Illinois Lottery player wins nearly $1 million in online jackpot

CHICAGO - An Illinois iLottery player is celebrating a nearly $1 million jackpot after winning $955,540 playing the FastPlay Cash Castle game, according to the Illinois Lottery. The win was one of three major online FastPlay prizes announced Monday, totaling nearly $1.6 million. Three big lottery wins. What we know:

Black People Magic: Juliana Stratton & Election Day Firsts

Celebrating a magical, history-making Election Day with many firsts making history this week. Our nation got its first Muslim senator, first Latina governor, first Native-American woman governor and senators, several states got their first black governors including our neighbors in Wisconsin and (my Soror!) Keisha Lance Bottoms became the first black woman governor in the nation.

Discolored soybeans raise concerns at Illinois elevators and with exporters

Discolored Illinois soybeans are raising export concerns this fall, though experts say the issue is cosmetic, not a quality problem.

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...

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 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 State Police Announces Results Of Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement Patrols In October

Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Captain Bruce Waggoner, announces the results of Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Clay, Effingham, Lawrence, Marion, Wayne and White counties during October. These ACE patrols allowed the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to.

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 .

Saba Haider wins Illinois House seat with 71.2% of vote

Indian American Democrat Saba Haider has won election to the Illinois House of Representatives, defeating Republican Brian Scopa in the November 3 midterm elections. Her victory in the 84th House District marks another milestone in the growing political representation of Indian Americans in Illinois. Haider defeated Republican candidate Brian Scopa...

Abraham Lincoln Owned Just One Home In His Lifetime, And You Can Tour It For Free

Abraham Lincoln bought exactly one house in his whole life. He paid for it in 1844, and he lived there for 17 years before heading to the White House. The wild part is that you can still walk through it. You can climb the same stairs he climbed and rest your hand on the same banister. Rangers lead the tours, and nobody hands you a bill at the door.

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 Night Sky: Mysterious Flashes Possible Nov. 16-18

With drones and unfamiliar lights drawing attention overhead, another celestial phenomenon is approaching its peak.

Is The Lincoln Museum Gift Shop Worth A Trip On Its Own? Springfield Locals Say Yes

Some of the best stops in Illinois are the ones you almost walk right past. I went looking for a quick souvenir and left with a story, a handful of postcards, and a real urge to come back. The little shop I found felt less like a store and more...

9 Illinois Restaurants So Unusual They Deserve Their Own Reality TV Shows

Somewhere in Illinois, your burger can roll up to your seat behind a toy U.S. Army locomotive. It travels on a tiny track, trailed by model cars and a Lego caboose. I still can’t decide if that’s adorable or genius. The train is only one oddball on this...

Katin Houser Connects With Jordan Anderson For 5-Yard TD, Giving Illinois Lead Over Nebraska

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...

Illinois Christmas Contest Offers $2,500: Apply by Dec. 6

Chicago-area holiday movie fans have until Dec. 6 to apply for the nationwide Chief of Cheer contest.

Illinois university named top college in the Midwest by Forbes

An Illinois university has been named the best college in the Midwest in a new ranking from Forbes. According to the publication's newest list of Top 25 colleges in the Midwest, Northwestern University in Evanston ranked at No. 1. Cited for its "prestigious Medill School of Journalism," as well as...

This Nostalgic Illinois Diner Has A Sweet Surprise For Anyone Who Loves Greek Donuts

Free Greek donuts are not something you expect with breakfast, but one Illinois cafe has been known to hand them out on select weekdays. That small surprise is enough to make any morning feel brighter. The kitchen leans on Greek roots and classic diner comfort. Lemon rice soup shares a...