Lifestyle

Medieval-style Pratt’s Castle featured at this year’s Historic Elgin House Tour

The first floor of Pratt's Castle, built in 1937, will be open to tour-goers during Elgin's 44th annual Historic House Tour on Sept. 12-13. It features medieval artifacts, armor, and a moat surrounding the 50-foot tower.

Flower power: Big rose sculptures sprout in Rosemont

Want to go apple-picking? Some Illinois orchards might not open after several spring frosts killed crops.

When does substance use become substance use disorder?

Humanity endures: Marriott’s ‘Come From Away’ a testament to compassion, kindness

Wheeling pet care business halts van service following dog’s death

The husband-and-wife team of Heather Bublick and D’Andre Carter at their restaurant, Soul & Smoke, located at 1601 Payne St. in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Soul & Smoke opens flagship with acclaimed barbecue and new fine dining dishes

Soul and Smoke, best known for its critically acclaimed American soul food and barbecue, has finally opened a long-awaited flagship in Evanston, inspired by roots in the South Side and, perhaps more surprisingly, molecular gastronomy.

VASA Fitness is moving into a shopping center anchored by Kohl’s in Mount Prospect. (Steve Zalusky/Daily Herald)

VASA Fitness bringing its 11th Illinois club to Mount Prospect

A national fitness club is moving into Mount Prospect’s south side, promising an innovative and affordable place to work out.

Illinois’ medical aid in dying law was named after Deb Robertson of Lombard, shown here in 2025, who advocated for the law while battling a rare form of cancer. The law is facing legal challenges in two federal courtrooms. (Brian Hill/Daily Herald)

Judge weighing arguments to halt Illinois’ ‘medical aid in dying’ law ahead of Sept. 12 start

Illinois is set to become the first Midwestern state to allow terminally ill adults to take life-ending medication prescribed by physicians when the law goes into effect ...

Citadel Theatre stages Jonathan Spector’s social satire “Eureka Day,” starring from left, Ethan Check, Carmen Liao, Steve McDonagh, Alexis Primus, Jennifer Rufner. (North Shore Camera Club)

Spotlight: Citadel stages ‘Eureka Day,’ Metropolis revives ‘Ride the Cyclone’

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre revives the darkly comic musical “Ride the Cyclone;” Citadel Theatre revives “Eureka Day,” an incisive satire on wokeness; Chicago Shakespeare Theatre pairs Duke Ellington with William Shakespeare and Lifeline Theatre adapts a young adult classic this week in Chicago area theater.