A smiling woman in a white sweater sits at a table with a plate of cookies and a cup of tea.

Linze Rice

Linze Rice is an Illinois native and DeKalb County-raised journalist whose bylines have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago, among others, since 2014. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, chronicled historic Route 66 diners, and reviewed some of Chicago's most celebrated hotels — all while bringing a heartwarming, historically grounded perspective to every story. For Only In Your State, Linze covers Illinois with the rare authority of a working journalist who genuinely loves the state she grew up in.

State Pride
Need to Know

For The First Time In 221 Years, A Rare Double Emergence Of Cicadas Is Expected In 2024 In Illinois

by Linze Rice
on Jan 17
Close-up of a cicada perched on a branch, showcasing its detailed wings and vibrant body colors.
State Pride
History

10 Unique Trivia Facts About Illinois You Might Not Have Heard Before

by Linze Rice
on Jan 16
Cooling towers release steam against a clear blue sky, with hay bales in the foreground and power lines in the background.
Nature
Waterfalls

The Little-Known Natural Wonder In Illinois That Becomes Even More Enchanting In The Wintertime

by Linze Rice
on Jan 15
A frozen waterfall surrounded by snow-covered rocks and trees, with a stone bridge above.
State Pride
History

A Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible Above Illinois This Spring

by Linze Rice
on Jan 12
An annular solar eclipse, showing a bright ring of sunlight around the dark silhouette of the moon.
Experiences
Activities

Millennium Park’s Ice Skating Rink Is The Perfect Midwest Winter Travel Destination

by Linze Rice
on Jan 11
A bustling ice skating rink surrounded by city skyscrapers, illuminated by colorful lights and a festive tree at night.