Rare Cicadas, Blues Brothers: Stories That Made Us Smile In 2024

ILLINOIS — We know the news isn't always easy to read, with stories of crime and tragedy. However, some of our favorites are the stories of light, of happiness, of hope, that may bring a smile to your face.

With another year coming to a close, we're taking a look at the happy stories of 2024; ranging from rare cicadas, Blues Brothers reunions and how people gave back to their communities. Happy 2025, and let's start the new year bright.

Aykroyd, Belushi Rock Prison: 24 Photos

Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi performed as the legendary Blues Brothers, gracing around 5,000 fans with an electrifying performance behind the limestone walls of the world-famous Old Joliet Prison. This was the place where Aykroyd and Belushi's late brother John starred as Joliet Jake and Elwood Blues, the legendary Blues Brothers.

At 103, It's Portillo's Chocolate Cake And A Lifetime Of Memories

Orland Park resident Manus Keane turned 103 years old in August, and he's pretty humble about it. Keane, who resides at Evergreen Senior Living in Orland Park, is as sharp as ever these days, easily ticking off his interests and hobbies. He arrives in the lobby dressed in a checkered collared shirt and a windbreaker jacket. His hair is neatly combed, eyes bright. His gait is steady, his mind full of a lifetime of memories.

Daughter's Type 1 Diabetes Journey Inspires Mom To Write Book For Kids

There is really no way to prepare for the way Type 1 diabetes will change your life and your child's life forever, Jean explained. Nearly two decades after Annie's diagnosis, there is still a dearth of literature to help a young child grasp the social and emotional impact of this chronic illness, she said. So, Jean decided to write the "Annie and Friends' Adventures" series, with the first book, "D for Diabetes" which released June 1.

Cemetery Deer With Crooked Antler Brings Early Christmas Miracle

A beloved deer named Special (and many other names) is back safe at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery after his big adventure outside the walls. Ring cameras captured video of a deer wandering around Oak Lawn, Burbank, Bridgeview and Hickory Hills, bedding down in residents’ yards, or suddenly appearing behind people and scaring the crap out of them as they got into their cars.

Treadfit Lemont Raises Thousands For 4-Year-Old Girl Fighting Cancer

Treadfit Lemont gathered its community for a special cause for its first-ever Turkey Trot, raising thousands for 4-year-old Gia Rapacki, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. More than 100 Lemont residents, friends and supporters of the Rapacki family participated in six sessions throughout the day on Nov. 23 at Treadfit Lemont, 1056 State St. Participants had 35 minutes to walk two miles or run 3.1 miles on a treadmill.

'Always Been Singing': Mokena Teen Chases Recording Artist Dreams

A Mokena teenager and aspiring musician isn't wasting a second pursuing her dream—she's already making it to the radio waves and streaming stratosphere. The Lincoln-Way East sophomore, who goes by Brooklyn Dylan, has released several singles, penning her experiences as a teen navigating life into songs that have already made their way to stations like 101.9FM The Mix.

From Bar To Bedside: Cancer Survivor Brings Toys To Kids At Emergency Room During Holidays

Children at Swedish Hospital's Emergency Department received an extra dose of holiday cheer as Darin Ortman, a cancer survivor and local community leader, arrived with bags of toys for young patients.

7-Year-Old Girl Finds Rare Blue-Eyed Cicada 'Bluey' In Oak Lawn

The world is a wondrous place, especially when you're 7 years old and a trillion cicadas are emerging from the ground, fluttering in the tree tops and buzzing in unison. With the cicada haters and cicada lovers separated in two camps, Oak Lawn second-grader Ava S. definitely falls into the second camp.

Operation Hatch 'Em: Mama Goose Builds Nest At Costco, Staff Guard It

A mama goose and her eggs are safe and sound in the parking lot of Costco in Orland Park, under the watchful eye of protective employees and blocked off from customers. A goose nest was first spotted on a median in the parking lot of the store, 9915 W. 159th St, in mid-April, and staff were scratching their heads at how best to handle the incubating eggs—and two very protective parents.

$552M Mega Millions Winner Claims Prize In IL: 'It Still Feels Unreal'

The Illinois winner of the $552 million Mega Millions lottery prize came forward in June to claim their money, which represents the largest jackpot to be won by playing the game online in U.S. history.

“You can’t imagine my shock and disbelief when I saw that I had won the jackpot amount of $552 million. I actually quit the app and then signed back in to double-check and make sure it was real. It was real alright — but it still feels unreal!”