Illinois quick hits: Illinois lottery player wins $536 million

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Litchfield Park-Graphic Logo.4

District Switches Internet Provider to CTI

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | Sept. 3, 2025 Article Summary: The Park District is upgrading its internet service at two key facilities, replacing Consolidated Communications with CTI. Internet Upgrade...
Litchfield Logo Graphic.3

Council Awards Contract for Skyview Drive Improvements

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Sept. 18, 2025 Article Summary: Baxmeyer Construction was awarded a nearly $2 million contract for road improvements on Skyview Drive. The project, largely funded by...
Litchfield Park Logo Graphic.3

Lentz Excavating Recommended for Trail Rip Rap Project

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | Sept. 3, 2025 Article Summary: The Park Board identified Lentz Excavating & Trucking as the low bidder for a project to install rip rap...
Litchfield Logo.1

Litchfield Upgrades Water Main Project on State Street Following Resident Concerns

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Sept. 18, 2025 Article Summary: The City Council approved a nearly $100,000 change order to upgrade a water main project on State Street from 8-inch...
Litchfield Park-Graphic Logo.4

Park District Secures $10,000 Grant for Concession Stand Project

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | Sept. 3, 2025 Article Summary: The Park District received substantial funding from the Duff Trust to purchase equipment for the new concession stand, which...
Litchfield Logo Graphic.4

Litchfield City Council Re-establishes Local Grocery Tax to Preserve Revenue

Litchfield City Council Meeting | Sept. 18, 2025 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council voted to implement a 1% municipal grocery tax, effectively continuing a revenue stream that the state...
Litchfield Park-Pool Graphic Logo

Pool Deficit Hits Nearly $25,000 as Summer Season Ends

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | Sept. 3, 2025 Article Summary: The Litchfield Park District pool ended August with a significant financial deficit due to a combination of poor weather,...