Cook County Lifestyle
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‘She is inspiring’: Palatine woman shares passion for Mah Jongg by teaching othersJul 30, 2026 5:59 am - Randy Thrasher, an 87-year-old retired teacher from Palatine, discovered Mah Jongg about 30 years ago as a way to keep her mind sharp after retirement. She has since taught the game to more than 600 people in the Northwest suburbs.
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Not what it once was, but still plenty of ag to show off and celebrate at Lake County FairJul 29, 2026 4:32 pm - A five-day celebration of rides, attractions, entertainment events and farming culture began Wednesday to mark the 97th year of Lake County Fair.
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‘An experience’: Dozens line up, some overnight, for Dutch Bros opening in Buffalo GroveJul 29, 2026 2:42 pm - Dutch Bros was greeted by expectant customers at the grand opening of its Buffalo Grove location Wednesday morning.
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Suburban residents compete on national ‘American Ninja Warrior’ TV stageJul 29, 2026 11:19 am - When season 18 of “American Ninja Warrior” premiered on June 8, six suburban Chicago people were among the 240 or so athletes from across the country vying to compete on one of television’s most difficult obstacle courses.
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Just keep watching: A few ideas to enhance summer birdingJul 29, 2026 9:38 am - July and August are typically a little slow for birding. Here are some ideas to keep your bird on until fall migration revs up around Labor Day.
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Cheers to 50 years: As the last Bennigan’s in Illinois, Elgin restaurant keeps brand’s tradition of Irish hospitality aliveJul 29, 2026 8:52 am - Bennigan’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. And Elgin is home to one of only six full-service Bennigan’s remaining in the U.S., and the only one in Illinois. “People get really excited when they find out we’re still here,” general manager Rami Kaldani said.
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Smoke & Irons Music Fest to benefit Ignite the Courage charityJul 29, 2026 5:30 am - Bartlett firefighters’ Smoke & Irons Music Fest returns Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-8, to Apple Orchard Park in Bartlett with a lineup of musical artists and a mission to help those in the community who need it most.
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Libertyville immigration forum to unite community in support of immigrant neighborsJul 28, 2026 3:49 pm - A free public forum titled "From Education to Action: Understanding and Helping Our Immigrant Neighbors" will be held Aug. 8 at the United Methodist Church of Libertyville to educate residents about immigrant families in Lake County.
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Single-family, townhouse development in Hawthorn Woods to begin later this summerJul 28, 2026 2:58 pm - M/I Homes of Chicago LLC recently announced it closed on the acquisition of 56 acres on Old McHenry Road north of Route 22 for a new community adjacent to the Kemper Lakes Golf Club.
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Home & garden calendar July 28-Aug. 8Jul 28, 2026 9:00 am - Make plans for upcoming gardening club meetings and events in the Chicago suburbs, covering topics like insects at night, Blanding’s turtle projects and more. Also where to find nature walks, garden shows and workshops.