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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.
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.
State Farm Cuts Agent Pay And Benefits In Shake-Up That Hits 19,000 Workers
State Farm, headquartered in Bloomington, is cutting agent compensation by an estimated 35-40 percent and eliminating health insurance for its 19,000 agents. Retired agents also face benefit cuts. The changes mark the most significant restructuring in the company's history.
Former Tilton Police Chief Steven Cornett, 65, Killed in I-74 Construction Zone Crash in Champaign
Steven A. Cornett, 65, a former Tilton Police Chief, was killed Wednesday morning after being struck by a vehicle in an I-74 construction zone in Champaign. The investigation is ongoing.
Peoria City Council Unanimously Approves Land Swap to Unlock 200-Home Expo Gardens Development
Peoria City Council unanimously approved a land swap with Peoria Public Schools to advance a 200-home residential development at the former Exposition Gardens site. The deal reshapes property access and creates new commercial potential.
Rockford Faces $9.4 Million Budget Shortfall as State Revenue Sharing Shrinks
Rockford's Finance Committee approved tapping reserves to cover a $9.4 million budget shortfall as pandemic-era revenue fades and state revenue sharing shrinks. Mayor Tom McNamara says the city has lost more than $144 million in LGDF funds since 2012.
Springfield Mourns Two Teens Killed in Separate Crashes Within 48 Hours
Quaneal Leone, 14, was killed while riding his bicycle on East Cook Street. Luke Peterson, 13, died in a single-vehicle crash in McLean County. Both were Springfield teens.
Chicago Bears Would Get $1.5 Billion Tax Break Under Megaprojects Bill, Cook County Treasurer Says
A Cook County Treasurer's Office analysis says the megaprojects bill would give the Chicago Bears more than $1.5 billion in tax breaks over 40 years while delivering roughly $5 in annual relief to each Cook County homeowner.
Elgin Man Dhruv Patel Faces Felonies After Allegedly Pulling Gun on Hoffman Estates Police
Dhruv Patel, 26, of Elgin, faces seven felony counts after Hoffman Estates police say he drew a gun during a May 14 traffic stop.
Waukegan Mother Maria Perez, 35, Killed in I-94 Crash After Friend Allegedly Drove Drunk and Texted
Waukegan mother Maria Conchita Perez, 35, was killed when the car she was riding in struck a semi-truck on I-94 near Gurnee. The driver, Priscilla Martinez, 29, was charged with aggravated DUI causing death and other felonies after allegedly drinking and using her phone while driving.
DeKalb: NIU Football Unveils Promo Schedule for Inaugural Mountain West Season
Northern Illinois University announced the full promotional schedule for its inaugural Mountain West Conference football season, with home games at Huskie Stadium featuring Homecoming, Hall of Fame Weekend, and more.
Quad Cities Communities Line Up America 250 Celebrations From Rock Falls To East Moline
Quad Cities communities from Rock Falls to East Moline are planning America 250 celebrations running from April through July, featuring Civil War reenactments, drone shows, and patriotic festivals.
SIU Carbondale’s Flying Salukis Win 10th National Aviation Championship
Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Flying Salukis have won their 10th national collegiate aviation championship at SAFECON, outperforming 500 aviators from 30 universities.
Decatur's $27 Million Racino Hope Rests on Sunday Legislative Deadline
Decatur leaders say a racino bill that could bring $27 million in annual tax revenue and 300 jobs faces a Sunday deadline in the Illinois House before the legislative session ends.
Evanston's Roycemore School Faces Existential Crisis as Enrollment Plummets and $7.67 Million Bond Looms
Roycemore School in Evanston faces an existential financial crisis after enrollment fell 17.9% and the school breached covenants on a $7.67 million bond. Auditors issued a going-concern warning as the board launches a $2 million fundraising campaign.
2 Critically Injured After Wrong-Way Driver Flees Officer, Crashes Into SUV on Jefferson Street in Joliet
Two people were critically injured after a wrong-way driver fled from a Joliet police officer and crashed into an SUV on West Jefferson Street near the Will County Courthouse on Memorial Day night.
Aurora's $360 Million Hollywood Casino Opens June 24 With Celebrity Chefs, Hotel, and Live Shows
The $360 million Hollywood Casino Aurora opens June 24 with celebrity chef restaurants, a 226-room hotel, and live music. The city's $50 million investment will be repaid through a tax increment financing district.
Naperville Native Chris Brady Makes U.S. Men's National Team Roster for 2026 World Cup
Naperville native Chris Brady, the Chicago Fire goalkeeper, earned a spot on the U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 22-year-old was signed as a Homegrown player by the Fire at age 16.
Bloomington-Normal Area Mourns: 13-Year-Old Springfield Teen Dies in McLean County Crash
Luke W. Peterson, 13, of Springfield was killed in a single-vehicle SUV crash on Route 136 near McLean late Sunday night. The teen was a passenger. A second occupant was hospitalized. The crash is under investigation.
Phoebe Bridgers Surprise Show Draws 400-Fan Rush in Champaign
Phoebe Bridgers drew hundreds of fans to The Orpheum in Champaign for a surprise Memorial Day concert. Lines formed by 8 a.m. and 400 people were waiting by noon when wristbands went on sale.
Shots Fired at Family Cookout in Peoria's Glen Oak Park, Suspects Flee
A family was shot at during a Memorial Day cookout at Glen Oak Park in Peoria. No one was injured. Suspects fled the scene and remain at large.
Rockford Marks 156 Years of Memorial Day Tradition as County Honors 554 Fallen Veterans
Rockford celebrated its 156th Memorial Day parade as Winnebago County honored 554 fallen veterans. A Vietnam War veteran spoke of discrimination against women in the military, and the Navy Club held its 104th 'Sinking of the Ship' ceremony.
Springfield Showdown: Pritzker’s $250 Million Housing Plan Faces Local Control Fight Before Session Ends
Governor J.B. Pritzker's $250 million BUILD housing plan faces opposition from House Republicans in Springfield who say it strips local zoning control. The legislative session ends May 31.
Chicago's Memorial Day Weekend: 26 Shot, Toddler Killed in Accidental Shooting
At least 26 people were shot and a 2-year-old boy died in an accidental shooting during Memorial Day weekend in Chicago. The holiday marked the city's fewest fatal shootings in over a decade.
South Elgin Manufacturer Hoffer Plastics Names Dan Clark As Director of Manufacturing
Hoffer Plastics, a South Elgin custom injection molder, has created and filled a new director of manufacturing role with Dan Clark, a veteran with more than 30 years of experience.
Waukegan Mother Maria Conchita Perez, 35, Dies in I-94 Crash After Friend Allegedly Drove Drunk
Maria Conchita Perez, 35, of Waukegan, died Saturday after her friend allegedly drove drunk and crashed into a semi-truck on I-94 near Gurnee. The driver, Priscilla Martinez, 29, was arrested and charged with aggravated DUI causing death.
DeKalb: NIU Baseball Heads to NCAA Tournament for First Time in 54 Years
Northern Illinois University baseball has qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1972, ending a 54-year drought after winning the MAC Championship.
Quad Cities Boaters Face 2.5 Hour Waits as Army Corps Closes Auxiliary Lock at Dam 14
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is closing the auxiliary lock at Lock and Dam 14 this summer due to staffing shortages. Quad Cities recreational boaters now face waits of up to 2.5 hours to pass through the main commercial lock.
Carbondale Opens $13.4 Million Aquatics Center After Two Years Without a Public Pool
The $13.4 million Carbondale Aquatics Center opened Saturday, ending two summer seasons without a public pool. The facility replaces the John M. Fleet Pool, which served the town from 1979 to 2023.
Decatur Man Arrested in First Degree Murder After 23-Year-Old Killed in Shooting
A 21-year-old Decatur man has been arrested for First Degree Murder after 23-year-old Deamontae L. Weaver was shot and killed at a Decatur home on May 22.
Evanston Landscaper Jesús Eugenio Castro Detained by ICE at Routine Check-In, Leaving Wife and Two Young Children Behind
Evanston landscaper Jesús Eugenio Castro was detained by ICE during a routine check-in appointment, leaving his wife and two young children behind. Castro is being held in Kentucky ahead of a June 1 court date.
1 Dead, 1 Injured After Wrong-Way Driver Crashes Into Semi on I-80 in Joliet
One person died and another was hospitalized after a wrong-way driver collided with a semi-truck on westbound I-80 near Briggs Street in Joliet Monday morning, Illinois State Police said.
Aurora City Council to Vote on 54-Unit Senior Housing Expansion as Demand Outpaces Supply
The Aurora Housing Authority is asking the city council to approve 54 new affordable senior housing units in phase two of 1449 Senior Estates, following overwhelming demand from a waitlist that drew 900 applications in three days.
Naperville Apartment Kitchen Fire Causes $125,000 In Damage, No Injuries Reported
A kitchen fire in a Naperville apartment building on Capistrano Court caused $125,000 in damage Saturday evening. Firefighters responded with a full general alarm. No injuries were reported.