How Patriotic Is IL? 4th Of July Ranking About More Than Flag-Waving

To rank the states, the personal finance website WalletHub compared data across 18 key measures of patriotism.

4th Of July 2024 Fireworks Laws: What’s Legal In Illinois

In 1942, the Illinois' Pyrotechnic Use Act was passed to prohibit most fireworks in the state. Fines can range from $75 to $2,500.

Record Travel Expected For Memorial Day 2024: Here's When To Leave IL

The number of people taking road trips is projected to be 4 percent higher than last year, and 1.9 percent higher than before the pandemic.

4 IL Cities Rank Among Nation's Best To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

A major IL city landed in the top 10 on two of WalletHub's latest St. Patrick's Day rankings, with a second city securing a No. 1 ranking.

Billions Of Cicadas Could Squirt Pee At You When Insects Emerge In IL

Scientists recently revealed the bugs hold the record for strongest urine jet stream of any studied animal relative to its size.

Keith Urban Joins Headliners At 2024 Illinois State Fair

The 2024 Illinois State Fair will run from Thursday, Aug. 9, through Sunday, Aug. 18 in Springfield.

These 2 IL Restaurants Are Among America’s Most Romantic

The full list includes restaurants in 33 states and the District of Columbia.

Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit To Perform At Illinois State Fair In August

The Illinois State Fair will bring some Grammy talent to the grandstand this summer.

What IL Grocery Stores Are Open For Christmas And New Year’s?

Need last-minute ingredients for your Christmas dinner? Need last-minute libations for your New Year's party? These stores have you covered.

Take The 2023 Patch Tour o' Holiday Lights

Patch has rounded up the best residential and business holiday light displays in Chicagoland.

Christmas 2023 Shipping Deadlines Near In Illinois: What To Know

The U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS have all set deadlines for shipping presents both in the United States and internationally.

Where To Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree 2023: Illinois Tree Farms

Make some memories by cutting down your own Christmas tree. Use our guide to find a tree farm within driving distance of Chicago's suburbs.

'Urgent' Gravy Recall Issued By FDA The Day Before Thanksgiving

The FDA has issued an "urgent" recall of jarred gravy just in time for Thanksgiving. The product was sold only at Hy-Vee stores.

Post Office, FedEx, UPS Christmas Shipping Deadlines In IL

Shipping deadlines for international mail range from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15.

Thanksgiving Grocery Store Hours In IL: Jewel, Mariano's, Meijer

Some stores, including Walmart, will be closed, but here's where you can run out if you need some last-minute items.

8.8 Million Vehicles Expected On Illinois Tollway For Thanksgiving

The heaviest travel is expected on Wednesday, when nearly 1.8 million vehicles are projected to use the Tollway system.

Best Christmas Yard Displays Sought For 2023 Holiday Tour O' Lights

Do you have the best Christmas decorations in town? Send us photos and a description for Patch's 2023 holiday tour o' lights.

Major IL Retailers Closed For Thanksgiving 2023: Walmart, Target, More

From Sam's Club to Best Buy, here are the Illinois stores that are closing Thanksgiving Day and giving their employees a holiday break.

Illinois Black Friday Store Hours 2023

See when to set your alarms to make sure you wake up in time to catch those Black Friday deals in Illinois.

Vets, Military Personnel Eat Free For Veterans Day At 19 IL Eateries

Veterans Day will be commemorated on Saturday and a variety of Illinois restaurants, coffee shops, and eateries are giving away free meals.

Local Haunts: Spooky Sites In Illinois You Can Visit

From haunted mansions to prisons, upscale hotels and more, here are some of the spookiest — and allegedly most haunted — places in Illinois.

Chicago Area Haunted House Guide For Halloween 2023

Most area haunted houses are open through Halloween.

Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes Near Chicago: Fall 2023 Guide

Deciding what activities to enjoy this fall? Patch has compiled a list of pumpkin patches and corn mazes to visit in the Chicago area.

When Is The First Day Of Fall 2023? Enjoy Autumn Events In Illinois

It's almost time for fall colors, pumpkin spice and everything autumn. Here are some things to do and see in Illinois to celebrate.

31 UFO Sightings In IL So Far This Year: Find Out Where

World UFO Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday, July 2, commemorates the date of the Roswell, New Mexico crash in 1947.

Jewel, Meijer, Sam's: Memorial Day 2023 Grocery Store Hours In IL

Find out when you can pick up those last-minute barbecue staples from places including Walmart, Trader Joe's and more.

Get Ready To Splash This Summer At Illinois Water Parks

Patch has rounded up water parks from park district family aquatic centers to commercial venues in the Chicago region and beyond.

Cool Relief At Suburban Chicago Public Pools

Many area public pools offer slides, diving boards and other water features.

Celebrate These Amazing Illinois Moms This Mother's Day

Here at Patch we've launched an initiative to help recognize the awesome moms and mom figures in communities like yours. Meet them here:

Whole Foods, Meijer, Trader Joe, Walgreens Open In Illinois On Easter

Several retailers across the state will be open during normal business hours on Easter Sunday to allow shoppers access to what they need.

Antlers And Santas And Elf Hats, Oh My!: IL Patch's 2022 Holiday Pets

See Illinois Patch's bravest pets as they flaunt their festive getups for the 2022 holiday season!

Here Are The Top 10 Biggest News Stories Of 2022 In Illinois

Take a look back at some of 2022's most-read news stories from the Land of Lincoln.

Jewel, Meijer: Christmas 2022 Grocery Store Hours In Illinois

Find out when you can pick up those last-minute Christmas dinner additions from Walmart, Trader Joe's and Mariano's.

Christmas Eve 2022 Mall Hours, Last-Minute Shopping Hours In Illinois

Still not done with your holiday shopping? Here's when local malls are open for late-minute shoppers and on Christmas Eve 2022.

Share Your Favorite Holiday Photos, Memories With Illinois Patch

As Christmastime approaches, Patch wants to spotlight the holiday photos and memories that warm your heart throughout the season.

Winter Solstice Arrives In IL Wednesday, And You May See Ursid Meteors

With the arrival of the December solstice, Wednesday will be the darkest day of the year.

Where To See Santa In The Chicago Area

The holidays are almost here — and here's where you can see Santa in Illinois.

Thanksgiving Travel 2022: Best, Worst Times To Leave Chicago Area

Going somewhere for Thanksgiving? You'll probably want to hit the road soon in the Chicago area.

Jewel, Mariano's, Meijer: Thanksgiving 2022 Grocery Store Hours In IL

Here's when you can pick up those last-minute items at Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme and more local stores in Illinois.

Where To Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree 2022: Illinois Tree Farms

Make some memories by cutting down your own Christmas tree. Use our guide to find a tree farm within driving distance of Chicago's suburbs.