Illinois Newspapers: IL News Sources Online
Stay updated with Illinois newspapers and news sources across all regions. Chicago features major dailies like the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times, while suburbs rely on the Daily Herald. Central Illinois follows the State Journal-Register, and Southern Illinois papers cover Carbondale and beyond.
Explore college town publications, ethnic media, and specialized outlets for business, politics, sports, and arts. Many sources offer free online news, while others require subscriptions. Whether you need Chicago politics, downstate farming news, or local events, Illinois has diverse print and digital sources to keep you informed.
Table of Contents:
Chicago Metro
Chicago Tribune
Illinois' largest newspaper renowned for investigative journalism and political reporting. Provides award-winning coverage of Chicago sports teams, city hall, and regional business trends.
Chicago Sun-Times
Iconic tabloid known for hard-hitting city politics coverage and sports commentary. Features prominent opinion section and neighborhood-focused reporting.
Crain's Chicago Business
Premier source for Chicago finance, real estate, and corporate news. Publishes annual "40 Under 40" and "Most Connected" power lists.
Block Club Chicago
Nonprofit hyperlocal network covering neighborhood development, education, and city services. Known for grassroots community journalism.
Northern Illinois
Daily Herald
Largest suburban newspaper serving Cook/DuPage counties with focus on local government and transportation issues. Strong high school sports coverage.
Northwest Herald
McHenry County's primary source for crime, development, and outdoor recreation news. Covers Fox River Valley communities.
Rockford Register Star
Winnebago County's newspaper tracking manufacturing economy, Forest City politics, and regional education.
Central Illinois
State Journal-Register
Springfield's daily covering state government, Abraham Lincoln tourism, and central Illinois agriculture. Capitol bureau provides legislative insights.
The Pantagraph
Bloomington-Normal's paper focusing on State Farm Insurance, Illinois State University, and McLean County news.
Herald & Review
Decatur's daily reporting on agribusiness, Lake Decatur issues, and regional economic development.
Southern Illinois
The Southern Illinoisan
Carbondale-based paper covering Shawnee National Forest, SIU Carbondale, and regional coal industry impacts.
Belleville News-Democrat
Metro-East's leading source for Scott AFB news, St. Louis region issues, and Illinois politics.
Chicago Neighborhoods
Austin Weekly News
West Side community paper addressing violence prevention, housing, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Hyde Park Herald
Historic South Side paper covering University of Chicago, Obama Presidential Center, and local politics.
Special Interest
Chicago Defender
Legendary Black newspaper founded in 1905, covering African-American communities and civil rights issues.
La Raza
Leading Spanish-language publication serving Chicago's Mexican-American community with immigration news.
Windy City Times
LGBTQ+ newspaper featuring Pride events, policy issues, and community spotlights.
Business & Legal
Law Bulletin Media
Publisher of Chicago Daily Law Bulletin and Chicago Lawyer magazine tracking courts and firms.
Chicago Agent Magazine
Real estate industry publication covering housing markets and luxury properties.
Digital Startups
The Triibe
Black-owned media platform documenting Chicago's African-American culture and policy issues.
Borderless Magazine
Immigrant-focused nonprofit producing multilingual stories about Chicago's diaspora communities.
Higher Education
The Daily Northwestern
Northwestern University's award-winning student paper covering Evanston and campus news.
The Chicago Maroon
University of Chicago's independent student newspaper since 1892.
Lifestyle & Culture
Chicago Magazine
Premier city magazine featuring dining guides, "Best of Chicago" awards, and investigative features.
Newcity
Arts and culture weekly highlighting Chicago's theater, music, and visual arts scenes.
Government & Policy
Better Government Association
Nonprofit watchdog investigating corruption and promoting transparency in Illinois government.
Capitol Fax
Must-read Springfield politics blog by veteran reporter Rich Miller.
Sports
The Athletic Chicago
In-depth coverage of Chicago Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks.
NBC Sports Chicago
TV network's digital platform for game analysis and player interviews.
Additional Notable Outlets
Chicago Reader
Legendary alt-weekly featuring investigative reporting and comprehensive event listings.
Daily Line
Subscription-based newsletter covering Chicago and Illinois government affairs.
Shaw Local
Network of 80+ suburban community newspapers across northern Illinois.
WBEZ Chicago
NPR station producing "Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons" and local news podcasts.
South Side Weekly
Nonprofit publication covering Chicago's South Side neighborhoods.
Chicago Journal
Community newspaper serving Near West Side and Southwest Side.
Forest Park Review
Award-winning weekly covering near west suburbs.
Evanston RoundTable
Nonprofit community news site focused on Evanston issues.
The DePaulia
DePaul University's student newspaper covering Lincoln Park campus.
Riverside-Brookfield Landmark
Weekly serving near west suburbs since 1939.
Wednesday Journal
Oak Park and River Forest community newspaper with investigative legacy.
