Will Mike Madigan Raise Your Taxes Again?

Gov. Rauner has planted a flag on behalf of a beleaguered state. It reads: “No longer.” What will happen next? John Tillman comments.

Why the Pain of an Illinois Government Shutdown is Needed

Sometimes it takes pain to bring about change.

Do Minions Happy Meal Toys Curse?

WTF? Some parents say they clearly hear F-bombs coming from the little potty mouths.

Chicago Magazine Marks 20th Anniversary of Killer Heat Wave

Chicago magazine reporter Mike Thomas offers an oral history of three hellish days in July 1995 when 739 Chicagoans died from heat.

The New Colony Presents STANLEY IN THE NAME OF LOVE

July 30 – August 29, 2015 at The Den Theatre

10 Really Cool Pieces of Street Art You Can Find in Illinois

You have to check out these awesome pieces of street art.

GM Recalls 196K Hummers; Faulty Fans May Cause Fires

The automaker said the faulty parts will be replaced at no cost to the owner.

FBI Looks for Young Victims in International Sexual Exploitation Case

VIDEO: A young woman shares her story of "sextortion" as a teen victim of Lucas Chansler. The FBI has released the screen names he used.

1st Birthday Expo @ Free Range Office

Join us for Chicago's inaugural 1st Birthday Expo at Free Range Office!

Watch out, Illinois: Tax hikes are coming for you

Even Netflix and Spotify aren’t safe from the impending flood

BeHealthful Retreat & Conference Hybrid Returns to Chicago this September 27 at Zhou B Art Center

BalancedBabe.com has announced the return of their annual wellness retreat presented by Jewel Osco, BeHealthful, on September 27.

Singer/Songwriter Sami Grisafe Performing at Chicago's House of Blues

Concert: Singer/Songwriter Sami Grisafe, Performing House of Blues Chicago, LGBT

Attorney General and Comptroller Go to Court Over State Paychecks

The longer Illinois goes without a budget, the murkier things look for state employees.

Become a Global Family with AFS-USA!

Do you love to travel? Hosting an AFS exchange student is a great way to learn about another culture right in your own home.

Day 6: Who's to Blame for the Illinois State Budget Stalemate?

“As Hinz pointed out, ‘reasonable’ people could get this all figured out in a couple of hours. In Illinois, it might take all summer.”

Photos: Grateful Dead a Celebration of Life in Harmony for Chicago

Check out your Grateful Dead Soldier Field concerts photos from Instagram and Twitter.

Serial Stowaway Busted Again and Again / Pope's Blood Stolen / Tea Party's Islam Info Chat Shut Down / Hospital Sued Over Boy's Brain Damage

If you miss a day, you miss a lot. Let’s catch up on some of the most-viewed posts across the Patch Chicago network this week.

About Face Youth Theatre Presents 15 BREATHS

July 23 – August 7, 2015 at Greenhouse Theater Center and Night Out In The Parks

Illinois is the fifth-best state to make a living

Based on cost of living, taxes and average income, Illinois is one of the best places to manage a household

Serial Stowaway Marilyn Hartman Arrested at Midway and O'Hare Again

She was caught at Midway on Friday and O'Hare on Saturday. She got out of jail on Thursday.

Illinoisans Love to Binge Drink: Report

State ranks among top 5 in nation, in percentage of residents who are most likely to binge drink.

'Darling' of a Day / Cops Become Kids' Heroes / A Blackhawk's Beer / One Lucky Postal Worker

And more Chicago-area stories on Patch that will lift your spirits and make you smile.

All American Dogs Celebrate the 4th

Dog tricks the All-American way!

World War II Veterans Sought for Honor Flights

Friends, family—Honor Flight Chicago needs your help connecting them with WWII vets.

31 Illinois sites to take you back to yesteryear

As you look back at the birth of the nation, why not take a look back at historic sites in our state

Will Same-Sex Marriage be a Boost to the Wedding Business?

Did the Supreme Court save the livelihoods of wedding workers?

Hell in a Handbag Presents BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS

July 17 – August 21, 2015 at Mary’s Attic

Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers CLLAW XXII Match

Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Logan Square Auditorium

Kokandy Productions Presents LOVING REPEATING

July 18 – August 30, 2015 at Theater Wit

Illinois' Fourth of July celebration checklist

These maps show how Illinoisans could be commemorating Independence Day

Chicago on Alert for All Manner of Violence this Fourth of July Weekend

Whether it's terrorism or murderous thugs, Chicago cops and federal authorities are on watch.

Your Independence Day Weekend Weather, Chicago

We’ve got the weather details for the next few days.

MAK's Fourth of July Al Fresco Dining

Featuring an assortment of Asian craft beers.

Fourth of July Dog Party at Lottie's with the 1Fur1 Foundation

Benefitting the Veterans Service Dog Program

Chicago Residents To Get Hit With 9 Percent 'Netflix' Tax

City's finance department spreads taxing power movies, music and other services streamed digitally.

Watch for Fourth of July Weekend Tollway Construction

Look out for these Chicago-area highway construction spots during your holiday travels.

1st Annual Artfest Michigan Avenue

The 1st annual artfest Michigan Avenue arrives in downtown Chicago

7 troublesome situations you could find yourself in during the Illinois government shutdown

Even though politicians have been fighting about the state budget for weeks, everyday Illinoisans end up bearing the brunt of the shutdown.

Swedish furniture, time travel and guilt take the stage in Loopshop 8

Loopshop 8 kicks off Strangeloop‘s eighth season with an array of bite-sized plays on topics ranging from Swedish furniture to time travel.

Declaring our independence from pain

Can we be free of pain?