Cook County

Downers Grove launches its Friday Night Live concert lineup, while Westmont is home to the Spring Fling Festival, Darien adds a carnival to the holiday weekend, and The Forge Lemont Quarries presents the Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest. Theater lovers are offered a trio of new offerings.

A Will County judge allowed the jail release of a man facing a charge of disseminating child sex abuse materials whom a prosecutor said is “actively looking for young girls.”

A mother whose child was the victim of a 2023 hate crime murder in Plainfield Township reunited with the first responders of the tragedy at the Will County Sheriff’s Office in Joliet. 

A Will County judge handed down the prison sentence for the Chicago man after he spoke about how he felt the “system mostly targets” Black people and he compared “the system” to “modern-day slavery.”

Illinois officials are urging people not to travel amid dust storm warnings across parts of the state, including much of the Chicago area.

After severe storms swept northern Illinois Thursday, the region faces increased fire risk and wind advisories Friday.

A tornado watch is in effect until 10 p.m. Thursday for most of northern Illinois, the National Weather Service reports.

Morton Arboretum unveils its latest whimsical sculptures, while classical orchestras and choirs along with a Taylor Swift tribute shake up the musical scene, native plants buoy the environment and a walking murder mystery takes a Japanese twist.

Special events range from The Morton Arboretum's Arbor Day Plant Sale and a production of "Our Town" at the MAC to live music, a showcase of jewelry artistry and an interactive exhibition on farming in DuPage County at the Elmhurst History Museum.

The Trump administration is reported to be slashing a $56 million annual grant program for the training and distribution of Narcan, a nasal spray that is credited with saving lives from opioid overdoses.

A federal judge found the police misconduct claims in a lawsuit over the 2020 in-custody death of Eric Lurry were strong enough for trial and possibly receive a favorable verdict. 

Over 230 people filled Jennifer's Garden at 555 Gore Road in Morris Monday morning for the annual Grundy Economic Development Council Legislative Breakfast, where local representatives answered questions from an audience made up of the local business community.

May Fest will bloom at Cantigny, while Wheaton separately plays host to a mac-and-cheese festival. Concerts will showcase folk and classical artists, while the game's afoot for "Miss Holmes Returns."

A third suspect from Chicago has been arrested on charges alleging they participated in the 2024 murder of a tattoo artist in Bolingbrook.

A Barrington acupuncturist accused of fondling a client in her Crystal Lake home has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery and was sentenced to 50 hours public service and one year conditional discharge.

A Shorewood man’s attorneys in a case linked to a 2024 mass shooting in Joliet is seeking to use artificial intelligence to review and analyze his discovery as he prepares for trial. 

It’s officially a race for Sen. Dick Durbin’s seat with U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly announcing her candidacy Tuesday, joining Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton.

Channahon Village Hall and the Channahon Police Department have been given the all clear after being evacuated Monday due to a suspicious package.

U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, the longest-serving member of the suburban delegation to Congress, won’t run again in 2026.

A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 in Bolingbrook led to the rollover of a semitrailer carrying products from a brewing company, police said.

The rise in trail use at forest preserves and parks throughout the region comes with words of caution from those who oversee the facilities, especially when it comes to electric bicycles, or e-bikes.

Group wants new state to separate parts of Illinois from Chicago, suburbs.

An employee of Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow’s Office is under investigation for “malfeasance,” according to a spokesman for the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

A Will County judge sentenced Joseph Czuba, 73, to a total of 53 years in prison. Czuba was sentenced to 30 years for Wadee’s murder, 20 years for Shaheen’s attempted murder and three years for hate crime.

A defense attorney claims a conflict of interest with the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office means a special prosecutor should be assigned to the case of a former sheriff’s deputy charged with sex crimes.

With veteran Democratic U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky expected to announce Monday if she’ll run for reelection in Illinois’ 9th District, another newcomer has launched a campaign for the seat.

Art in Wilder Park and Lilac Time lead off festival fun, and there's also a DuPage and Cook lineup of hit rock bands, classical gems, kite flying and history tours.

The Chicago Department of Public Health and Cook County Department of Public Health have reported two confirmed measles cases, marking the first for Cook County this year

A bus tour led by Illinois Democratic senators made a stop in Joliet to speak out against cuts to social programs proposed by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. 

A Joliet man charged with a violent crime had been released from jail in 2023 on the wrong bond amount by a former Will County sheriff’s deputy, who’s now facing sex crime charges, police records show. 

A 54-year-old Chicago man is charged with first-degree murder after authorities said he spat on a Glendale Heights woman and stabbed her in the back Thursday near a CTA green line stop in Chicago.

Eclectic activities feature a highly anticipated regional premiere at Drury Lane Theatre, bluegrass, ABBA tribute, magic show and a celebration of science and history with a local documentary presented at the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove.

A Lockport man charged with the 2024 murder of his wife had reported to 911 she was accidentally shot but then wouldn’t give information regarding her death to police or paramedics, prosecutors said.

Veteran Democratic U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Evanston plans to announce she won’t seek reelection, likely early next month, according to media reports.

A former investigator for the Will County Public Defender’s Office was sentenced to serve 85% of an eight-year prison sentence for driving under the influence of drugs in a 2022 crash that killed a psychologist.

A Will County judge has denied the pretrial release of a Markham man charged with the 2023 murder of a Joliet teen who was shot 25 times near a playground and community center.

As Democratic U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky decides whether to seek a 15th term, political newcomer Kat Abughazelah already is campaigning for Schakowsky's 9th District seat — and creating national buzz.

Scattered thunderstorms forecasted for Friday evening could bring large hail, damaging winds and perhaps a tornado, the National Weather Service warned.

In recent weeks, defense attorneys have filed a motion for the first time that requests the pretrial release of a Markham man charged with the 2023 murder of a Joliet teen who was shot 25 times.

New vote totals on Tuesday show a Joliet candidate has become the third-highest vote getter for one of three seats on the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees. 

The City of Joliet has been billed $157,280 to fight a conspiracy lawsuit from a mayor who was defeated in the 2023 election. The cost is expected to rise as he pursues his case in Will County court.

Democrats made significant gains in township races across the suburbs during this month’s election.

A correctional deputy charged with predatory sexual assault of a child and possession of child sex abuse materials has been fired, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office.

A smash-and-grab crew burglarized multiple businesses in Mokena, Frankfort and Tinley Park before fleeing to Chicago to evade the authorities.

An acclaimed guest violinist, a debut Spring Fest at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and a winning fish fry and foreign film will be part of the fun.

La Grange resident Jack Harrington recently was named a recipient of the Evans Scholarahip

A Will County Sheriff’s Office correctional deputy now faces a charge of possessing a video of child sex abuse material in addition to charges of predatory sexual assault of a child and criminal sexual assault.

A teen detainee of the River Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Joliet has been charged with the 2024 attempted murder of a detainee who suffered traumatic brain injury in an attack, prosecutors said.

A teen detainee of the River Valley Juvenile Detention Center in Joliet has been charged with the 2024 attempted murder of a detainee who suffered traumatic brain injury in an attack, prosecutors said.

The newly rechristened Meals on Wheels for Northern Illinois is working to expand its services with added volunteers and funding. It also asks supporters to reach out to legislators at the state and federal level.