👋 $1 Billion Powerball Ticket, Outdoor Music Festival, Forest Preserves & Top Things To Do

Cook County’s Forest Preserves Are Bigger Than You Might Think 🌳

One of the best things about living in the Northwest Suburbs is having so much nature close to home.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County cover more than 70,000 acres, with trails, lakes, picnic areas, fishing spots and nature centers throughout the region.

My wife and I especially enjoy Potawatomi Woods and Dam No. 1 Woods in Wheeling when we want a peaceful walk and some fresh air.

With hundreds of miles of trails and an interactive map to help you find nearby spots by activity, the forest preserves are one of the easiest ways to get outside and enjoy our local surroundings. (Map)

Jimmy D’s District in Arlington Heights is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a full weekend of outdoor live music, food, drinks and plenty of local fun. It’s a great excuse to get outside, enjoy the music and help celebrate four decades of a longtime local favorite. (Info)

A Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh in Quincy sold the winning $1.04 billion Powerball ticket, making it the second-largest lottery prize ever won in Illinois.

The mystery winner has not come forward yet, and the store will receive a $500,000 bonus for selling the jackpot-winning ticket. (Link)

About 200 Forest Preserve District of Cook County workers went on strike Monday amid a contract dispute over pay.

The district says trails, picnic groves, nature centers, campgrounds, golf courses and other public amenities will remain open during the strike. (Link)

Illinois homeowners affected by recent storms can now register for a new state flood relief program offering up to $1,000 for eligible residents.

CBS Chicago reports the money will not be available until 2027, and the program currently only applies to certain areas of Chicago. (Link)

• Arlington Heights: Registration is open for the Arlington Heights Senior Center’s 5th annual Pickleball Tournament for players 55+, set for Saturday, Sept. 19 at Dryden Park. The fundraiser supports programs and services for older adults in the community. (Link)

• Bartlett: Bartlett Police are joining a statewide Labor Day traffic safety campaign from Aug. 14 through the early morning hours of Sept. 8, with extra enforcement focused on impaired driving, seat belt violations and other unsafe driving behaviors.

• Buffalo Grove: Buffalo Grove Days returns Sept. 3-7 at Mike Rylko Community Park, with five days of food, live music, carnival fun, the BG Days Parade and activities for all ages. (Link)

• Des Plaines: The city’s final Food Truck Round Up of the summer is happening Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 5-8 PM at Library Plaza, with food trucks, local artisans and live music from Griffin Crowder beginning at 5:30 PM. (Link)

• Elgin: Paul’s Family Restaurant is celebrating 65 years in business with a ribbon cutting on Friday, Aug. 21 at 1:30 PM at 1300 Lawrence Ave. The community is invited to stop by for cake, refreshments and a celebration of the longtime Elgin favorite.

• Mount Prospect: Petition circulation for candidates interested in running for Village Trustee in the April 6, 2027 Consolidated Election begins Aug. 25. Candidate filing will take place Nov. 16-23 at the Mount Prospect Village Clerk’s Office.

• Palatine: People Helping People Palatine is collecting full-size boxes of cereal for its school-based Helping Hands Pantries, which support local students experiencing food insecurity. Donations can be dropped off at 846 E. Marshall Court in Palatine.

• Schaumburg: The free Summer Breeze Concert Series continues Saturday, Aug. 22 at 7 PM with Classical Blast, bringing a mix of classic rock and classical music to the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Campus. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner. (Link)

• Wheeling: In recognition of National Senior Citizens Day on Friday, Aug. 21, Wheeling Township is highlighting services available to older adults, including $2 transportation rides, home-delivered meals, Medicare assistance, property tax guidance and free educational programs. (Link)

A $1.04 billion winning Powerball ticket was just sold right here in Illinois, so naturally I’m curious. New house? Travel the world? Retire tomorrow? Help the family? Tell us what you’d do first here.

Dave's Hot Chicken (Schaumburg) | Fast-casual restaurant specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and crinkle-cut fries.(Link)

Donald E. Stephens Rosemont History Museum | Aug 18th | Local history museum featuring interactive exhibits, archival artifacts, and village heritage.(Link)

AteaCo Coffee and Tea (McHenry) | Aug 21st | Local coffee shop and tea house serving specialty brews, artisan teas, and cafe treats.(Link)

Once Upon a Bagel (Arlington Heights) | Aug 21st | Bagel shop and deli serving fresh-baked bagels, spreads, and sandwiches.(Link)

El Portal Mexican Restaurant (Streamwood) | Aug 22nd | Reopened Mexican restaurant serving traditional dishes and regional specialties.(Link)

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This week, we’re highlighting another longtime Wheeling spot that also took me way too long to finally try!

Joe’s Pizzeria has been around for a long time, and even though I grew up in Wheeling and have driven past it countless times, I had never actually stopped in until recently. My wife and I finally decided to try it out the other week, and now we’re hooked…

The pizza was delicious, and I can definitely see why Joe’s has become such a popular local spot. If you like thin, tavern-style pizza, this is one you’ll want to add to your list.

It has that classic neighborhood pizza place feel, the kind of spot that feels familiar right away. After finally trying it, I think it’s safe to say Joe’s will be our go-to pizza spot from now on. If you’re in Wheeling or nearby and haven’t been yet, give it a try. (Link)

“Learning never exhausts the mind.” - Leonardo da Vinci

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