Memories of Cubs World Series / Aretha Franklin Rescued / '2 Broke Girls' Accent / Jennifer Hudson Sings

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

How Far Does $100 Go in Illinois?

Learn the real value of a dollar in the Land of Lincoln.

'Festa Italiana' Returns to the Suburbs on Sunday, July 19

Food, family fun and entertainment in the second year of this new festival in Mokena.

Sparks fly! Minute to win it! Stories in the sun!

It's Week 6 of the Thomas Ford Library Summer Reading Programs!

14 Things You Need to Know about Rauner's New Pension Reform Bill

What’s in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s new Illinois pension reform bill?

GM Recalls 780K SUVs with Lift Gate Defects Linked to 36 Injuries

Friday’s recall is the second this week. Earlier, the automaker recalled 760K Hummers with potential fire hazards.

La Grange Endless Summer Fest inserts humans into a table game

Three day celebration will include human foosball, not just two people moving the bars.

These are the 25 Best-Rated Beers Brewed in Illinois

Chicago is the epicenter of Illinois' craft beer industry.

Free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven

Stop in from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and grab your free Slurpee on Saturday, July 11.

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.

La Grange Park mother gets support at Hinsdale breast feeding center

Consultants help new moms overcome obstacles while they encourage each other.

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.

New Chequers of La Grange Cordon Bleu chef puts personal touch on new menu

David Humphrey wants to make restaurant for all in the area and beyond

Winfield Historical Society Hosts 32nd Annual Winfield Run for History 5K/10K Race

Winfield Run for History race benefits the Winfield Historical Society whose mission is to preserve the heritage of the community.

Sold! Home Sales Around Western Springs

Check the sale prices of recently purchased homes.

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

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

Burglar steals eight rolls of copper wire from church

In three incidents of theft in Western Springs, none of the items were secured.

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.

Man Accused of Head-Butting Metra Conductor Over Request for Train Fare

The conductor's nose was broken during the incident.

La Grange citizen petitions village for craft breweries, distilleries

Online petitioner wants zoning laws eased to draw younger people to town.

Watch out, Illinois: Tax hikes are coming for you

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

Local Jobs: Motorcycle apparel, property management, McDonalds and more

Patch’s jobs board makes it easy for job-hunters and employers to search for and post local, regional and national jobs.

Prices Going Up At Starbucks

Starbucks announced it is raising its prices starting Tuesday. Coffee items will increase from 5 to 20 cents, according to reports.

Attorney General and Comptroller Go to Court Over State Paychecks

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

La Grange Craft Show offers unique creations

Village adds some new features to 41st annual festival Saturday and Sunday in downtown La Grange.

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.”

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.

How a New York Disaster Touched Western Springs

En route to a European vacation, a Western Springs man had the misfortune to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

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

Western Springs Police Reports: Warrant Arrest, Theft

Western Springs Police Department provided crime and arrest information through June 29.

Makers, Picasso at the Nanoscale and Zoo-to-You!

It's Week 5 of the Thomas Ford Library Summer Reading Programs!

Foreclosures in Western Springs and La Grange

Find local real estate information on Patch.

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.

'Threat to Society' Fireworks Seized from Pop-Up Tent

Man arrested and accused of selling illegal fireworks.

World War II Veterans Sought for Honor Flights

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