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Peoria Man Jailed Until Trial After Allegedly Beating 6-Year-Old Boy He Was Babysitting
Sammie Wright Jr., 47, is charged with aggravated battery to a child after allegedly beating a 6-year-old boy he was babysitting in Peoria. A judge ordered him held without bond after prosecutors said the child suffered C-shaped injuries consistent with being struck by a cord or rope.
Rockford: No Charges Filed After Miranda Joiner Died in Winnebago County Jail Cell
Winnebago County State's Attorney J. Hanley announced no criminal charges will be filed after Miranda Joiner, 30, died in her jail cell in December 2025. An autopsy ruled the cause of death cardiac arrhythmia. The investigation found no reckless action by staff.
Springfield: Social Media Tips Lead to Arrest of Motorcyclist Facing Felony Reckless Driving Charges
Springfield man Austin Huddleston, 30, was arrested on July 4 facing four felony counts of aggravated fleeing and eluding after social media tips helped Illinois State Police track down a dangerous motorcyclist in Sangamon County.
Chicago: Malik Wrightsell Charged With Attempted Murder After Shooting Two Officers in South Shore
Malik Wrightsell, 34, is charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting two Chicago police officers during a South Shore traffic stop. Both officers survived thanks to ballistic vests. The shooting occurred during a Fourth of July weekend that saw Chicago's least violent holiday period in seven years.
Elgin Police Call Off Fox River Search for Armed Man Who Fled Officers Into Water
Elgin police called off a two-day Fox River search for a man who fled officers with a large knife and ran into the water downtown. Multiple fire departments participated in the recovery effort.
Elgin: Man Sentenced to 96 Years in Prison for Fatal 2020 Road Rage Shooting That Killed Francisco Trujillo-Uscanga
A Lake in the Hills man received a 96-year prison sentence for a 2020 road rage shooting in Elgin that killed 41-year-old Francisco Trujillo-Uscanga and wounded another man. The sentences for first-degree murder, attempted murder, and armed violence run consecutively.
Elgin Gets Second $400,000 State Grant to Expand Hotel Shelter for Homeless Residents
Elgin received a second $400,000 state grant to continue housing homeless residents at the Lexington Inn and Suites. The city is now searching for a nonprofit to take over operations of the 96-room hotel.
Waukegan: Libertyville Man Charged With Hate Crime After Racist Posters Target Mayor and Immigrant Community
Derek Webb, 38, of Libertyville, was charged with a hate crime and disorderly conduct after threatening anti-immigrant posters appeared across Waukegan and Lake County. The campaign also included a racist poster depicting Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham as an ape.
DeKalb Woman 41 Arrested for Driving on Drugs With Child in Car
Dierdre Sinkler, 41, of Ottawa was arrested in DeKalb on charges of DUI, drug paraphernalia possession, and endangering a child after deputies found her driving with a juvenile passenger, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.
Quad Cities: MercyOne Genesis, Trinity Health Pay $4.6 Million to Settle DOJ Heart Pump Fraud Case
The MercyOne Genesis health system in the Quad Cities agreed to pay $4.6 million to settle federal allegations of heart pump overbilling from 2016 to 2022, as part of a record $6.5 billion national health care fraud takedown by the Department of Justice.
18-Year-Old Dylan Dunway Arrested on Gun Charges in Carbondale Disturbance
Dylan J. Dunway, 18, was arrested in Carbondale on gun charges after police found a firearm in a vehicle during a late-night disturbance. Three juveniles in the car were released to their families.
Two Men Shot in Separate Decatur, Illinois Shootings Over Four-Day Stretch
Two men were shot in separate Decatur, Illinois shootings over a four-day stretch. A 35-year-old was hit three times while driving on Thursday. A man in his late 20s was shot in the foot Saturday morning. Police are seeking tips.
Evanston: District 65 Pays Departing Superintendent Angel Turner $191,000 as School Closures and Deficit Loom
Evanston/Skokie District 65 pays departing Superintendent Angel Turner $191,000 in a mutual separation agreement approved 5-1 by the school board. The payout comes as the district faces a $10 million to $15 million structural deficit and has already voted to close two schools.
Joliet: 21-Year-Old Driver in Life-Threatening Condition After Police Chase Ends in Four-Car Crash at Black Road and Larkin Avenue
A 21-year-old Joliet man is in life-threatening condition after his Cadillac crashed into a Chevrolet at Black Road and Larkin Avenue while fleeing police. Three others in the Chevrolet were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
International Paper to Close Aurora, Illinois Sheet Plant by End of 2026
International Paper will close its Aurora, Illinois sheet plant by the end of September 2026 as part of a North American restructuring. The company has not disclosed how many jobs will be eliminated.
Naperville Residents Face Transit Overhaul as NITA Board Takes Shape With $1.2 Billion in New Funding
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority replaces the RTA on September 1 with $1.2 billion in new annual funding. Four of 20 board directors have been appointed. Naperville residents who ride Pace and Metra will be affected by fare and schedule decisions.
Bloomington: 18-Year-Old Jailed After Man Shot at West Market Street Grocery Store
Naquin Terrell, 18, is jailed on Class X felony charges after a fight at a Bloomington grocery store turned into a shooting that wounded one man. Police traced Terrell through surveillance video after encountering him earlier that day at a Burger King where armed individuals appeared.
Urbana City Council Votes 4-2 to Reject Landmark Status for Former Civic Center, Clearing Path for $32 Million Transit Station
The Urbana City Council voted 4-2 to reject historic landmark status for the former Urbana Civic Center, clearing the way for a $32 million Mass Transit District bus-transfer station. Preservationists say the vote does not end the fight to save at least part of the 56-year-old building.
Peoria McClugage Bridge Westbound Span Closes July 1 for $70 Million Rehabilitation
The westbound McClugage Bridge in Peoria closes July 1 for a $70 million multi-year rehabilitation project. All westbound traffic will divert to the eastbound span, reduced to one lane.
Rockford: 15-Year-Old Charged With First-Degree Murder in Gas Station Killing of Tristyn August
A 15-year-old Rockford boy turned himself in and faces first-degree murder charges in the June 21 shooting death of 20-year-old Tristyn August at a Circle K on East State Street. August's mother called the killing a nightmare.
Springfield: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Offers Free July 4 Admission for Nation's 250th Birthday Block Party
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield will offer free admission on July 4 as part of a block party celebrating the nation's 250th birthday. The event includes concerts, a parade, and food trucks.
Chicago: Johnny Robinson Charged With Attempted Murder in 2024 Washington Heights Shooting
Johnny Robinson, 32, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery for a July 2024 shooting in Chicago's Washington Heights neighborhood that seriously injured another man.
South Shore Line Shuts Down: Freight Train Derailment Halts Chicago Commuter Service
A freight train derailment near East Chicago and Gary shut down South Shore Line commuter service Thursday morning. Monon Corridor service resumed Thursday afternoon. Lakeshore Line service remained suspended with no confirmed timeline for restoration.
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss to Resign October 18 as DOJ Escalates Reparations Lawsuit
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss will resign October 18 to focus on his Congressional race, triggering a special mayoral election in April 2027. His departure comes as the DOJ escalates its challenge to Evanston's $25,000 reparations payments for Black residents.
Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park: Mail Delivery Times and Carriers Change Starting June 27
About 30 postal routes in Rockford, Loves Park, and Machesney Park will change starting June 27 as the U.S. Postal Service consolidates routes. Delivery times and carriers may shift, but no letter carriers will be laid off.
Springfield: Former EMS Worker Peter Cadigan Sentenced to Probation in Death of Earl Moore Jr.
Former Springfield EMS worker Peter Cadigan was sentenced to two years probation and 100 hours community service in the 2022 death of Earl Moore Jr., who died from positional asphyxia after being strapped face down on a stretcher.
Chicago: Deadly Juneteenth Weekend Sparks Priest's Clash With Trump and Push for Gun Violence Department
Chicago's deadly Juneteenth and Father's Day weekend left at least seven dead and 36 wounded. The violence sparked a public clash between South Side priest Father Michael Pfleger and President Trump, while city leaders pushed for a new $100 million Department of Gun Violence Prevention.
Elgin Teen Destiny Neal Found Dead in Fox River Two Days After Disappearance
Destiny Neal, 16, was found dead in the Fox River in Elgin two days after being reported missing. The Kane County Coroner's Office confirmed her identity Monday. Toxicology results are pending.
Waukegan Mourns Mary Ross-Cunningham: Lake County Board Vice Chair Dies at 80
Mary Ross-Cunningham, Lake County Board vice chair and a longtime Waukegan advocate, has died at 80. The first African American woman to lead the county board, she served for more than two decades.
DeKalb County Teen Sentenced to 17 Years for Fatal Stabbing of Sycamore’s Kaleb McCall
Hamza Khatatbeh, 17, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for the 2023 stabbing death of Sycamore teen Kaleb McCall. The McCall family attended every hearing since charges were filed.
Quad Cities Weather Office Confirms Three Tornadoes as Illinois Shatters Annual Record With 161 Confirmed Touchdowns
Illinois has recorded 161 confirmed tornadoes in 2026, breaking its previous yearly record of 147. The NWS Quad Cities office confirmed three EF1 tornadoes in the region on June 17, while a deadly EF3 tornado killed two people in Jefferson County.
Carbondale: SIU's Free Camp BETA Opens Registration for Youths With Type 1 Diabetes
SIU Carbondale's free Camp BETA opens registration for youths ages 10-16 with Type 1 diabetes. The September camp at Touch of Nature includes outdoor adventures and medical support at no cost.
Decatur: ADM Invests $103 Million to Modernize Operations, Creates 50 New Jobs
ADM will invest $103 million to modernize its Decatur operations, creating 50 new full-time jobs and retaining over 1,000 existing positions at the city's largest employer.
Evanston: Private Equity Landlord Quadrel Faces $291,000 in Fines for Skipping Affordable Housing at Hampton Parkway
Quadrel Realty Group and parent company North Park Ventures owe Evanston $291,000 in fines for failing to provide nine affordable units at their 91-unit Hampton Parkway development over a five-year period.
Joliet to Pay $2 Million to Settle Lawsuit Over 5,500 Overweight Truck Tickets
Joliet City Council approved a $2 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit alleging the city unfairly ticketed 5,500 truckers for overweight loads by forcing them before a city-paid judge instead of a circuit court.
Aurora's Sen. Linda Holmes to Retire After 20 Years in Illinois Senate, Citing Multiple Sclerosis
Aurora State Sen. Linda Holmes will retire from the Illinois Senate at the end of her term, citing Multiple Sclerosis. The 20-year veteran opens a vacancy in the 42nd District as Democratic chairs prepare to select her successor.
Naperville: Developer Behind Rejected Data Center Eyes Former BP Campus for New Proposal
Karis Critical is exploring a data center and advanced manufacturing proposal for Naperville's vacant 169-acre former BP campus, six months after the city rejected its previous data center plan.
Bloomington-Normal: County Passes Strict Data Center Rules as Cities Set Hearing Timeline Before November Moratorium Expiry
McLean County passed 13 strict data center regulations while Bloomington and Normal prepare public hearings before their six-month moratoriums expire in November. A Normal-based consultant offered a different perspective on how the community should approach the issue.
Champaign County Restaurants Hit With Red Placards, Closures After Health Inspections in First Half of 2026
More than two dozen Champaign County restaurants received red or yellow placards in the first half of 2026 after health inspectors found cockroach infestations, unsafe food temperatures, and repeat violations at popular dining spots.
Peoria Region: Normal Community High School Graduate Col. Gregory Watson Among 8 Killed in B-52 Crash in California
Col. Gregory Watson, a Normal Community High School graduate and Illinois State University alum, was among eight people killed when a B-52 bomber crashed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on June 15. Watson, 53, was a weapon systems officer for Boeing and a member of the 307th Bomb Wing.
Peoria: Alexander's Steakhouse President Says Rising Costs Killed Normal Location. Peoria Store Stays Open.
Ron Helms, president of Mercedes Restaurants Inc., says rising costs forced the closure of Alexander's Steakhouse in Normal. The Peoria location remains open and busy, making it the last Alexander's in Central Illinois.
Rockford: 20-Year-Old Man Killed in Shooting at East Side Circle K
A 20-year-old man died after being shot Sunday evening in the parking lot of a Circle K on Rockford's East Side. Police have not identified the victim or a suspect.
Springfield Hit by Two Tornadoes in Six Days as Illinois Shatters All-Time Record With 147
Springfield was struck by two EF-1 tornadoes in six days, both following nearly identical paths. Illinois has now confirmed at least 147 tornadoes in 2026, shattering the previous all-time record of 142 set in 2024.
Chicago: 7 Dead, 38 Injured in Weekend Shooting Spree as Trump Demands Military Intervention
Seven people died and 38 were injured in a weekend of shootings across Chicago, including a mass shooting on Juneteenth that wounded 12 people in a South Side crowd. President Trump renewed his call for military intervention as Governor Pritzker continues to resist.
Elgin High School Students Unveil Lion Mascot Design After Public Vote Replaces Retired Chief Mighty Maroon
Elgin High School students presented a lion mascot design to the U-46 School Board after the lion won a public vote. The school has not had a live mascot since retiring Chief Mighty Maroon in 2002.
Elgin High School Students Unveil Lion Mascot Design After Public Vote Replaces Retired Chief Mighty Maroon
Elgin High School students presented a lion mascot design to the U-46 School Board after the lion won a public vote. The school has not had a live mascot since retiring Chief Mighty Maroon in 2002.
Waukegan City Council Divided Over One-Year Moratorium on New Liquor Licenses
Waukegan City Council members are divided over a proposed one-year moratorium on new liquor store, gaming parlor, and gas station beer and wine licenses. Supporters cite public safety concerns. Opponents say the city can already deny individual applications.
DeKalb Holds Inaugural Juneteenth Festival at Van Buer Plaza, Organizers Plan Annual Event
DeKalb held its first Juneteenth Festival at Van Buer Plaza on June 19, featuring live music, vendors, and community activities. Organizers say the event will return annually.
Quad Cities: 42-Year-Old Man Fighting for Life After Motorcycle Crash in Davenport
A 42-year-old man is in critical condition after a motorcycle collided with a turning Jeep at a Davenport intersection Saturday afternoon. Police say the rider crossed the centerline while trying to pass the vehicle.
Carbondale: 32-Year-Old Man Dies After Early Morning Shooting on West Jackson Street
Marshaun Williams, 32, died after being shot early Friday morning on West Jackson Street in Carbondale. His acquaintance, Brent Battles, 51, was also shot and is in police custody. Police say the incident stemmed from a personal dispute.