Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert has died at 84 at his Illinois home. The longtime Republican congressional leader served as speaker from 1999 to 2007 before a federal banking conviction tied to payments concealing past sexual abuse transformed his legacy. Dennis Hastert, the former U.S. House speaker who became one of Washington’s most powerful Republicans before his legacy was consumed by revelations of sexual abuse and a federal conviction, has died at age 8

This Chicago Marathon 2026 guide covers the October 11 race route, start times, Grant Park access, transportation, spectator rules, runner tracking and post-race plans. Runners and visitors can use it to navigate one of Chicago’s largest annual sporting events. The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take over Chicago on Sunday, October 11, 2026, bringing 55,000 participants onto a 26.2-mile course that starts and finishes

Chicago Marathon street closures begin ahead of the October 11, 2026 race, with major restrictions around Grant Park and dozens of race-day closures across the city. Here is what drivers, residents, runners and spectators should know about the route and reopening times. Major Chicago Marathon street closures will begin this week as the city prepares for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11, 2026. The

A U.S. citizen was injured after federal immigration agents mistakenly detained him during an enforcement operation in Evanston, Illinois, according to local police. The September 20 encounter is now under investigation after officers found the man on the ground and later documented injuries to his head, neck and teeth. The incident unfolded in Evanston, about 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, while federal agents were searching for a fugitive. The man’s

Ohio State vs Illinois returns to Columbus on September 26, 2026, as the No. 7 Buckeyes and Fighting Illini open Big Ten play at 2-1. The matchup renews the Illibuck rivalry, with Illinois making its first Ohio Stadium visit since 2017 and Ohio State carrying a 10-game series streak. COLUMBUS, Ohio — No. 7 Ohio State hosts Illinois on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Ohio Stadium in the Big Ten opener for both teams. Kickoff is sch

Chicago’s bird migration alert asks residents and building managers to reduce nighttime lighting as large numbers of birds move south through Illinois. The guidance is intended to limit disorientation and building collisions during peak fall migration. Chicago officials are urging residents and building managers to reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting as a major wave of migratory birds moves south through Illinois and the Great Lakes region.

Ifest 2026 Schaumburg will bring culture, creativity and community service together on Saturday, August 15, at National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois. The free cultural fest will feature dance, music, fashion and multilingual performances while creating opportunities for people to connect. Schaumburg event celebrates cultures together Ifest 2026: A Celebration of Culture, Unity & Commun

Illinois water cyberattack reporting remains split across general safety rules and federal guidance. A pending bill would require cybersecurity programs and incident procedures as utilities confront threats to connected control systems across the state. Illinois reporting rules leave a cyber gap Illinois water systems operate under general emergency-notification rules, but the state still lacks

The Illinois tax holiday comparison shows major differences across nearby states in 2026. Illinois offers a 10-day state-rate reduction, Iowa provides a two-day clothing exemption, and Missouri removes state and local tax from qualifying school purchases for three days. Illinois offers the longest nearby holiday

Illinois tax holiday savings depend on how much a family spends on qualifying products from August 7-16, 2026. The state rate falls by five percentage points, producing savings of $5 per $100. Clothing and footwear must cost under $125 per item, while eligible school supplies have no price cap. Families save $5 for every $100 For the full schedule, reduced tax rate and shopping rules, read our

The Illinois tax holiday eligible-items checklist explains what receives the reduced state tax rate from August 7-16, 2026. Clothing and footwear must cost under $125 per item, while qualifying student school supplies have no price cap. Computers and textbooks remain excluded. Reduced rate applies only to listed products

Illinois drivers will not face the scheduled 1.3-cent motor fuel tax increase in 2026. The Illinois gas tax will remain at 48.3 cents per gallon through Thursday, December 31, 2026, before rising to 49.6 cents on Friday, January 1, 2027. Illinois Gas Tax Increase Delayed for Six Months The scheduled increase was suspended beginning Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The temporary pause does not reduce the existing gasoline tax. It postpones only the inflation-link

Illinois universal lead testing for children began Wednesday, July 1, 2026, replacing the state’s previous ZIP code-based approach. Under the new standard, children across Illinois are to receive automatic blood lead tests at 12 and 24 months, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Illinois Universal Lead Testing Replaces ZIP Code Limits IDPH announced the change on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Previously, automatic testing requirements foc

CHICAGO — Obama Presidential Center museum tickets were sold out for the grand opening weekend as the new cultural and civic institution welcomed the public on Friday, June 19, 2026. The South Side center opened one day after a dedication ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, featuring performers, speakers, celebrity guests and three former U.S. presidents. The public debut coincided with Juneteenth. Former

Fashion Outlets of Chicago has been named the best outlet mall near O’Hare in a national ranking of shopping centers across the United States. The Rosemont, Illinois, destination earned the No. 1 position for its combination of outlet stores, dining, entertainment, contemporary art and convenient access for Chicago-area residents and airport travelers. Why the Best Outlet Mall Near O’Hare Ranked First The two-level, 530,000-square-foot shop

Chicago green fireball boom reports spread across the Midwest after a bright green object crossed the night sky over the Chicago area on a Monday night. The source material did not provide a calendar date or exact time, but reports described sightings from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio. Chicago Green Fireball Boom Reports Across the Midwest Hundreds of people reported seeing a bright green fireball over the Chicago area and ne

Illinois gas tax pause talks remain active as a scheduled fuel tax increase approaches on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Gov. JB Pritzker has said he is open to considering a pause, but state leaders have not announced a final plan. The Illinois General Assembly faces a key deadline on Sunday, May 31, 2026, when the spring legislative session is scheduled to adjourn. That gives lawmakers limited time to act before the automatic increase takes effect. Illinois gas tax pa

Six Flags Great America will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Day Bash on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Gurnee, Illinois, with a one-day throwback event featuring vintage entertainment, special exhibits, themed treats and fireworks.

Raging Waves opening day 2026 is set for Saturday, May 23, 2026, as the Yorkville, Illinois water park begins its summer season over Memorial Day weekend. The park is scheduled to operate from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time on Saturday, May 23, Sunday, May 24, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, according to the official Raging Waves park calendar. The calendar also lists the park’s Salute to Heroes event across all three opening weekend dates. Yorkville Water Par

Chicago Museum Earns Global Recognition Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has been named among the world’s best museums by Travel + Leisure, giving Chicago another major cultural milestone and strengthening its reputation as a top tourism destination in the United States. The internationally recognized travel publication included the museum in its list of the “27 Best Museums in the World for Art, History, and Cultural Wonders,” placing the Chicago institution alongside some of the most celebrated museums globally. Why the Griffin Museum Stands Out Located in Chicago, Illinois, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world and is widely known for its immersive, hands-on exhibits. Officials and travel experts highlighted the museum’s ability to combine education, innovation, and entertainment through interactive displays focused on technology, energy, engineering, manufacturing, and design. The museum attracts families, students, tourists, and science enthusiasts looking for engaging experiences that go beyond traditional exhibits. Its large-scale installations and educational programs continue to make it one of the top science museums in America. Boost for Chicago Tourism The recognition is expected to increase tourism interest in Chicago, a city already known for major attractions including Art Institute of Chicago and Field Museum. Travel analysts say rankings from globally trusted publications often influence travel decisions, especially for families planning educational vacations and cultural trips in the United States. Visitors can find updated exhibit schedules, tickets, and museum information through the museum’s official website.