Brave. Courageous. Bold. All words used to describe legendary Western lawman Wyatt Earp. But novels, films and TV shows often overlook his reckless youth in Illinois, where he earned a reputation as a thief, swindler and pimp.

A popular Chicago Mayor and champion to the city's overlooked immigrant communities is struck down by an assassin’s bullet, a bullet that was meant for someone else.

Carl Sandburg, author, journalist, folk singer, and poet of the people, appointed Poet Laureate of Illinois.

No longer considered a planet, but always number nine in our hearts. This week in Illinois history, we celebrate the discovery of Pluto by Streator native Clyde Tombaugh.

Illinois was barely two months old when it experienced its first duel, an intoxicated altercation over a horse that destroyed the lives of two families.

When flooding and ice jams threatened these northern Illinois communities, the people fought back, with Dynamite.

The 1985 Bears lineup is one of the greatest in NFL history. This cast of colorful characters dominated the league before shuffling right over the New England Patriots at Super Bowl XX.

The late, great actress Betty White might have ended up hot in Cleveland, but she was born right here in Illinois. Learn about Oak Park's very own Golden Girl on This Week in Illinois History.

Thirsty for some fudge? This week, we revisit the story of Canfield’s Diet Chocolate Fudge Soda, the Chicago-based beverage that created a fad and a fizzle in the 1980s.