Want your life journey to be preserved for future generations? As part of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s signing, people across Illinois are invited to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide initiative to tell the stories of the people who live there.

Illinois Voices 250 is offered by the Illinois America 250 Commission, Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios. The program will keep its recorded conversations with residents in the U.S. Library of Congress, where they will be preserved for future generations. The conversations discuss what democracy, belonging and civic participation mean in today’s world, and how residents’ experiences have shaped those thoughts.

Illinois residents can attend public community recording events or record their conversations on their own. Either way, there is no fee to participate.

The Illinois America 250 Commission was established by state law to showcase how Illinois represents the Declaration of Independence’s values, and it is assisted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The state is also celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in other ways, including a keepsake tourism passport, public art grants and Illinois United in Service.

To find out more about the Illinois Voices 250 program, visit https://www.il250.org/il-voices.

Since its founding in 1953, World Wrestling Entertainment has become a cornerstone of sports entertainment and a highlight of Monday nights while producing icons that have become household names, like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and John Cena. Over the years, the WWE has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon with a massive and loyal fan base.

In recent years, WWE’s popularity has surged. The company reported more than $1.7 billion in revenue in 2025, surpassing the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Its move to Netflix has further expanded its reach, drawing an average of over 3 million weekly viewers worldwide. This growth signifies WWE’s continued relevance after decades in an increasingly competitive industry.

Now, Chicago is taking part of the action. On February 28, 2026, WWE brought its high-stakes Elimination Chamber event to the United Center, marking the company’s return to the venue after a 32-year hiatus. The last time WWE held a major event at the arena was in 1994, making this comeback a significant moment for the organization and the city’s passionate wrestling fans.

Each winter, Chicago’s Chinatown comes alive with color and celebration as thousands gather for the annual Chinese New Year Parade. Held along Wentworth Avenue, the event is one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations in the Midwest and a cherished tradition for families across Illinois.

Celebrations take place from February to March, and the parade marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year on the traditional Chinese calendar. With this being the year of the horse. Spectators line the streets to watch vibrant dragon and lion dances, marching bands, cultural performances, and community organizations make their way through the neighborhood. The steady beat of drums and the flash of red and gold decorations create a festive atmosphere, even on the coldest winter day.

The lion and dragon dances are highlights of the celebration, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity and strength in the year ahead. The event not only celebrates heritage but also invites visitors from all backgrounds to learn more about Chinese culture and traditions.

Beyond the parade, Chinatown’s restaurants and shops buzz with activity. Families gather for special meals, storefronts are decorated with lanterns and banners, and local businesses welcome guests exploring the neighborhood.

Chicago’s Chinese New Year Parade reflects the rich cultural diversity that makes Illinois unique. It’s a joyful reminder that even in the heart of winter, communities across our state find meaningful ways to come together and celebrate new beginnings.

Time Magazine recently released its “World’s Top Universities” list, ranking the 500 best colleges from around the globe.

Holding the fifth spot on that list is the University of Chicago, following the University of Oxford, Yale University, Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Five other Illinois schools also made the list: Northwestern University (No. 99), University of Illinois Chicago (No. 151), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (No. 235), Illinois Institute of Technology (No. 266) and Southern Illinois University (No. 338).

Chicago’s legendary jazz scene is preparing to shine on the world’s stage in April, when the city hosts the UNESCO International Jazz Day 2026 for the first time. The global event will kick off April 1 with weeks of educational programming, master classes and special performances to the city. The month will culminate in the All-Star Global Concert on April 30 at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House. It will feature more than 40 international artists, including Herbie Hancock, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves, Ernest Dawkins, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Terence Blanchard.