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Hi Waukegan, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: 13 Illinois day trips, American Place casino expansion, and John Oates + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Explore beyond the skyline: A roundup highlights 13 Illinois day trips from Chicago for 2026, featuring scenic canyons, quiet gardens, historic river towns, and Lake Michigan escapes close to home for Waukegan residents — see the full list.

Rising fortunes fuel expansion: Waukegan’s American Place temporary casino marked its third anniversary with standout results, nearly matching Bally’s. Groundbreaking for the permanent casino is planned this spring, with opening expected late next year — see what’s planned and when.

Illinois clinical research milestone: Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago signed a lease with Chicago Clinical Research Institute for a Phase I/II trial site, boosting capacity and access for Lake County and nearby Wisconsin — get details on the new facility.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Enjoy free larger-than-life family games
• Tie-dye everything at free family event
• Donate blood with the Red Cross
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

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 Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Burger night, solved: When the craving hits, The Taproom delivers made-to-order, no-fuss burgers with a relaxed downtown Waukegan vibe. Ideal for a quick pre-show bite or an easy weeknight hang that turns into catching up with neighbors, it’s comfort, speed, and flavor without the fuss.

Need a place to roll? When the weather says nope, Starlight Skatepark keeps sessions smooth with clean lines, a skateshop for fast fixes, and room to shake off weekday blues. It’s where laps stack up and you remember why wheels outrun screens.

Hometown time machine: Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie condenses the city’s saga, from Ice Age traces to Ray Bradbury’s personal book collection, inside a beautifully restored landmark. Thoughtful galleries, engaging stories, and rotating exhibits keep the place fresh, inviting you to linger and learn something new.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Waukegan for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

👩 Women’s International Celebration @ Waukegan History Museum at the Carnegie | Thursday (3/5) at 5:30 PM – Skip the usual weeknight rut and celebrate the women who keep Waukegan humming. The Park District is hosting a free International Women’s Day bash at the Carnegie with local speakers, live music, an art show, pop up shops, and good company. Grown up, not stuffy.

🏞 Native People, Native Lands: The World Before Western Settlement @ History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff | Thursday (3/5) at 7:00 PM – History Center is kicking off a 10-part history series as we gear up for America’s 250th, a keynote reframing the origin story and centering Native peoples of Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Newberry’s Rose Miron leads the reset. Free with advance registration, light on powdered wigs.

🍝 Spaghetti Supper & Auction @ Christ Community Church | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – Bring your appetite, your checkbook, and that competitive sparkle to Camp Zion’s beloved Spaghetti Supper and Auction in Zion. Carb-load for a good cause, browse raffle goodies you didn’t know you needed, then bid like a pro and call it community, dinner, and entertainment.

🎸 John Oates @ Genesee Theatre | Saturday (3/7) at 7:30 PM – Think you know every Hall & Oates hook? John Oates rolls into the Genesee Theatre with the Good Road Band, mixing classic Philly soul, groove-soaked hits, and fresh cuts from his new album. It is a nostalgia trip with craft, polish, and zero filler.

🍽 Smith’s The Serious Gourmet Experience @ Bass Station | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 PM – SMITH is back at Bass Station for a gourmet bass workout on PK Sound, with lasers, LED wall, vendors, two stages, and a Switch corner if your knees file a complaint. Support TBA, but you, your earplugs, and a water bottle should be on lineup.

✂ Slow Stitch Workshop @ Dandelion Gallery & Studio | Sunday (3/8) at 3:00 PM – Slow Stitch Workshop is easing into town with local artist Lezlie Lenz showing beginners how to trade stress for thread, and make something lovely. You get guided instruction, a sewing kit, and snacks, leave with your own stitched art and a calmer pulse. Registration required.

🎗 National Kidney Month Celebration @ Paris Banquet Hall | Thursday (3/12) at 10:00 AM – National Kidney Month rolls into Waukegan and North Chicago with KidneyMobile offering free screenings for kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Swing by for the checkup, then snag fresh produce and no-nonsense advice, courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 Admissions @ Citadel Theatre – 7:30 PM
• 3/6 One Night in Memphis @ Genesee Theatre – 7:30 PM
• 3/7 John Oates @ Genesee Theatre – 7:30 PM
• 3/7 Smith’s The Serious Gourmet Experience @ Bass Station – 8:00 PM
• 3/8 The Phil Collins Story @ Genesee Theatre – 8:00 PM
• 3/11 Admissions @ Citadel Theatre – 1:00 PM
• 3/12 Admissions: Understudy Performance @ Citadel Theatre – 7:30 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Waukegan report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 42°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 77%

Areas of fog and showers and thunderstorms before noon, then areas of fog and a chance of rain showers. Cloudy. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Areas of fog. Cloudy, with a low around 39. East wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 62°F – Low: 50°F – Precip: 87%

Areas of fog and a slight chance of rain showers before 9am, then areas of fog and showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 9pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

Set on a large lot, this well maintained 4-bedroom, 1-bath home pairs a refreshed interior with ample outdoor storage. A stunning, entertainer-friendly kitchen shines alongside new paint, plush carpet, and a newer roof. The oversized yard suits contractors and hobbyists. The home sits minutes from Six Flags, I-94, Gurnee Mills, Metra, beaches, and Waukegan’s Arts & Theater District.

Take a peek inside →