Erik Blome followed his father’s passion for art and has become one of Illinois’ most prolific artists. Blome specializes in creating massive bronzes. He has created the Blackhawks’ 75th anniversary sculpture at the United Center, a 9/11 monument in Oak Lawn and a statue of Jack Benny along with other sensational works. Blome’s art can be found in 17 states and in Canada.

Blome and his wife, Charlotte, have founded and run a non-profit organization called “When I Grow Up I Want To Be,” which brings art and other supplies, art workshops and attention to children from Ethiopia.

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Illinois has an amazing array of public and private high schools throughout the state, and one Chicago high school recently received national honors.

After performing a comprehensive assessment of the culture and diversity of public high schools in all 50 states, niche.com found Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago to be the second most diverse school in the entire nation. Located on Chicago’s Near West Side, the school has about 2,100 students in grades 7-12.

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Tourists to the Windy City will have an even more impressive view of Lake Michigan from the top of the planned 196-foot Ferris wheel that will replace the current 147-foot wheel, which was installed at Navy Pier in 1995.

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The Supreme Court’s historic decision to extend Marriage Equality nationwide came just two days before Chicago’s 46th Annual Pride Parade, giving extra meaning to the annual celebration of the LGBT community. The parade, which was held yesterday and traveled through Chicago’s Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, is one of the oldest and largest pride parades in the nation.

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From zip-lining in the Shawnee National Forest to amusement parks in Lake County, Illinois offers a number of ways to enjoy the outdoors.

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