Explore

Greta Olson Rusk Remembered for a Life of Service and Family Dedication

Greta Olson Rusk Remembered for a Life of Service and Family Dedication

Greta Olson Rusk, a long-time resident of Lake Zurich, Illinois, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on July 20, 2026. Born in Chicago in 1935, Greta dedicated her life to education and community service. She was a first-grade teacher, an occupational therapist, and served as the Director of Care Ministries at St. Francis De Sales Parish for 21 years. Greta was known for her commitment to helping others and her deep love for her family, which included her three adopted children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marilyn Ballard's Life and Community Contributions Remembered in Chicago

Marilyn Ballard's Life and Community Contributions Remembered in Chicago

Marilyn Jean Ballard, a long-time resident of Edgebrook, Chicago, passed away at the age of 92. Known for her active participation in her community, Marilyn was a cherished member of the Queen of All Saints Basilica parish. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, leaving behind a large family who will remember her fondly. Marilyn's life was marked by her involvement in social clubs and community groups, where she formed many lasting friendships. Her passing is a significant loss to her family and the community she served for many years.

Marilyn Ballard's Passing Marks the End of a Community Pillar in Chicago

Marilyn Ballard's Passing Marks the End of a Community Pillar in Chicago

Marilyn Jean Ballard, a long-time resident of Edgebrook, Chicago, passed away on July 21, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on May 9, 1934, she was the daughter of Joseph and Gussie Izzo. Marilyn was a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, leaving behind a large family including her children Mary Beth Frystak, Honorable Mark J. Ballard (Ret.), Patti Jo Ballard, Chari Bauer, and the late Lynn and Brian Ballard. She was also a devoted parishioner of Queen of All Saints Basilica, where she formed many lasting friendships. Marilyn was actively involved in various social clubs and community groups throughout her life. A visitation is scheduled for July 26, 2026, at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass on July 27 at Queen of All Saints Basilica.

Fans Turn WNBA All-Star Weekend Into Fashion Week With a Shot Clock

Fans Turn WNBA All-Star Weekend Into Fashion Week With a Shot Clock

The WNBA All-Star weekend is no longer just about basketball. It's become a major fashion event where players and fans alike showcase their unique style.

Sean Hartigan's Life Celebrated for Bringing Joy and Love to Family and Community

Sean Hartigan's Life Celebrated for Bringing Joy and Love to Family and Community

Sean L. Hartigan, a resident of Misericordia Home in Chicago, passed away at the age of 62. Born in Evergreen Park, IL, Sean was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth. Despite recommendations for institutionalization, his parents, Therese and Michael Hartigan, chose to raise him at home with his siblings. Sean's life was marked by his joyful spirit and the love he shared with his family and community. He was known for his love of music, dancing, and his unique sense of humor. Sean lived at Misericordia Home, a community for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, for nearly 40 years, where he thrived and was treated with love and respect. His family and friends remember him as a source of happiness and love, and he will be greatly missed.

Beluga Whales Relocated from Closed Canadian Park to U.S. Aquariums

Beluga Whales Relocated from Closed Canadian Park to U.S. Aquariums

Six beluga whales have been successfully relocated to aquariums in the United States from Marineland of Canada, a marine park that could no longer care for them. The whales, part of a larger pod of 30, were moved to facilities in Chicago and San Antonio. This marks the first stage of an international effort to rehome the belugas. The relocation involved transporting the whales in specialized cold-water containers by truck and plane, with marine mammal veterinarians accompanying them throughout the journey. The move followed extensive planning and veterinary checks, and the whales are now being monitored as they adjust to their new environments.

Mildred Ann Owens Remembered for Her Dedication to Family and Community

Mildred Ann Owens Remembered for Her Dedication to Family and Community

Mildred Ann Redfern Owens, a long-time resident of Cedar Hill, passed away at the age of 88 on July 21, 2026. Known for her commitment to her family and community, Mrs. Owens was a member of Center Point Baptist Church and dedicated her life to helping others. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who remember her fondly for her loving nature and community service. Funeral services are scheduled for July 27, 2026, at the Robertson County Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Springfield Memorial Gardens.

Chicago Aldermen Sign 'ICE Out' Pledge Against Immigration Enforcement Funding

Chicago Aldermen Sign 'ICE Out' Pledge Against Immigration Enforcement Funding

A group of progressive aldermen in Chicago have signed the 'ICE Out of Chicago Elections' pledge, urging their colleagues to reject campaign contributions from corporations linked to federal immigration enforcement. This initiative follows the controversial Operation Midway Blitz, which involved aggressive deportations in Chicago. The pledge targets companies that allegedly profit from providing resources to immigration enforcement agencies. The campaign is part of a broader effort to support the Chicago Fair Elections Ordinance, which advocates for public funding of political campaigns. The pledge has sparked a debate within the city council, with some members advocating for stronger opposition to federal immigration policies, while others suggest a more cooperative approach with the federal government.

Chicago Inspector General Finds No Major Issues in $630 Million Migrant Crisis Spending

Chicago Inspector General Finds No Major Issues in $630 Million Migrant Crisis Spending

The Office of Inspector General in Chicago has released a report indicating that there were no significant issues with the city's expenditure of over $630 million on the migrant crisis. This audit covered the period from August 2022 to the end of 2024, during which Chicago managed the arrival of at least 46,282 migrants, primarily from Venezuela. These individuals were transported to Chicago by states led by Republican governors. The total cost of the crisis reached $639,654,965, with the majority of the funding sourced from outside the city's budget. The report highlighted that the city's spending was accurately and transparently reported, with the public cost dashboard being generally complete. However, the audit did identify some discrepancies, such as $50,916 in spending not included in the public dashboard and minor procurement rule violations in 12 out of 100 sampled invoices.

Amtrak to Increase Seating Capacity on Hiawatha Line with New Railcars

Amtrak to Increase Seating Capacity on Hiawatha Line with New Railcars

Amtrak's Hiawatha train service, which operates between Milwaukee and Chicago, is set to increase its seating capacity this fall. The service, which had been operating with reduced capacity since March 2025 due to the removal of Horizon passenger cars, will introduce nine new railcars. These include six coach cars and three cab-coach cars from Siemens' Venture trainset. The new cab-coaches will replace older Amtrak-owned F-40 cab cars, which did not have passenger seating. The first two new coach cars are expected to be operational by September, with the remaining cars entering service through October and November. Once fully implemented, each trainset will accommodate up to 388 passengers and nine bicycles. This development follows a long process of planning and funding, with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation having ordered the new cars in 2021.

Bears' Colston Loveland Recognized on NFLPA's 'Rising Stars List' for Market Potential

Bears' Colston Loveland Recognized on NFLPA's 'Rising Stars List' for Market Potential

Bears' Colston Loveland Recognized on NFLPA's 'Rising Stars List' for Market Potential

Britain’s Red Arrows Aerobatic Team Performs Over Chicago

Britain’s Red Arrows Aerobatic Team Performs Over Chicago

The Red Arrows, Britain's renowned aerobatic team, performed a flyover in Chicago's Loop on Wednesday afternoon. This event precedes their scheduled shows at the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, which start on Thursday. The flyover was part of a series of events showcasing the team's precision flying skills and was witnessed by many Chicago residents and visitors. The Red Arrows are known for their dynamic aerial displays and have been a staple in international air shows, drawing large crowds and media attention.