Illinois quick hits: Illinois lottery player wins $536 million

March 18, 2026/Newspaper Staff/

By The Center Square
The Center Square

Illinois lottery player wins $536 million

An Illinois lottery player won $536 million in the Mega Millions jackpot.

The winner, who chose to remain anonymous under the nickname “Lucky Lady,” bought her ticket online through the Illinois Lottery’s iLottery platform, the first Mega Millions jackpot to be claimed in 2026 and the second-largest prize ever won by an online player in the U.S.

Chicago restaurants among best after-midnight food spots

Two restaurants in Chicago are getting accolades as the best after-midnight food spot.

ACE.com surveyed more than 3,000 self-identified “night owls” about the best places in the country to eat when everything else is closed.

Griddle 24 in Chicago was the best in the state, ranking No. 23 nationwide. White Palace Grill in Chicago ranked No. 42 nationally.

Manufacturing Excellence Award nominations sought

Nominations for the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards are open until April 9.

IMEC in association with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, announced the categories of Economic Development Partner of the Year, Educator of the Year and more. Nominations are accepted online at IMA-net.org.

Finalists will be recognized June 25 in Lombard.

Latest News Stories

M.A.K.E.-I.T. Program Hits Capacity, Announces “Diggin’ It” Summer Theme

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary:The Litchfield School District’s M.A.K.E.-I.T. program reported a successful end to the calendar year with enrollment at full capacity and a...

Pana Community Hospital Hosting Interactive Protein and Heart Health Class

Article Summary: LiveWell at Pana Community Hospital will host an educational and hands-on cooking workshop focused on protein and heart health in mid-February. Protein Health Class Key Points: The class...

City Approves 24-Hour Ice Vending Machine and Kayak Kiosk for Lake Lou Yaeger

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: To improve visitor amenities and operational efficiency, the Litchfield City Council approved the purchase of a self-serve ice vending machine...

Emergency Funds Authorized for Middle School/High School Water Heater Replacement

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education authorized the use of Health Life Safety funds to replace a failed water heater at the...

City Updates School Resource Officer Agreement to Comply with New State Laws

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Litchfield School District to align with new...

Board Updates School Resource Officer Agreement to Comply with State Law

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Litchfield regarding the School Resource Officer...

Extension to Host “Smart Snacking” Class at JCH Wellness Center

Article Summary: Local Extension services are partnering with the JCH Wellness Center to host a workshop on Friday, Jan. 30, focused on healthy snacking habits and preparation. Smart Snacking Class...

Water Quality Returning to Normal Following Chlorine Maintenance

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: A representative from CMP reported that the city’s water treatment process has returned to using chloramines, resolving the temporary "chlorine...

Report Warns of “Credible Risk” of Power Shortages in Ameren Territory by 2031

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Montgomery County Coordinating Committee reviewed a state-mandated report warning of electricity shortages starting later this decade. The shortages are driven by rapid data...

Litchfield Board Approves 2026-2027 Calendar, Opts to Hold School on Casimir Pulaski Day

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education on Tuesday approved a new school calendar that includes...

Highway Department to Purchase Two Trucks for $615,000

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: Committees approved the purchase of two new Western Star tandem dump trucks for the Highway Department to replace aging vehicles. The total cost for...

Council Rejects Sale of American Legion Building, Plans Future Improvements

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council voted unanimously against declaring the American Legion building as surplus property, effectively halting plans to sell...

County Advances Solar Agreement Benefiting Litchfield SCI Center

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Development and Personnel Committee recommended approval of a Community Benefits Agreement with Summit Ridge Energy. The deal includes a direct financial donation to...

Finance Committee Recommends $30,000 for Fairgrounds Electrical Upgrades

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee voted to recommend a $30,000 donation to the Montgomery County Fair Board to assist with critical electrical...

IL Republicans call for growing tax base, not raising taxes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Statehouse Republicans say it is time for Illinois Democrats to focus on growing the tax base instead...

« Previous
1
…
35
36
37
38
39
…
56
Next »