Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the cherished 106-year-old chaplain of Loyola University Chicago's men's basketball team, has died, leaving a legacy of faith, service, and spirited support.

Cook County announced a partnership with Grow with Google to offer no-cost Google Career Certificate scholarships to local adults through Project Rainbow.

IDNR is seeking vendors for a concession stand at Illini State Park and holds a pre-bid meeting on Oct. 21. Interested parties should register on BidBuy under NIGP code 961-15.

A Halloween hike and wiener roast will take place at the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site on October 25, offering family-friendly festivities including bonfires, stories, and treats.

The Illinois Department of Revenue warns of a scam where taxpayers receive texts asking for banking details, mimicking official tax refund communication.

Kane County celebrates the Drug Rehabilitation Court's 25th anniversary and 13 graduates on October 8, 2025, highlighting its pioneering role in problem-solving courts in Illinois.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul coordinates with Illinois police for safe protests, ensuring both public safety and First Amendment rights amid federal immigration enforcement nearby.

Illinois is certified "unaffected" by H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle, with state agencies providing PPE and guidelines to protect against the disease. Public is advised to report dead birds and seek medical attention if exposed.

Partisan messages blaming Democrats for a shutdown were added to federal employees' out-of-office emails without consent, raising ethical and legal issues, including potential Hatch Act violations.

Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow stresses the importance of smoke alarms for home safety and promotes initiatives like the "Be Alarmed!" program for smoke alarm installations.

A Crystal Lake father of five named Matthew won a $550,000 jackpot in the Lucky Day Lotto through the Illinois Lottery app.

Chicago hotels broke summer records with 3.56 million room nights booked, led by leisure travel, and supported 130,000 jobs. O'Hare Airport had record traffic, highlighting the city's strong tourism appeal.

Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site hosts annual candlelight walks in October with volunteers in period attire, free admission, and food available.