Lifestyle

A cunning colonel, perilous march and British missteps: How Illinois helped shape the outcome of the American Revolution

Virginian George Rogers Clark and a band of frontiersmen captured strategic Illinois territory 248 years ago and changed history. Illinois may not have been the front line of the Revolutionary War, but it played a ‘pivotal role’ in the success of the fledgling United States.

‘The right man for the job’: Glen Ellyn’s Superman to lead the Fourth of July parade

FILE - A hot dog vendor plies his wares amid a large crowd that turned out at Candlestick Park in San Francisco to watch the San Francisco Giants play their opening home game of the 1965 season against the Pittsburgh Pirates, April 20, 1965.

The hot dog: We need to be frank about how German sausages became an American icon

Where you can see fireworks and drone shows in the suburbs this week

How to make big, juicy turkey burgers that are anything but boring

This Stars and Stripes Pie is designed to wow on the Fourth of July

A historic American flag from 1860s Dunton — the settlement that would become Arlington Heights — was unveiled June 26 at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.

Historic American flag returns to public view at Arlington Heights museum

A 19th century flag with deep roots in Arlington Heights history has been restored and is on display at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.

Elgin Community College receives donated fire engine for training

The North Aurora Fire Protection District has donated a 1995 Pierce fire engine to Elgin Community College’s Center for Emergency Services program.

Travelers walk with their luggage through at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. AAA is predicting an increase in Illinoisans traveling over the July Fourth holiday.

July 4 travel survival guide: What road trippers and flyers should know

Where’s the cheapest gas? When are the worst days to drive? And what are the hot destinations this Independence Day holiday? Experts weigh in.

Lakeside Festival returns to Crystal Lake with rides, food, music

Crystal Lake’s annual Lakeside Festival will return to the grounds of the Dole this week with carnival rides, 14 bands on two outdoor stages, food, a beer garden, fireworks, games and more.

The Mount Prospect Lions Club will continue its tradition of having two fireworks shows during its five-day Fourth of July festival at Melas Park.

Two fireworks shows to light up Mount Prospect Lions Club’s Fourth of July festival

For those who love fireworks, the Mount Prospect Lions Club’s annual Fourth of July festival is a natural choice. The festival offers two nights of fireworks, on both Wednesday, July 1, and Saturday, July 4.

‘An important resource’: Des Plaines community center has a new leader

A Des Plaines community center that caters to older Northwest suburban residents has a new CEO.

A Navy Pier drone show featured dancers leaping over Lake Michigan. Arlington Heights and Schaumburg are replacing traditional fireworks displays with drone shows this summer, while other towns are combining the two.

Why drone shows are replacing fireworks in some suburbs

While many municipalities and organizations will celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday with traditional fireworks displays, some are embracing drone displays with several organizations including the Schaumburg Boomers and Six Flags Great America, serve up both.

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