News

Ceremonies and speeches on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day


Gov. Bruce Rauner and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth were among those volunteering to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Illinois.

The Republican governor and Democratic senator were at Chicago’s Marie Curie High School on Monday for an event hosted by the nonprofit group City Year Chicago. Duckworth said in a statement that the work the group does “is an example of the best our nation has to offer.”

In Peoria, a minister was surprised on Sunday to learn he’d received the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama. The award went to the Rev. Cleveland Thomas of New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. It recognizes citizens who dedicate their lives to volunteering.

Rauner on Sunday attended services at Chicago’s Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and gave a speech in King’s memory.

Recent Headlines

9 hours ago in Agriculture, Entertainment, Food Scene, IL State News, Local

Illinois State Fair goes digital: Tickets for 2026 will be paperless

Digital ticketing for the 2026 season expected to improve convenience and security for fairgoers.

3 days ago in Business, Entertainment, IL State News, Lifestyle, Local, National

Christmas Eve winner in Arkansas lands a $1.817 billion Powerball lottery jackpot

A person fills out a Powerball lottery ticket on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane)

The prize followed 46 consecutive drawings in which no one matched all six numbers.