Patch asked readers what they hate to see in their candy bags during Halloween. Here's what they said.
Updated Halloween forecast | Reckless homicide charge in 911 dispatcher's death | Hate crime arrest
This week, we're celebrating anti-hate initiatives, perfect ACT scores and other smile-inducing stories from our Illinois Patch towns.
Man beat "judgmental" neighbor with bat: cops | Fixed $17M budget error won't save school | Mom's cancer battle inspires AI detection tool
New state data shows gains in reading and math proficiency, a record graduation rate and changes in how state public schools are evaluated.
Should you bring an umbrella when heading out to trick or treat?
PLUS: Red Bull heist, charges filed after Halloween costume gun discharges, Bears stadium deal near.
Is it legal to leave your children home alone in Illinois? Here's what state law says.
The invasive brown marmorated stink bug is a serious agricultural pest.
“Illinois residents should rest assured that we are focused on facilitating—not limiting—their access to the ballot box,” Kwame Raoul said.
This week's photo roundup from across Illinois.
He breached the perimeter fence in his prison uniform on Sunday and has been on the lam ever since, authorities said.
Fugitive killer's stolen truck found in IL | Bystanders rescue driver from fiery crash | School board member charged with $1.3M fraud
The lawsuit accuses the chain of routinely charging more at the register than the prices shown on its shelves, price tags and ads.
About 11 percent of the state's registered voters have cast an early or mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election.
Four hospitals in Illinois ranked among the top 100 in the country.
More than 1,300 cases of the plant-based butter sold at Illinois Jewel, Whole Foods and Meijer stores were recalled.
The former Chicago alderman and Republican candidate is challenging incumbent Kwame Raoul in the Nov. 3 election.
He should be considered dangerous, according to authorities, who warned that people should not attempt to apprehend him.
FBI agent fatally shoots man | Free Powerball tickets up for grabs as jackpot hits $716M | "Disgruntled" ex-employee accused in burglaries
The 2026 midterm elections are on Nov. 3, and Illinois voters will find more than just candidates in the big races on their ballots.
The advisory questions would gauge support for separation. Creating a new state would require approval from Illinois lawmakers and Congress.
Many of the more than 4.3 million tubes recalled were marketed for children.
The student was surprised on the dorm's lower level by an unknown assailant wearing a ski mask and eye covering, according to authorities.
As the trooper opened the driver’s side door to get out, a box truck that had failed to move over hit the door of the squad, police said.
The man's mom said FBI agents asked if her son had “problems with the government” taking computers and Morton salt from home, reports said.
Will it stay dry for candy seekers? Plus, a look at the warmest Halloween on record in Illinois.
2 fatally shot in moving car | Firefighter dies during training | Woman missing 5 days | Canary in the cold | Priest cleared of sex abuse
See what the change means for when the sun will rise and set for Illinoisans.
'Suspicious envelopes' sent to lawmakers | Sheriff hopeful harassment allegation | Asset transfers restricted after fatal boat crash
76 dogs seized, man charged | Hate crime death threat aimed at keeping minorities from buying home: Cops | 2nd frat party assault allegation
Also: when will Chicago's first freeze of the season happen?
Enjoy the stories that made us smile in this week's Good News, Illinois roundup.
Democratic Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and former Republican Party chair Don Tracy have two very different visions for the future.
Reckless homicide charge in 12-year-old bicyclist's death | Banquet hall owner charged with child porn | $1.8 million lottery winner
Which Halloween candy goes straight into the garbage every year for you?
Here's what Illinoisans are hoping to get in their candy bags this Halloween.
The life-changing $1.8 million win is the second largest prize this year. The Illinois Lottery winner has one year to collect their prize.
The 2027 rankings evaluate math and reading achievement at public middle schools across Illinois. See the top 25.