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.

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

About 5,000 Illinois state retirees in Aetna’s TRAIL Medicare Advantage plan keep BJC HealthCare in network for 2027 under a one-year agreement

Illinois state retirees in Aetna’s TRAIL Medicare Advantage plan will keep BJC HealthCare in network for 2027 under a one-year agreement, even though BJC leaves Aetna’s and Anthem’s other Medicare Advantage plans on Jan. 1. Illinois’ Central Management Services estimates about 5,000 plan members are affected. The deal covers the state’s group plan only, not […] The post About 5,000 Illinois state retirees in Aetna’s TRAIL Medicare Advantage plan keep BJC HealthCare in network for 2027 under a one-year agreement appeared first on The Money Overview .

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 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 .

Wander Shelves Of Vintage Records At These 8 Illinois Shops Where Crate Diggers Lose Hours

Some of the best afternoons start with a plain storefront and a bin of records nobody has touched in years. Across Illinois, small shops tucked into old neighborhoods and quiet downtowns hold stacks of vinyl, tapes, and forgotten treasures waiting for patient hands. You walk in planning a quick look,...

These 6 Illinois Family Steakhouses Still Toss A Salad Bar In With Every Steak

Remember when a steak dinner came with a trip to the salad bar, and nobody had to pay extra for it? That tradition is still alive in a handful of Illinois towns, from Peoria to Pinckneyville. The six family-friendly steakhouses below pair real grilled steaks with salad bars you can...

Another Frosty Morning, Cooler Soon

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (25News Now) - We’ve had another frosty morning this morning and more of it is coming soon. Looking at our forecasted highs, we’ll be sitting in the 60s for the next few days. Then we drop into the upper 50s for a slight cooldown. Afterwards, the highs drop down into the upper 40s. We’ll feel that winter chill soon and we’ll need the bigger coat.

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

Events across Northern Illinois on Sunday, November 8, 2026

Several local events including craft markets, a comic book convention, a theatrical performance of 1984, and an animal sanctuary open house are scheduled to take place around the Rockford area.

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.

Fifty tons of pork headed to Illinois food banks

SPRINGFIELD, Ill (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois farmers have come through with a major donation to the state’s food banks. “The holidays are a season of giving, and the Illinois Pork Producers strive to produce good quality protein for this area and the communities all year long,” said Randy Kuker, vice president of the Illinois Pork Producers Association.

Ameren urges veterans, active-duty military members to apply for utility bill assistance

As the nation pauses to recognize veterans this week, Ameren officials are reminding those who have served that help is available for households struggling to keep up with utility bills. Ameren’s Military Assistance Fund is accepting applications from eligible active-duty military members and veterans who are customers of Ameren Missouri...

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 .

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...

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...

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...

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 […]

Governor JB Pritzker appealed the Trump administration's decision to deny Illinois' request for federal disaster relief on Thursday

(Champaign-jm) – 4 juveniles were arrested and 3 guns recovered following an incident near Barnes and Noble in Champaign Saturday afternoon. Champaign Police say they used Automated License Plate Reader technology to find a stolen vehicle. It was discovered near the intersection of Marketview Drive and Anthony Drive just before 4pm. The vehicle was involved in a crash and the occupants had ran away. 4 juveniles were arrested and 3 unlawfully possessed firearms were recovered. A 5th person escaped. Anyone with information is asked to call Champaign Police.

From Cozy Tea Service To Historic Charm, This Illinois Church Hides A Special Tea Room

Lunch arrives on a three-tiered tower of real china, and the stained glass windows above your table once watched over a church congregation. That’s the setup at one little lunch spot in Illinois. The building is more than a century old. Old church benches still serve as seating, and...