2025 brought numerous Illinois State Society (ILSS) events and milestones that bolstered fellowship, provided valuable networking opportunities, honored Illinois’ history, culture and traditions, and kept Illinois visible in our nation’s capital. ILSS transformed its programming and hosted various events to bring together Illinoisans in the D.C. area. They included themed happy hours, Chicago Bears watch parties, the Midwest Inaugural Presidential Gala, our annual Holiday So

Each year on August 4, admirers across the globe take a moment to celebrate not just the birthday of Barack Obama, but the enduring legacy of a man who reshaped the political, cultural, and social fabric of the United States. Born in 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii, Obama’s journey from a mixed-race child raised by a single mother to the first Black President of the United States is as improbable as it is inspiring. Now in his 60s, Obama stands not only as a historical figure but as

When smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel and the world learned that the new pope hailed not from Rome or Buenos Aires—but from Chicago—the Windy City let out a collective, “You’re kidding me, right?” But it was no joke. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born at Mercy Hospital and raised in the south suburb of Dolton, has officially become Pope Leo XIV, the first-ever pope from the United States. Cue the memes. Cue the Aurelio’s pizza deliveries to Vatican City. Cue the transfo

When you think of economic powerhouses in the United States, you might envision California or New York. However, Illinois quietly stands...