Joseph States

Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham speaks during the American Place casino groundbreaking. Cunningham envisions the casino as a catalyst for a broader redevelopment of both Waukegan and the region. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Permanent American Place Casino breaks ground in Waukegan: ‘We kept the vision’

June 3, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

Anticipated to open in 2028, the new casino facility will be 200,000 square feet, featuring 1,300 slot machines, 80 gaming tables, three full-service restaurants and bars.

Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny took photos with guests in front of the park's iconic double decker carousel during the 50th anniversary celebration May 29, 2026. Opening its gates in 1976, Great America has radically transformed the surrounding community. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Six Flags marks 50th anniversary with ribbon-cutting event: ‘Making fun is serious business’

May 29, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

The 300-acre theme park is one of the oldest still standing in Illinois, and by far the largest in the state.

Marriott's Great America opened in 1976 in Gurnee. Six Flags purchased the park in 1984, making it the chain's seventh park, shown above on June 2, 1986. (Luigi Mendicino/baiduhai)

Six Flags Great America marks 50 years as summer destination: ‘Just simple and beautiful’

May 28, 2026 at 3:51 p.m.

Marriott’s Great America officially opened its gates on May 29, 1976, and today, Six Flags Great America is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

An aerial view shows Marriott’s Great America amusement park on May 6, 1978, in Gurnee. (Walter Kale/baiduhai)

Six Flags Great America has endured roller coaster-like ups and downs in 50-year history

May 28, 2026 at 3:58 p.m.

Great America has lived to see the beginning and end of several eras of theme parks since opening its gates in Lake County 50 years ago.

Buffalo Grove ranked best place to live in Illinois: ‘Now everybody else in the country knows’

May 26, 2026 at 11:27 a.m.

According to a news release, the annual ranking evaluates communities based on quality of life, value, desirability, job market and overall livability.

A 2024 rendering of the proposed Meadowview facility in Grayslake, a waste transfer facility meant to replace the existing Countryside Landfill. The 31,000-square-foot facility would handle up to 1,000 tons of waste a day. (Lake County)

Grayslake waste transfer facility proposed to replace landfill

May 22, 2026 at 4:49 p.m.

Waste Management of Illinois is looking to build a 31,000-square-foot transfer facility and a 3,500-square-foot recycling center just south of the existing landfill.

The Arrowhead Retention Pond in Round Lake Heights, sitting just in front of Village Hall, flooded after heavy April rains. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Lake County looks back at April storms in preparing for future: ‘Flood waters go down, but the impact … can be very, very long term’

May 23, 2026 at 7:21 a.m.

The Des Plaines River, which runs from Wisconsin through Lake County, rose to 18 feet at one point.

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