Illinois Has Most Government Units, But Consolidation Brings Challenges

A new report says Illinois is among the most fragmented states in the nation when it comes to local government.

Tornado Watch Issued For Northern Illinois

The watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday.

1 Dead After Car Plunges Into Pond | Man Joins 'Millionaire's Club' | Stolen Holy Water Cruets: IL Weekend

Massive structure fire diverts traffic | Missing teen | Motorcyclist dies in crash with semi | "Senior assassin" brings cops to school

Man Crashes Into Bar With 3 Kids In Car | 'Senior Assassin' Lockdown | Elevator Shaft Death: IL News

Plus: Tulip fest is coming, neighbor accused of violating restraining order, more.

Man Beats Child After Potato Peeler Incident: Prosecutors | Illinois PatchPM

Missing man's body found in pond month after crash | Woman who claimed she was detained by ICE lied: Cops | Undercover cop beaten, robbed

Severe Weather To Hit As 'Summer-Like Pattern' Comes To Chicago Area

Highs in the 80s are expected during the work week, as well as periods of possibly severe storms.

Al Spears & The Hurricane Project and Downtown Charlie Brown - Concert

Two great blues bands will be featured at the Joliet Area Historical Museum's Indoor Theater on Friday, April 17th at 7pm!

Police Rescue Man From River, Student Takes State: Good News, Illinois

Enjoy our roundup of recent good news from throughout our Illinois Patch towns.

Pritzker Tells Voters To Push ICE Agents 'Out Of The Way' At Polls: IL Gubernatorial Election 2026

Republican candidate Darren Bailey, who has yet to be endorsed by President Trump, blames his opponent for federal agents being needed.

IL Pizza Shop Named Best Hole-In-The-Wall In State

A national food publication highlighted one Illinois pizzeria for its creative pies, standout crust and neighborhood charm.

Arrest Made In Murder, Disappearance Of 13-Year-Old Boy | Illinois PatchPM

4 sought in beating death of ex-high school wrestler | Child molester wants sentence changed for new crime | Police fatally shoot man

ISP Breaks Ground On $8.9M Canine Training Facility

The project consists of constructing two new buildings with upgraded kennels, training areas and office space.

Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan's Attorneys To Make Case In Appeal Of Conviction

Madigan, who turns 84 later this month, reported to a minimum-security prison camp in Morgantown, West Virginia, in October 2025.

Crane In The Tallgrass, Holy Week And High Above The River: IL In Photos

This week's photo roundup from across Illinois.

Stormy Weather On The Way To Chicago Area As Warmer Temps Return

Here's when severe weather could hit and how likely it is, according to the National Weather Service.

Charges Brought In 13-Year-Old's Killing A Decade After Child's Death: Reports

Robert Bee Jr. was last seen in November 2016.

Fired Fast-Food Worker Returned Uniforms With Human, Dog Feces: Cops | Illinois PatchPM

Man recorded students in bathroom, cops say | 30 gallons of bleach leak from semi | Report of van chasing girl refuted by cops

When Hummingbirds Return To Illinois And What To Do To Attract Them

Illinoisans are starting to see hummingbirds pop up in their communities as they travel north from their winter breeding grounds.

Massive Bread Recall Hits IL: Here's Why, What To Know

The recall involves bread sold in Illinois that may contain "metal fragments."

3 Dead In House Explosion | Illinois PatchPM

Pregnant woman kills boyfriend, claims self-defense | Man wanted on ICE warrant jumps into river | McMichael diagnosed with CTE after death

Pritzker Calls For Trump's Removal Over 'Whole Civilization Will Die Tonight' Post Regarding Iran

President Donald Trump said "one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World" will occur Tuesday night.

3 Dead In IL House Explosion: Authorities

A fourth person suffered significant burns and multiple others escaped unharmed.

Pans Sold By Costco 'Forcefully Eject' Hot Metal: What IL Shoppers Should Know

The recalled pans were also sold online by Amazon and Walmart.

New Data On Fatal Illinois Traffic Crashes Released By Feds

Traffic crash deaths fell in the U.S. in 2025. Find out if Illinois's traffic fatalities reflected the nationwide decrease.

IL Farmers Market Guide 2026: Where To Go, What To Know

Check out our annual guide to area farmers markets throughout Chicagoland.

Decomposing Body Found, Son Detained After Standoff | Horse Swept Away In Flood | Gas Giveaway: IL Weekend

Plus: Lightning strike causes house fire | Driver shoots self after crash | 100 Years of Route 66 | Body found in pond |

Chilly Start To Week Before Milder Temperatures Return To Chicago Area

Temps will be chilly on Monday and Tuesday, before weather turns more mild and rainy.

Ex-Prosecutor Vowed To Put Kids In Woodchipper | Holocaust Survivor's Legacy | PTO Mom Charged: IL News

Plus: Woman accused of swindling Ukraine supporters, IL man's body not ID'd "for 15 agonizing days."

Fugitive Charged With Child Rape Found Hiding In IL | Illinois PatchPM

Woman accused of dousing man in gasoline over other woman | Measles at O'Hare |

5 IL Employers Make Fortune's Best Companies To Work For 2026 List

This year's rankings were based on feedback from more than 1.3 million employees nationwide.

See Lyrid Meteors, Comets In IL In April: Best Times To Watch

The skies over Illinois will be lit up with a variety of astronomical phenomena in April.

Sunset Reflection, No Kings Rally And Spring With A Touch Of Winter: IL In Photos

This week's photo roundup from across Illinois.

Tornado Watch Issued For Parts Of Chicago Area

The main threats with the storms will be damaging wind and hail, as well as tornadoes.

Outdoor Rooftop Concert featuring the South Side Exiles

The South Side Exiles play on the Joliet Museum's Outdoor Rooftop Music Series Friday, May 15th at 7pm (doors open at 6:15pm)!

8 April Events That Are Practically A Rite Of Spring In Chicagoland

From the return of baseball and farmers markets, to outside concerts and art fairs, it will be a busy spring in Chicago and the suburbs.

Tornado, Wind And Hail Threat With Possible Severe Storms Thursday For Chicago Area

The severe threat is mainly for the afternoon and evening hours on Thursday.

Worker Killed When Crane Drops Metal Spool | Illinois PatchPM

Barricaded suspect dies; family retains attorney | Upskirt video arrest | Conviction upheld for ex-DCFS worker in AJ Freund death

Some Blame Taxes As Illinois Grows On Paper But Loses Residents

Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities losing residents.

Another Round Of Storms Possible Tuesday Afternoon, Evening

Storms are expected between 3 and 8 p.m. Tuesday.

E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Cheddar Cheese: What IL Consumers Should Know

At least nine people have fallen ill, more than half of whom were children under 5, according to authorities.