Following these simple food safety practices, you can protect your family and friends from food borne illness and make the most of your summer cookouts.

Don’t let high food and gas prices this Memorial Day weekend dampen your plans. Here are ways you can celebrate and stay within a tight household budget

Provecho, a new Venezuelan homemade food restaurant, opened recently at 131 E. Lincoln Highway, in DeKalb.

The new Crystal Lake location opened Friday, May 22. Owner Erdene Sainnyambu is also in talks to open a DeKalb location.

Owners Megan Gassaway and Britton Brooks have redesigned the back patio, updated the stage and sound system and are bringing more entertainment to the area.

Geneva Wine Cellar & Tasting Room held a grand opening last week at 227 S. 3rd St., just a few months after the business’ previous owner had closed the establishment in February.

The new restaurant brings waterfront dining, live music and coastal cuisine to the Illinois Valley area.

Enjoy waterfront dining at these restaurants along beautiful rivers and lakes in northern Illinois this season.

May is National Burger Month.

Let’s Feed Our Children, the free summer meal program that has grown into one of the most far-reaching child hunger programs in the area, begins its 2026 season on Wednesday, May 27, and runs weekly through Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Outdoor farmers market season offers plenty of opportunities to shop local and support regional growers and vendors

The Pembroke Rodeo is at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24.

Residents can take a night to enjoy the summer weather, support local restaurants, and even take in some live entertainment.

Advance registration required for event at Will County Office Building in Joliet. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up at ShareFestWillCounty.org.

My mother often told me that it takes many prayers to raise children. I treasure those words!

The Streator Food Truck Festival was held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Streator City Park. The festival started in 2017 as a fundraiser for the Streator Walldogs Murals. The event continues to raise funds for murals and public art in Streator.

The different cultures represented in the food offerings is reflective of Plainfield’s diversity.

Elburn's Heritage Prairie Farm will host five farm dinners in 2026.

Approximately 170 employees will be affected, according to Richard Engstrom, assistant superintendent of business and operations for Plainfield District 202.

The updated lakeside dining destination introduces refreshed design, elevated menu and expanded entertainment offerings.

The Kankakee County Museum will host the 36th annual Rhubarb Festival on Sunday, May 17.

From Capitol News Illinois: As thousands of Illinois households lose their federal food assistance this month, business owners are also preparing for potential loss

Lovina reflects on faith, family and gratitude while sharing everyday moments at home, visits with loved ones and simple recipes from the kitchen.

Abate of Iowa, District 21, will host the 37th annual Blessing of the Bikes at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 7, in downtown Fulton.

Steve Buresh said several factors contributed to his decisions to close both Plainfield stores. Buresh is now making plans to support the community in new ways.

Letter carriers across Dixon will collect non-perishable food donations on Saturday, May 9, as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, an annual effort to combat food insecurity in communities nationwide.

The renovation of the new cafeteria, which will open Monday, May 11, marks the final phase of CGH Medical Center’s extensive hospital lobby renovation project that began in 2023.

Treat mom to a concert or mini-golf this Mother's Day on Sunday, May 10.

The Kankakee Speedway will host Friday Night Lights racing on Friday, May 8.

Leaning into lighter, seafood-driven fare, new additions to the menu include an asparagus and prosciutto salad, with burrata and truffle honey mustard, and grilled prawn toast on brioche.

United Way of Lee County is inviting community members to take part in a drive-thru community pasta drive on Friday, May 8, to help support local children through its upcoming Summer Eats meal program.

On a gray April morning, Lovina reflects on the rush of spring, the helping hands of family, caregiving for a loved one in declining health, and the quiet strength found in everyday routines.

Local bars and restaurants are celebrating Cinco de Mayo with food and drink specials.

The Tequila Dinner is Thursday, May 7, and the Spring Wine Tasting event is Saturday, May 9.

Batavia-based grocer Aldi is being sued by an animal rights group, alleging deceptive marketing of its egg products as 100% cage-free, according to a lawsuit filed in the District of Columbia Superior Court.

Wine on the Fox is presented by john greene Realtor. Proceeds from the event help offset the cost of Oswego’s annual event programming and provide community amenities throughout the year.

The Legion will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos and chicken enchilada meals available from 5-7 p.m. May 5.

The menu offers beef brisket, chicken & waffles, pulled pork and southern classics like fried okra.

Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10.

The fourth annual Dement Town Music Fest will take place May 30 along Dixon's Depot Avenue, bringing a full day of live music, food, art and community to help kick off the summer season.

Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois delivers more than 1.1 million meals annually to older adults across suburban Cook, Grundy, Kendall, and Will counties, the organization said.

The first Kankakee Farmers Market of the 2026 season is Saturday, May 2.

The annual Bicentennial Bluffs Neighborhood Association spring cleanup in Joliet will include free doughnuts, a raffle and a free "thank you, lunch."

Economic problems forced the owners of Piggy’s to close the restaurant’s doors at the end of March. They started a GoFundMe page to create a food truck business.

Chef Paul Virant brings his specialty, the Vistro Burger, to The Graceful Ordinary, St. Charles’ riverside dining destination.

From Capitol News Illinois: Illinois launched two websites last week that share various work, training and volunteer opportunities that meet federal food assistance work requirements

Meals will be served from 5 to 7 p.m. May 1.

A family of 30 wakes before dawn to travel to Indiana for a wedding — and discovers what matters most in the journey.

Local artists, bakers, crafters, farmers and growers will be offering their homegrown, homemade and home-raised products.

The wood-fired pizza restaurant and its Moo Joe’s ice cream shop is opening in a vacant building at 5 S. Madison St., next door to Freddie’s Off the Chain restaurant and across Jefferson Street from the Oswego Public Library.