Local Business
05/14/2026 · Itasca
Illinois State Parks Shatter Records with 41M Visitors in 2024
Illinois state parks and historic sites welcomed over 41 million visitors in 2024, the highest in nearly 15 years, fueled by major upgrades and trail improvements. Starved Rock led with 2.4 million guests, as spring 2026 data hints at another blockbuster year. Gov. JB Pritzker credits investments for the tourism surge.
Illinois Tech Expands Chicago HQ, Adds 500 Software Jobs
A leading Illinois technology firm is doubling down on Chicago with a major headquarters expansion, creating 500 new software development positions. The move bolsters the city's booming tech ecosystem amid recent high-profile job announcements from IBM and Mars. Local leaders hail it as a win for Illinois' economic future.
05/14/2026
Chicago Real Estate Market Surges Into Spring With Double-Digit Sales Growth
Chicago's residential real estate market is shaking off years of sluggish activity, with home sales jumping into double digits this spring as falling mortgage rates and rising inventory finally give buyers breathing room. The surge marks the most significant shift in the local housing market since the Federal Reserve began easing rates, signaling a broader recovery across Illinois after years of suppressed demand.
05/14/2026
Joliet Greenlights $20B Data Center, Illinois' Largest on 795 Acres
Joliet city leaders have approved the first major step for a colossal $20 billion data center campus on 795 acres of farmland, poised to become the biggest in Illinois. The project promises thousands of construction jobs but sparks debate over water, power demands and permanent employment. As AI booms, this Chicago suburb bets big on tech infrastructure.
05/14/2026
Mascoutah Plant Roars Back: Boeing Workers End 101-Day Strike
After rejecting four contract offers over three months, 3,200 machinists at Boeing's Illinois and Missouri facilities secured a 24% wage increase and $6,000 signing bonus, ending a strike that halted fighter jet production. Workers at the Mascoutah plant resumed operations in mid-November 2025, rebuilding the F-15, F/A-18, and other advanced military aircraft.
05/14/2026
Illinois drivers reeling as Chicago gas hits $6.29, outpacing nation by 50 cents
Gas prices in Chicago have surged past $6 a gallon at some pumps, with Illinois averaging $4.93—nearly 50 cents above the national average of $4.45. The spike, driven by the U.S.-Iran war and local refinery disruptions, marks the highest prices seen in four years, leaving motorists scrambling to manage fuel costs.
05/14/2026
Lisle's Bigger French Market Blooms in New Downtown Spot
The beloved Lisle French Market has relocated to a prime downtown location, expanding its footprint to draw more vendors and shoppers. Now nestled near the Metra parking lot, this Saturday staple promises fresh produce, artisan goods and European flair through late October. Illinois foodies, mark your calendars for a taste of village vitality.
05/14/2026
United Cuts 100+ O'Hare Flights Daily Amid FAA Summer Cap
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport faces a slimmer summer flight schedule as United Airlines slashes over 100 daily departures to comply with a federal mandate aimed at curbing delays. The reductions, tied to ongoing construction and airline growth, preserve peak travel times but signal challenges for Illinois travelers and the region's economy. With the cap starting June 2, passengers are urged to check bookings amid the nation's busiest hub's constraints.
05/14/2026