Two-Time Trophy Triumph; Huskies Make History: Good News, Illinois

ILLINOIS — It's time to kick off the new year with a series of smiles celebrating our cheeriest stories from the last week of 2024. In this Good News, Illinois, roundup, you'll learn where to observe bald eagles, marvel at a Marine's major career milestone and admire some of our favorite reader-submitted photos from the past year.

Someone Will Be Spending 1 Week A Year At Michael Jordan's Iconic Highland Park Mansion

Bids start at $1M (plus fees, expenses) for the right to spend one week every year in the Chicago Bulls star's sprawling 7.4-acre estate.

Lemont’s FBLA Chapter Qualifies For State Competition In 18 Events

Several LHS students will head to Springfield in March to compete at the state competition.

IHSA Honors Hersey Girls Gymnastics Coach Following State Title

Shannon Barrett led the Huskies to the first state title in any sport for the school in the past 37 years in 2024.

Plainfield High School Musicians Headed To State Conference

Musicians from all four Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 high schools will represent the district in the festival.

Lehnen Lands Gagliardi Trophy For 2nd Year As NCC Wins Stagg Bowl

The North Central College quarterback is only the second player to be awarded the Gagliardi Trophy two years in a row.

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.