3 weeks ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local

Get your brick on: LEGO convention hits state fairgrounds

The Brick Convention runs Oct. 10-11.

3 weeks ago in Sports, Trending

Mike Ditka, the quintessential Chicago Bear and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies at 86

Mike Ditka, who personified the toughness and grit of Chicago in a Hall of Fame career as a player and coach of the Bears and the leader of arguably the most dominant team in NFL history, has died. He was 86.

3 weeks ago in World

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake shakes Panama, prompting evacuations

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Panama on Friday morning, shaking buildings in the capital and prompting evacuations.

3 weeks ago in Crime, Local

Riverton man wanted for July video gaming terminal burglary at local bar

Troy Rathbone allegedly had a hand in breaking into Mama Lee's Sandbar on Mechanicsburg Road back in July.

3 weeks ago in Entertainment, IL State News, Local

Mobile comedy venue ‘Rolling Laughs’ rolls to success in first season

One more pop-up show this season, but plenty more appearances for Cassandra Simpson.

3 weeks ago in Agriculture, Education, Farm, IL State News, Local

FFA students feed hungry farmers

The lunch bags contained pork burgers, chips, a cookie and trail mix. A bottle of water was also included.

3 weeks ago in Crime, Education, IL State News, National

Man who threatened mass shooting at McKendree University pleads guilty

The messages he sent in 2025 repeatedly invoked the phrase ‘pain and tears forever.'

3 weeks ago in Business, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National, Sports

Report: Illinois tax revenue from gambling increased 19% last year

Sports betting, video gambling continue to drive increase.

3 weeks ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti ‘optimistic’ College Football Playoff will expand from 12 to 24

That window was scheduled to end Friday but Petitti indicated during his remarks at Big Ten men's basketball media day that the deadline had been extended.

3 weeks ago in IL State News, National, Sports

Bears have opportunity to show again they’ve gained the upper hand in their rivalry with Packers

Chicago has won three of its past four meetings with the Packers, who had beaten the Bears 11 straight times from 2019-24.

3 weeks ago in IL State News, National, Sports

White Sox look to bounce back after 2 straight losses to Guardians at home in ALDS

The White Sox are going to a winner-take-all finale in their AL Division Series against Cleveland after a pair of disappointing defeats

3 weeks ago in IL State News, Local, National, Sports

Mike Ditka, the quintessential Chicago Bear, dies at 86

Ditka's family announced the death on Friday in a statement.

3 weeks ago in History, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, Route 66 100th Anniversary Guide

Still more to learn about the Mother Road

The Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference is in Springfield.

3 weeks ago in Health & Wellness, IL State News, Local, National

First suicide memorial by a US archdiocese signals a compassionate shift by the Catholic Church

The archdiocese says the “At Peace” memorial at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery is the first of its kind by any U.S. archdiocese.

3 weeks ago in National

Isaias strengthens into a dangerous Category 3 hurricane on track toward the US Gulf Coast

Isaias strengthened Friday into a major hurricane as it headed toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, where final preparations were being made for potentially life-threatening storm surges and high winds.

3 weeks ago in Sports

Bucks entering uncertain new era as they adjust to life without Giannis Antetokounmpo

Tyler Herro understands the skepticism surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks now that they've traded away Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP who led the franchise to its first title in half a century.

3 weeks ago in Entertainment, Music

Linkin Park documentary ‘Unshatter’ tracks band’s emotional return to recording, touring

For years after the death of frontman Chester Bennington, members of Linkin Park weren't sure if the band would — or should — continue to exist. The new documentary "Linkin Park: Unshatter" takes fans inside the uncertainty, grief and creative risk behind their return, including raw footage of early recording sessions, conversations and experimentation that eventually led to Emily Armstrong joining the group.

3 weeks ago in Entertainment

Lightsaber Darth Vader used in ‘I am your father’ duel in ‘Empire Strikes Back’ goes up for auction

In July, a lightsaber with Luke Skywalker's severed hand from "The Empire Strikes Back" sold for $3.75 million at auction, the highest price ever fetched for a prop used in a "Star Wars" film according to the auction house. Now, someone can buy the saber that did the severing.

3 weeks ago in Agriculture, Business, Farm, IL State News, Local

Illinois launches low-interest grain storage loan program for farmers

The announcement comes as farmers struggle with high operating costs, tariffs and an unpredictable market.

3 weeks ago in Business, IL State News, Local

Viakable announces $55 million expansion at Illinois manufacturing facility

Company hopes to increase manufacturing capacity for country’s electrical infrastructure market.