Evanston, IL|News|
Mandatory Vaccinations, Tests For State Workers On The Table: Gov
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is "looking strongly" at the idea of requiring vaccines or coronavirus testing for certain state government employees.
Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff
Illinois: Finding Our Way Forward
The coronavirus shutdown brought civic life and commerce to a standstill for months. These stories of revival show how communities, businesses, schools and essential institutions in Illinois are finding ways to reopen, recover and move forward.
Related:Finding Our Way Forward
Northbrook, IL|News|
Universal Masking Backed By IL Teachers Union, Cook County
The new guidance comes as COVID-19 cases surge in Illinois, with the delta variant spreading quickly, according to county health officials.
Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Vaccinations Lag As Coronavirus Surges In IL: Nearly 8K New Cases
About 42 percent of Illinoisans remain unvaccinated, and vaccinations have dropped to fewer than 20,000 shots per day, even as cases spike.
J. Ryne Danielson, Patch Staff
Grayslake, IL|News|
Lake, McHenry COVID-19 Positivity Rate Increases
Health officials are urging those who have not received their vaccine to do so.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Don't Believe Vaccines Are Working In Illinois? Look At Missouri
The Show Me State serves as a warning of the dangers of low vaccination rates — and may be driving spikes here in Illinois, officials said.
J. Ryne Danielson, Patch Staff
Highland Park, IL|News|
HP City Council Holds First In-Person Meeting In Over 15 Months
Highland Park city officials are transitioning all public meetings back to live and in-person.
Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff
Libertyville, IL|News|
Post-COVID High Traffic Continues At Lake County Forest Preserves
Compared to pre-COVID years, 30 percent more people stepped out at forest preserve sites so far this year.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Deerfield, IL|News|
Walgreens Offering $25 Gift Cards For Vaccine Customers
The Deerfield-based company said the Walgreens Cash rewards will be available immediately following the vaccination.
Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff
Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|News|
Dermatologist Recognized For Vaccine Rollout Assistance
Amy Derick is credited with helping 1,500 medical professionals who couldn't track down a COVID-19 shot in December and January.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Libertyville, IL|News|
After Year Hiatus, Libertyville Fireworks Return
Village officials said fireworks are planned this year for July 4 at Butler Lake.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Grayslake, IL|News|
Gurnee Abbott Plant Closes As Demand For COVID Tests Drops
The facility brought hundreds of much-needed jobs to the area last year, officials in Lake County said.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Libertyville, IL|News|
A Brew And A Walk: Beer Garden Opens At Forest Preserve
The beer garden at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville has opened. Here is what you need to know.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Algonquin-Lake In The Hills, IL|News|
Fireworks, Live Music Planned As Sunset Fest Returns
The three-day event is in its twentieth year. After being cancelled last year, the festival over Labor Day weekend will return.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Libertyville, IL|News|
Lake Co. COVID Positivity Rate Hits All-Time Low
The seven-day rolling average for the coronavirus positivity rate is currently 1.6 percent, according to public health data.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|News|
Raue Center For Arts Pushes Past Pandemic: What's Next?
Leaders with the Raue and other suburban art programs and theaters foresee changes after the pandemic.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Libertyville, IL|News|
Adler Arts Center Pushes Past Pandemic: What's Next?
Leaders with the Adler and other suburban art programs and theaters foresee changes after the pandemic.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Deerfield, IL|News|
Family Days Canceled, Fall Celebration Planned In Deerfield
The annual Fourth of July celebration would have restricted participation due to capacity limits, according to the Village of Deerfield.
Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff
Algonquin-Lake In The Hills, IL|News|
Newbie Musician Gets Back On Stage As Pandemic Fears Fade
Gabe Hirst, who is still new to the suburban music scene, released his first single and EP in 2020.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Arlington Heights, IL|News|
Mass Vaccination Clinic Open Wednesday In Arlington Heights
Attendees 18 and up can receive a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine between noon and 5 p.m. at the ARC Center.
Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff
Libertyville, IL|News|
'Forward-Thinking' Gym Owner Opens New Studio In Libertyville
“During unprecedented times, you have to think out of the box, take risks and maybe blur the line between genius and crazy."
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Algonquin-Lake In The Hills, IL|News|
Vaccine Clinic At Algonquin Public Works Facility This Weekend
Anyone 12 years old or older can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the clinic Saturday.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Pritzker To Follow Science, Loosen Mask Mandate In Line With CDC
New guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allow fully vaccinated people to go maskless indoors most of the time.
J. Ryne Danielson, Patch Staff
Arlington Heights, IL|News|
Outdoor Pools Near Opening Dates In Arlington Heights
The Arlington Heights Park District is monitoring the state's plan to move into Phase 5 as early as June 11.
Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Chicago Cubs, White Sox To Offer Vaccinated-Only Sections
Those who are fully vaccinated will be able to sit in a designated area during home games in the coming days.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Grayslake, IL|News|
Six Flags Donates 50K Free Tickets To Those Who Get Vaccine
A vaccination clinic will be held at the Gurnee amusement park in early June.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Deerfield, IL|News|
Walgreens Offering Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine To Ages 12-15
The Deerfield-based company began same-day appointments Thursday for this age group.
Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Bridge Phase Starts Friday In Illinois: What It Means For You
For Illinoisans weary of the pandemic, it may seem like a bridge too far, but officials say a full reopening is right around the corner.
J. Ryne Danielson, Patch Staff
Grayslake, IL|News|
Schedule For Grayslake Family Picnic, Fireworks Announced
New this year, families can rent a tent as a way to promote social distancing while also getting out of the sun.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Libertyville, IL|News|
Lake County Restaurants Face Staffing Shortage
Some Lake and McHenry County restaurants are searching for waitresses and bartenders as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|News|
McHenry Co. Restaurants Offer Bonuses, Face Staff Shortages
Some Lake and McHenry County restaurants are searching for waitresses and bartenders as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Highland Park, IL|News|
2021 Ravinia Festival Lineup Released, 64 Concerts Planned
Tickets will be sold in two phases to allow for updates to coronavirus restrictions.
Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff
Libertyville, IL|News|
D70 Explores COVID Tests For Asymptomatic Students, Staff
The D70 health committee is recommending administrators not make the move to more testing.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Chicago Auto Show Returns; City Hopes To Fully Reopen By July 4
"The fun is back, and I, for one, can't wait," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said, announcing the return of the auto show.
J. Ryne Danielson, Patch Staff
Algonquin-Lake In The Hills, IL|News|
600 Shawls, Blankets Made For Local Nurses
On Monday, the donated items were presented to nurses at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington as part of National Nurses Week.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Crystal Lake-Cary, IL|News|
Summer 2021: Fireworks On; Cardboard Cup Regatta Cancelled
New events meant to promote social distancing are on tap. Find out what the Crystal Lake Park District has planned this summer.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Highland Park, IL|News|
Highland Park Cancels 4th Of July Events, Postpones Fireworks
Officials cited "current and possible COVID-19 restrictions."
Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff
Deerfield, IL|News|
Walgreens Launches Vaccine Appointment And Ride Service With Uber
The Deerfield-based company will allow customers to book vaccination appointments, schedule a ride to the appointment through the Uber app.
Eric DeGrechie, Patch Staff
Grayslake, IL|News|
Walk-Ins 'Welcome' At Fairgrounds Vaccination Site Starting May 1
Walk ins will be offered during the afternoon hours on select dates starting Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake.
Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff
Wilmette-Kenilworth, IL|News|
Coronavirus Restrictions Eased In Cook County Suburbs
Vaccinated people will no longer count toward capacity limits at private events starting Friday.
Jonah Meadows, Patch Staff
Chicago, IL|News|
Bigger Weddings, Festivals And More As City Loosens Restrictions
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday the city will move to loosen Phase 4 COVID-19 restrictions, with some exciting summer events coming.
Eileen O'Gorman, Patch Staff
