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

Litchfield City Council Switches Employee Health Insurance to United Healthcare, Secures Projected 13 Percent Savings

Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, approved a switch to United Healthcare for city employee health insurance,...

solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Montgomery County Prepares for Solar Ordinance Changes, Hires Tax Consultant for Renewable Energy Credits

Montgomery County Board Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board is taking steps to align its local zoning ordinances with the state's new Energy Omnibus bill...

New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly Stays Undefeated With 13-2 Win Over Litchfield

The New Berlin/Franklin/Waverly varsity baseball team kept its perfect season alive on Thursday afternoon, rolling to a commanding 13-2 home victory over non-conference opponent Litchfield. Continuing their dominant start to...

Park District Secures $12,000 for Memorial Pool Diving Board, Pursues $52,000 Restroom Grant

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | March 4, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Park District is advancing multiple facility upgrades, recently receiving a $12,000 grant from the Corwin Fund for...

Litchfield Overwhelms Lanphier 15-0 Behind Explosive Offense and Combined Shutout

The Litchfield varsity baseball team delivered a masterclass on both sides of the diamond Wednesday, rolling to a 15-0 road victory over Lanphier in a five-inning non-conference clash. Capitalizing on...

Litchfield Women Capture Title, Men Take Second at North Mac Outdoor Meet

The Litchfield track and field program showcased its depth and talent on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, as both the men's and women's teams delivered standout performances at the first North...

Collinsville Walks Off Litchfield 7-6 in Seventh-Inning Thriller

The Collinsville varsity softball team treated their home crowd to a dramatic finish on Wednesday, securing a 7-6 walk-off victory over non-conference visitor Litchfield. After watching a mid-game lead evaporate...

New Litchfield Police Chief Sworn In as Fire Department Lauded for Containing Massive Bowling Alley Blaze

Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council on Thursday, March 19, 2026, officially swore in Robert L. Carpenter as the city's new Chief...

Montgomery County Board Approves $300,000 Highway Truck Loan, Allocates Coal Funds for Upgrades

Montgomery County Board Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board authorized multiple expenditures from its Coal Royalty Fund, including a $300,000 internal loan to the Highway...

Photo courtesy of Litchfield Fire Department

Litchfield Firefighters Save Residence After Intense Camper Fire Threatens Nearby Structures

Article Summary: Fire crews successfully contained a camper fire on North Brown Street on March 2, preventing the blaze from consuming an adjacent residential trailer and detached garage despite moderate...

Litchfield Firefighters Extinguish Out-of-Control Kitchen Fire at Kirk Drive Apartment Complex

Article Summary: Litchfield fire crews and police officers collaborated early Monday morning to contain a kitchen fire that had spread to the ceiling of an apartment building, preventing further extension...

White House calls on Pritzker to cooperate with ICE

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The White House called on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday to cooperate with immigration enforcement, after the killing of a student in Chicago. White...

Montgomery County Board Approves 54 Percent Salary Benchmark for Elected Officials After Debate

Montgomery County Board Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board formally established the upcoming compensation rates for three elected official positions, passing resolutions that peg the...

Litchfield Park District Finalizes 2026 Summer Concert Lineup, Plans ‘Celebrate Walton Park’ Event

Litchfield Park District Board Meeting | March 4, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Park District Board solidified its upcoming recreational schedule, confirming the full lineup and sponsors for the 2026...

DHS pushes back on Minnesota lawsuit over Metro Surge shootings

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is defending federal agents’ actions in three Minnesota shootings while pushing back on claims of “unprecedented noncooperation” raised in...

« Previous
1
…
6
7
8
9
10
…
54
Next »