Twisters in Illinois in the winter months are not entirely rare. While the majority of the state’s tornadoes occur between March and May, a surprising number of tornadoes have struck in the months of meteorological winter, December, January and February.

Column: The new year offers several opportunities filled with new beginnings, self-care and thrilling adventures. Geneva Restaurant Week kicks off the chamber's 2026 events Jan. 17-25. More to come in 2026

Our family spent a few days together over Christmas. We had a pizza and ice cream supper for Joe’s 57th birthday one night, then on Christmas, we had a 10:30 brunch.

Column: The DeKalb Citizens’ Environmental Commission will launch a Green Business Recognition Program in early 2026 to encourage and celebrate businesses that take meaningful steps toward sustainability, writes Linda Srygler and Shaun Langley.

Dec. 31 marks the 250th anniversary of the death of Richard Montgomery, who was killed in the frontal assault on Quebec City on New Year’s Eve 1775.

What a joy it is to me when we can be with our loved ones. Let us remember the reason for the season.

Christmas in the White House in the 1860s was a far cry from the ornate displays of decor familiar to Americans today. During the Lincoln administration, the holiday was observed in a low-key manner.

Daniel and I are going to bake and decorate Christmas cookies. Or at least we are going to attempt to. I can’t imagine what his will look like, but I’ll give him an A for effort.

From our editorial board: If the Chicago Bears’ stadium saga feels endless, it’s because it is. Years of proposals, renderings, press conferences and open letters have produced exactly one consistent result: nothing.