Top Stories
Evanston Developer Scott Henry Proposes $80 Million Assisted Living Conversion of Vacant Civic Center
Developer Scott Henry's proposal to convert Evanston's vacant Civic Center into an $80 million affordable assisted living facility leads a city crowdsourcing effort with 41 upvotes. The Putting Assets to Work program launched in 2024 with $985,000 in federal funds.
Joliet Central Student Javion Bailey Killed: 17-Year-Old Jae'Vion Smith Faces First-Degree Murder Charges As Adult
Joliet police obtained an arrest warrant charging 17-year-old Jae'Vion Smith with two counts of first-degree murder in the stabbing death of Joliet Central High School student Javion Bailey. Smith will be charged as an adult.
Aurora Mother Tyesha Bell Finally Gets Justice: Man Convicted of 2003 Murder After 23-Year Investigation
A Kane County jury convicted Prince Cunningham of first-degree murder in the 2003 shooting death of Aurora mother Tyesha Bell, bringing closure to a 23-year cold case after her remains were discovered in 2020.
More Stories
Naperville Police Warn of Significant Presence Monday as Teen Takeover Returns to Downtown
Naperville Police Department warns residents to expect a significant police presence in downtown Monday ahead of a planned teen gathering, citing zero tolerance for criminal activity following past incidents.
Bloomington-Normal Could Build a Pipeline to the Illinois River to Secure Water for the Next Century
Bloomington city planners are studying a pipeline to the Illinois River to secure water for the next century. Officials are looking to Joliet's $1.5 billion Lake Michigan pipeline project as a model for governance, cost, and public trust.
Champaign Man Gets 25 Years for Stabbing First Responders Who Answered His Own Emergency Call
Trevor Lewis, 23, of Champaign, pleaded guilty to stabbing three first responders who arrived at a mental health call he placed himself. Lewis will serve 25 years in prison for attempted first-degree murder.
Peoria Man John Earl Nichols Convicted in Apartment Complex Shooting, Faces Up to 30 Years
John Earl Nichols, 30, was convicted Thursday by a Peoria County jury in an August 2025 shooting at the Cityscape Apartments. He faces up to 30 years in prison.
Springfield’s Nina Harris Failed to Disclose $31,000 in Side Pay While Leading State Diversity Commission
Nina Harris, chairperson of Illinois' Commission on Equity and Inclusion, failed to disclose more than $31,000 in side pay from the Springfield Urban League while earning a $155,000 state salary. The omission comes as lawmakers question the commission's performance.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Invites Pope Leo to Grant Park in Historic Vatican Meeting
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met privately with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City and invited the Dolton-born pontiff to celebrate Mass in Grant Park in 2027, following in the footsteps of Pope John Paul II's 1979 visit.
Elgin City Council to Audit Credit Card Spending After Questions Over Uber Rides and Baggage Fees
Elgin City Council will review all council credit card spending after questions arose over $232 in Uber charges and $100 in baggage fees from a conference trip. No rules were broken, but officials say guidelines are needed.
Waukegan Alderman Sylvia Sims Bolton Charged With Felony After Allegedly Casting Dead Mother’s Ballot
Waukegan First Ward Alderman Sylvia Sims Bolton, 67, faces a felony charge after prosecutors allege she cast a mail-in ballot in her deceased mother's name during the March primary election.
DeKalb Gets Its First Home Mountain West Game: NIU Homecoming Kickoff Set Against Air Force
Northern Illinois University's first home Mountain West Conference game will be the Homecoming matchup against Air Force on October 10 at 6:30 p.m. in DeKalb, according to the league's newly released schedule.
Quad Cities International Airport Wins $3.3 Million Federal Grant for Terminal Overhaul
The Quad Cities International Airport received a $3.3 million FAA grant for Phase 2 of Project Gateway, a $19 million terminal renovation that includes new seating, restrooms, dining options, and terrazzo flooring.
Carbondale: SIU Flying Salukis Capture 10th National Aviation Championship, First Since 2015
Southern Illinois University's Flying Salukis aviation team won its 10th national championship at the NIFA competition in Moline, ending an 11-year title drought that began after back-to-back wins in 2014 and 2015.
Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe Announces 2027 Reelection Bid, Cites $137 Million in Infrastructure Gains
Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe announced she will seek reelection in 2027, citing more than $137 million in infrastructure funding and the upcoming expansion of Fuyao Glass as highlights of her tenure.
Evanston Mayor Biss Will Resign to Trigger 2027 Election, City Council Deadlocked Over Who Replaces Him
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss has committed to resigning in time to trigger a special mayoral election in April 2027. The City Council is deadlocked over whether to raise the vote threshold needed to appoint the acting mayor who will fill the interim seat.
Joliet Man Jesus Banuelos-Vela Denied Pretrial Release After Violating Order of Protection, Police Say
A 31-year-old Joliet man is being held without pretrial release after police say he violated an order of protection and admitted to striking the victim again. The victim described threats involving a knife and a bullet.
Aurora Man, 79, Dies After Five-Vehicle Chain-Reaction Crash on Ridge Road
Erling Varland, 79, of Aurora died from injuries after a five-vehicle chain-reaction crash on Ridge Road in Seward Township. Two others were hospitalized. The investigation is ongoing.
Naperville's 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Finally Attends Prom, 82 Years After Missing His
Naperville resident Ray Svejnoha, 100, finally attended his high school prom 82 years after missing it to serve in World War II, thanks to students at Metea Valley High School who organized a surprise prom night for the WWII veteran.