Hello Waukegan! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Parades and fireworks, Bears training camp, and T-Rexplorers + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Festive weekend lineup: Chicago suburbs will mark 250 years of independence with parades and fireworks. Highlights include Aurora’s July 3 show at 9:15 p.m. and a July 4 noon parade from Deerspring Pool -- see all local celebrations.
Camp schedule is here: Training camp dates are set. At Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Bears camp returns with rookies starting July 25 and 28. The team will not host joint practices this year -- check the camp schedule.
Local officials take action: Lake County imposed an eight-month moratorium on building code and zoning changes for data centers, plus up to 120-day application deferrals, as officials probe water and power impacts amid backlash -- see the data center pause.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Taco night, upgraded: When a craving hits, Forastero's Tako Restaurante turns out homemade tortillas, juicy tacos, and salsas with actual personality. Cozy, friendly, and very Waukegan, it’s the spot to make your week taste better... and maybe finally settle the best birria debate at home.
Upgrade your wind-down: When the week gets loud, Ivy Hall Dispensary - Waukegan brings a laid-back, sensory-first shopping vibe with a well-curated menu and genuinely helpful budtenders. Easy visit in, easy vibes out, and you might find a new favorite for movie night or backyard hangs.
Rain-proof family fun: When cabin fever hits, The People's Choice Family Fun Center is the local fix for kids, teens, and the still-a-kid-at-heart. Tokens, flashing lights, pizza and ice cream, plus space to celebrate... it’s the kind of easy Waukegan win that saves your Saturday sanity.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🦓 Splashin' Thursdays: Safari @ SplashZone at Corrine J. Rose Park | Thursday (6/25) at 12:00 PM – Thursday at SplashZone goes full Safari, and yes, your little explorers can go wild while you handle sunscreen math from the shade. Themed activities and crafts are included with entry, while supplies last. Weekly all summer at Corrine J. Rose Park, local, splashy, and low-hassle.
🎶 Concert in the Park @ Zion Park District | Thursday (6/25) at 7:00 PM – The park is going parallel universe as Freddie and Gaga team up for a high-energy tribute with dancers, costume changes, video flair, and the Queen and Gaga hits you know. Lawn-chair comfort, diva energy, and at least three brave souls tackling the Galileo part.
🎸 Sam Thousand @ Waukegan Municipal Beach | Friday (6/26) at 5:00 PM – Whether you’re here for the tacos, the tunes, or that smug feeling of free parking, Food Truck Fridays at Waukegan Beach deliver. The new beachside food court serves variety, and this fourth Friday brings Sam Thousand’s soulful folk, rock, and blues by the lake.
🛠 VBS Build Days @ The Point (Winthrop Harbor) | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – Roll up your sleeves and swing by VBS Build Days, where the place turns into a wonderland. We’ll paint, build, and bedazzle, no skills required, like it’s HGTV for church with more glitter, fewer power tools, and laughs. Pop in for a day, or three.
🖍 Youth and Family Open Studio Creative Exploration @ Dandelion Gallery & Studio | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Open studio with Dandelion Artist Alliance instructors means creative chaos you do not have to clean up. Bring the kids, or the kid you married, and try painting, clay, and more with materials included, ages 5 and up. Quality time, no glitter in your grout.
🦖 T-Rexplorers @ Waukegan Public Library | Saturday (6/27) at 2:00 PM – Bring the kids, or just your inner 8-year-old, to meet the fossil experts from T-Rexplorers. They will dish on dinosaurs and the scientists who study them. You get to handle real fossils, yes real, and finally put those Jurassic Park facts to responsible use.
🧺 Annual Parade Picnic @ Lincoln Center | Sunday (6/28) at 11:00 AM – Whether you elbow for curb space or prefer a lawn perch, the Lincoln Center lawn is the spot to watch the Independence Day parade. Waukegan Public Schools hosts with free hot dogs, water, and family-friendly people-watching that tastes even better than your neighbor’s overcooked brats.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Waukegan report Weather forecastToday — High: 78°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 52%
A chance of rain showers between 7am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tomorrow — High: 73°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 19%
A slight chance of rain showers after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 73. North northwest wind around 5 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis 1930s brick Colonial in Waukegan pairs hilltop curb appeal with timeless character and smart updates. Inside are arched openings, a cozy fireplace, a bright sunroom, and a 2023 kitchen with quartz counters, subway tile, and a built-in coffee bar. A huge primary suite, finished basement bath, fenced yard, patio, fire pit, and cherry trees seal the deal.
Take a peek inside → |
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