Illinois Medicare enrollees whose $0 drug plans rise to $6 to $23 a month in 2027 can get free counseling before Dec. 7

Illinois Medicare enrollees in some Part D drug plans are facing premiums of $6 to $23 a month for 2027, up from $0, according to the Illinois Department on Aging. Free one-on-one counseling is available through the state’s Senior Health Insurance Program, known as SHIP, at 1-800-252-8966, and Medicare open enrollment closes Dec. 7. “Some […] The post Illinois Medicare enrollees whose $0 drug plans rise to $6 to $23 a month in 2027 can get free counseling before Dec. 7 appeared first on The Money Overview .

Business spotlight: Hensy's Hot Dogs

Hensy’s Hot Dogs is a new independently owned business in the Bloomington area. The food truck opened on Oct. 24. Hensy’s Hot Dogs owner Tyler Henson is the food truck’s sole worker. It took Henson a little over a year to set up and prepare the hot dog truck, ensuring it was ready for business.

New state law on e-bikes and scooters will take time to adjust to

A new state law placing stricter definitions and rules on micromobility devices will likely take time to adjust to in Bloomington-Normal, according to law enforcement and hobbyists in the Twin Cities. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, new micromobility legislation will take effect, adding new regulations and clarifying definitions surrounding devices better...

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a record $307.8 million in unclaimed property to more than 567,000 residents, businesses and organizations in fiscal 2026

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs says his office returned a record $307.8 million in unclaimed property in fiscal year 2026, paid to more than 567,000 residents, businesses and organizations. The year before, the office returned $303.8 million to nearly 312,000 people. The money comes from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, unpaid insurance benefits and similar […] The post Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a record $307.8 million in unclaimed property to more than 567,000 residents, businesses and organizations in fiscal 2026 appeared first on The Money Overview .

Illinois Students Help Turn Abandoned Barbershop into Museum Honoring the First Black Man to Vote in the State

David Strother, the barbershop’s original owner, became the first Black voter in Illinois after the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870

Walk Beneath Historic Air Force Planes For Free At This Illinois Aviation Museum

A Boeing 367-80 tanker, a relative of the famous 707 prototype, sits on a grassy lawn in Illinois, and you can walk right under it. No ticket booth. No turnstile. No base badge required. The neighbors are just as impressive. A C-141 Starlifter and a C-130 share the same neat...

Illinois approves capacity increase at Carle Hospital in Urbana

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The State of Illinois has approved an increase in capacity at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, according to a Carle spokesperson. In July, Carle proposed an increase of 16 inpatient beds and the addition of a 22-station observational unit totaling a cost of more than $34 million. A Carle spokesperson said […]

Possible Defenses for a Drug Manufacturing Charge in Illinois

Defending against drug manufacturing charges in Illinois often involves focusing on how police obtained their evidence, what you knew, and whether your actions count as manufacturing under Illinois law. Even if police find drugs or equipment, prosecutors still have to prove that you were involved in making or preparing the drugs. If you are facing charges in 2026, our DuPage County drug manufacturing defense lawyers can review the evidence and help you build a defense.

Illinois Opens $240 Million in Heating Aid to All Eligible Households, With Applications Running Through Aug. 13

Illinois' $240 million LIHEAP is open to all income-eligible households since Nov. 1, with applications through Aug. 13, 2027 or until funds run out.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pausing public events for medical procedure

Homeowners 65 and older get an extra $60,000 off school taxable value in Texas, $20,000 in West Virginia, and up to $9,000 in North Dakota and $8,000 in Illinois

Homeowners 65 and older can have a slice of their home’s value taken out of the property tax calculation, and the size of that slice depends heavily on the state. Texas school districts must give an extra $60,000 homestead exemption, West Virginia exempts the first $20,000 of assessed value, North Dakota reduces taxable valuation by […]

This Illinois Restaurant Serves Holiday Meals Beneath A Giant Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree stands right in the middle of a department store dining room, rising so high it nearly brushes the ceiling. People book tables months ahead just to eat lunch under it. The room itself dates back to 1907. The walls are covered in walnut paneling, and crystal chandeliers...

Illinois voters pass proposals objecting to state anti-BDS law

Voters in eight municipalities in Illinois approved ballot measures last week registering formal objections to the state’s law barring state pension investments in companies that boycott Israel. The ballot measures will have no effect on state policy. But pro-Palestinian groups are celebrating the wins as demonstrations of shifting public...

Nine Local Runners Earn All State Honors at State Cross Country

Nine local runners earned all state honors in the 1A and 2A state final cross country races on Saturday at Detweiller Park. Thanks to WMBD for some of the highlights. Full results linked below.

Illinois reports $311.1 million in alcohol sales tax revenue for 2024

Illinois collected $311.1 million from alcoholic beverage sales taxes in 2024, accounting for 0.5% of the state’s total tax revenue of $66.9 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections (STC). The State Government Tax Collections (STC) survey tracks five major tax categories...

Illinois court cases under scrutiny after investigation into police misconduct disclosures

An investigation by the Invisible Institute raises questions about whether Illinois prosecutors are violating defendants' constitutional rights by failing to disclose misconduct histories of officers called to testify.

Aurora Christian Picks Up Second Round Win Over Maroa Forsyth

The Aurora Christian Eagles picked up a second round win over Maroa Forsyth on Saturday. The Trojans season comes to a close at 9-2.

Cold Nights Call For These 7 Illinois Supper Clubs With Crackling Fireplaces

When the Illinois wind starts biting, a long dinner beside a real fireplace starts sounding like a smart plan. Supper clubs have always been about slowing down, with steaks, seafood, relish-tray nostalgia, and the kind of service that makes a Tuesday feel like an occasion. This list rounds up seven...

First Lake-Effect Snowflakes of the Season Possible Thursday Into Friday for Chicago, Gary, and Northwest Indiana Shoreline as Arctic Air Crosses Lake Michigan

CHICAGO — The first snowflakes of the season could fly near Lake Michigan later next week. Both the European and GFS models are showing some lake-effect snow behind a strong cold front. The best chance is from Thursday into Friday, November 12 and 13, across northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana. No accumulation is expected at this time.