Good News, Illinois: Giving Spirit, Centenarian Celebration, More

It's 2026. With the new year here, we look back at the good news stories that closed out 2025.

Longtime Aurora Resident Celebrates 101st Birthday On Christmas

The Aurora-born woman's secret to long life is all about healthy eating, she said.

7-Brew, Joliet's Most Popular Destination, Opens Its 2nd Location

The 7-Brew coffee chain has become an instant success story, easily the most popular drive-thru business on Joliet's West Jefferson Street.

Longtime Elk Grove Village Bakery Moving To 'Newer, Brighter' Space

Jarosch Bakery, Inc. has been part of the local business community since 1959.

Lemont Tractor Club Helps Bring Christmas Cheer To Town

This year, the club gave toys (and jackets and other winter gear) to 34 families, including 98 kids.

Buffalo Grove Woman Marks 400 Blood, Platelet Donations

Nancy Prater was recently recognized for her efforts at the Vitalant Arlington Heights Donor Center.

Want to celebrate someone or something that made you smile? Have a Good News, Illinois, story of your own you'd like us to feature? Email lisa.farver@patch.com