers.

Addicted To Love: A Robert Palmer Dance Party- live on the Outdoor Rooftop

Addicted To Love: A Robert Palmer Dance Party- live on the Joliet Museum's Outdoor ROOFTOP on Friday, Sept. 18th at 7pm (doors open 6:15pm)

Chance Of Storms, Summer-Like Humidity To Return Later This Week To Chicago Area

Tuesday and Wednesday could see a few severe storms.

Boy Critically Injured On Electric Scooter | Perfect ACT Score | Dealership Worker Killed: IL Weekend

A Lake Michigan death, a fatal motorcycle crash and an opioid prescription scheme are also among the stories Illinois readers were following

Dog Boat, Hawk's-Eye View And Spider Hits The Bullseye: IL In Photos

This week's photo roundup from across Illinois.

Hottest Summers On Record: How This Year Ranked In Illinois

Most of the U.S. saw some of their hottest summers on record, but that wasn't the case in the Midwest.

Racism At Homecoming Game | Slain Officer Honored | Immigration Blitz Anniversary: IL News

Plus: Sheriff horse auction, man who died in plunge from rocks ID'd, National Guard soldier killed.

Man Kills Wife, Unborn Child In Stabbing | IL PatchPM

Man brandishing hedge trimmer killed by police | Courthouse fight leaves 2 deputies hurt | 63-year-old accused crack dealer

Pelican Pit Stop, Dad's Anthem, More: Good News, Illinois

Take a moment to look on the bright side with these good news stories from across Illinois.

Pleasant Friday, Before Warm And Humid Saturday For Chicago Area

There is a chance of rain Sunday and again on Monday to start the work week.

Where And When To See Peak Fall Foliage In Illinois

See when the leaves are set to hit peak fall fabulousness in Illinois, and where the best spots are to admire them.

Judge Denies Disability Groups' Motion To Block Illinois Medical Aid In Dying Law From Taking Effect Saturday

Illinois' End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act takes effect Saturday, Sept. 12.

President Trump Says He Doesn't Think $5,000 Dividend Payments Would Need To Be Approved By Congress

Trump says he doesn't think Congress would need to approve the payments, which he called "a great infusion."

Man Hit By Car Dies After Getting Ride Home From Driver | Illinois PatchPM

Masked robbers smash gaming machines | 21-year-old shot by police dies | National Guard soldier killed

El Niño 'Supersized Before Our Eyes': What This Means For Winter In IL

El Niño's effects on rainfall, drought, flooding and extreme heat could continue well into 2027, the World Meteorological Organization said.

Girl, 6, Fatally Hit By School Bus | Illinois PatchPM

Woman charged with reckless homicide in baby's crash death | 2nd measles case in suburbs | Man found dead outside religious center

1 Year After Operation Midway Blitz, Pritzker, IL Democrats Renew Calls For Accountability

Illinois leaders are marking the anniversary with new scrutiny of the federal immigration operation and its impact.

West Nile Virus Cases Grow In Active Mosquito Year: What To Know In IL

Human cases are climbing in Illinois as an unusually active mosquito season stretches toward fall.

Fatal Jump From Rocks | Beloved Bookstore Manager Mourned | Racist Taunts At Football Game: IL Weekend

Baby killed in crash | "Christmas in July" toy drive | Body found in Fox River | Traveling WTC beams headed to NYC | Man missing 5 days

Storms Could Hit IL As Cold Front Moves Into Chicago Area

A cold front will bring slightly cooler temperatures to end the week.

Gunshots As Car Thieves Confronted | AI-Generated Child Porn Allegation | FLOCK Cameras Nixed: IL News

Street takeover suspects sought | Mom honors son's memory | Home invasion suspect's other charges | Fireworks damage school

Dog Death At Pet Resort Leads To Animal Cruelty Charge | Illinois PatchPM

More FLOCK camera misuse allegations | Cupich seeks to block medical aid in dying | Arrests in smash-and-grabs

Porch Posse, Blood Moon And Friday Night Lights: IL In Photos

This week's photo roundup from across Illinois.

Heat, Humidity To Ease For Part Of Labor Day Weekend In Chicago Area

A heat advisory remains in effect for part of the Chicago area on Friday.

All-Star Athletes, Corn Maze Creation, More: Good News, Illinois

See which stories lifted our spirits in this week's roundup of good news articles from Illinois Patch.

Bystander Killed In Crossfire | Illinois PatchPM

Services set for boy who died in fall | Man told girl she was '18 for the night': Prosecutors | "World's largest" corn maze theme

Record Labor Day Gas Prices Projected: What IL Motorists Should Know

Labor Day 2026 is expected to set a record, and not a good one—especially for Illinois residents who are planning end-of-summer road trips.

2-Year-Old Slain In 'Domestic' Homicide | Illinois PatchPM

Hospitals put on lockdown after teacher stabbed | 2nd teen dies after shooting | Couple, dog rescued from sinking car

3 Road Trip Destinations Worth The Drive This Fall For Illinoisans

Looking for a fall-inspired getaway to celebrate the changing leaves? Here are three places within driving distance of Chicago to check out.

Is Lettuce Safe To Eat Again? Latest On Cyclospora Outbreak In IL

Illinois is among 20 states with active cyclospora outbreaks, but are case counts decreasing?

Dangerous Heat Continues, Waves Of Severe Storms Possible To End The Week In Chicago Area

The combination of high temperatures in the low 90s and high humidity makes it feel above 100 degrees on Wednesday.

See Where IL Lands In Ranking Of America's Hardest-Working States

The ranking considered 10 indicators, including average workweek hours and share of workers with multiple jobs, according to WalletHub.

Boy Dies After 100-Foot Fall At Abandoned Property | Illinois PatchPM

Grease-soaked burglar stuck in restaurant chimney | Reward for man who made "unwanted contact" with women | Knife, dumbbell used in slaying