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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Products from Taiwan Feed Visitors' Need for Fun @ Taste of Chicago

Taiwan Excellence to offer free, interactive activities + display exciting range of award winning consumer products @ premiere US food fest

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 find freedom from pain?

Chicago Cubs Hiring for Positions in Chicago, Arizona

Want to work for the Chicago Cubs? Now might be your chance.

FAIRMONT CHICAGO, MILLENNIUM PARK ANNOUNCES HIT JAZZ SERIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SMOOTHCHICAGO

SEVERAL SMOOTH JAZZ AND FUNK ACTS TEMPORARILY TRANSFORM THE LUXURY HOTEL’S SHOWROOM INTO CHICAGO’S HOME FOR LIVE JAZZ.

Report: Illinois suffered largest population drop in U.S.

How many Illinoisans left and where did they go?

Teen Drinkers Totally Trash Man's House / Charlie Sheen Hates on Illinois Town / Widow Sues Because Drunk Husband Froze to Death / Wedding Errands Lead to Lottery Win

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.

Illinois Sets Record for Wettest June

So far, 8.91 inches of rain has fallen. And we've still got two more days of storms to go.

#ChicagoPride Photos: 1 Million People Celebrate as History is Made

The Stanley Cup, rainbow Jesus, the mayor, the Wienermobile, #LoveWins and more at the 2015 Chicago Pride Parade.

How to Find a Local Pet Sitter Who Won't Kick Your Dog

Your pooch is part of the family, and you can't trust just anyone to take care of your furry pal. Here are some tips.

Gay Couple Booted Out of Chicago Cab on Historic Day

The driver didn't like that the two men were holding hands, so he cancelled the fare, left them in the rain and drove away.

Top 10 Illinois Cities with the Biggest Change in Violent Crime

The top 10 cities with the biggest decrease in violent crime, as well as the 10 with the largest increase between 2012 and 2013.

Thousands of Job Openings Posted in Illinois This Week

Check the Patch jobs board for the newest listings.

Thousands of Job Openings Posted in Illinois This Week

Check the Patch jobs board for the newest listings.

Illinois' May Unemployment Rates by City, County and Metro Area

See how your town’s jobless picture compares to one year ago.

Massage Envy Spa Introduces Summer Glow Skincare Event July 5-August 2, 2015

Massage Envy Spa, the nations’ pioneer and largest massage therapy provider, is pleased to announce today the new Summer Glow Skincare Event

New Baby Penguin at the Shedd Aquarium

Awwww. Check out this video of exam time for the fuzzy little rockhopper penguin.

Oldest Freshwater Sailing Race to Set Sail from Chicago July 11th for The Chicago Yacht Club's 107th Race to Mackinac Sponsored by Wintrust

The Chicago Yacht Club’s 107th Race to Mackinac

Rauner signs off on school funding, but will it break the budget stalemate?

This might be a sign of easing tensions, but Statehouse officials aren’t getting out of the trenches yet.

Funniest High School Graduation Speech of 2015

Arman Khagani drops truth bombs and raises laughter at Walter Payton College Prep commencement ceremony in Chicago.