Illinois Year In Review: 2017's Top Stories

It's almost a wrap on 2017, and there were no shortage of big stories, newsmakers and historic events, both nationwide and here in Illinois. It was one for the record books, a year full of political divisiveness as President Donald J. Trump took office, sparking support as well as protests across the country and right in our backyard.

Here's a look at 2017's top stories for Illinois:

Women's March On Chicago

President Donald Trump's inauguration day sparked demonstrations in Illinois last January, and about a week later, his immigration ban caused a dozen people to be detained at O'Hare airport, drawing an "emergency protest" as demonstrators refused to leave until the detainees were released. But the march saw the largest crowd this year as 250,000 people descended on Chicago: "We will mobilize as women and supporters of women to protect our rights and civil liberties," the Women's March on Chicago Facebook page states. "We stand in solidarity with other women's marches planned across the country and the world on January 21. WE WILL BE SEEN AND HEARD by the new administration."

Chance The Rapper's Big Gift

The South Side native made a big donation to Chicago Public Schools in March. It was a banner year for the rapper, who also appeared alongside Obama and Prince Harry at a summit for the Obama Foundation and won big at the Grammys this year.

Cubs Start The Season As World Series Champs

Much to the delight of their die-hard fans, the Chicago Cubs got to do something they hadn't done in more than a century in 2017: Defend a World Series championship. They came close to making it a two-fer, but were defeated by the Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. Even so, it was fun for fans to watch the longtime lovable losers get so close to glory for the second time this century.

United Passenger Dragged Off Plane

United Airlines drew outrage around the world after a passenger was bloodied and dragged off a plane at O'Hare International Airport in April after getting bumped from the flight. Weeks later, the passenger and the airline reached a confidential settlement.

Obama Day

Illinois lawmakers voted to make Aug. 4 — the birthday of 44th President Barack Obama — a holiday, dubbed Barack Obama Day. While nobody will get a day off work or school that day, it will be set aside to honor the former president, Illinois senator and community organizer. The vote came months after Obama gave a moving farewell speech in Chicago before leaving the White House.

Missing Scholar Mystery

In June, Chinese visiting scholar Yingying Zhang vanished from the University of Illinois. She's never been found, although a Champaign man stands accused in her kidnapping and the FBI says they believe she is dead.

Beecher Family Tragedy

A pregnant young mother and her three toddlers died within days of a tragic Will County crash that occurred as the family was driving to a nearby church. The crash claimed Lindsey Schmidt, 29, and sons Owen, 6; Weston, 4; and Kaleb, 18 months. A fundraiser was established for the Schmidt family, and a suburban man was charged with 16 counts of reckless homicide in the deaths of the mother and children.

Total Eclipse in Illinois

Carbondale, Illinois, saw the totality of the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, meaning the sun was virtually blotted out for several minutes. Thousands headed to Southern Illinois University and spots near St. Louis to watch the event, which brought Chicago weatherman Tom Skilling to tears as he described it as "life changing." A viewing party at Chicago's Adler Planetarium also drew hundreds of sky-watchers.

Also read:

• 25 New Illinois Laws in 2018 That Could Change Your Life
  
• Year In Review: Trump's 5 Biggest Clashes With Chicago In 2017
  
• A Year Of Trump: Most Notable Stories of 2017
  
• Stealing Jesus, Warming Others, Marching On: Best Of Patch 2017