Explore

Chicago Tribune Reports on Escalating Plastic Pollution in Great Lakes and Health Concerns

Chicago Tribune Reports on Escalating Plastic Pollution in Great Lakes and Health Concerns

The Chicago Tribune has published an investigative report detailing the severe and escalating plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, a vital source of drinking water for over 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada. The report highlights that treated lake water is contaminated with microplastics—tiny plastic bits linked to toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and other diseases. Fish, a dietary staple for many communities, are also contaminated. Despite these dangers, plastic pollution remains unregulated, and manufacturers are planning to significantly increase plastic production in the U.S. The Tribune's review of government, scientific, and internal industry documents reveals that industry executives have historically blamed consumers for the pollution, employing tactics similar to those used by the tobacco industry. Scientists are particularly concerned about microplastics' potential to trigger heart and brain diseases, impaired fertility, premature births, certain cancers, and developmental problems ...

Overnight Shooting in Cahokia Heights Leaves One Injured

Overnight Shooting in Cahokia Heights Leaves One Injured

An overnight shooting incident in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, resulted in one person being injured and hospitalized. The event occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday near the 2100 block of Doris Avenue. Following the shooting, the injured individual sought help by banging on neighbors' doors. Emergency services responded, and the person was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting to determine what transpired. No further details regarding the victim's condition or potential suspects have been released at this time, as the investigation is ongoing.

Solrite Launches Zero-Down Solar-Plus-Storage Program for Illinois Homeowners

Solrite Launches Zero-Down Solar-Plus-Storage Program for Illinois Homeowners

Solrite Launches Zero-Down Solar-Plus-Storage Program for Illinois Homeowners

Rivian's Property Tax Appeal Threatens Unit 5 School District's $252M Budget

Rivian's Property Tax Appeal Threatens Unit 5 School District's $252M Budget

Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, is challenging the assessed value of seven of its properties in McLean County, Illinois, potentially costing the Unit 5 school district up to $6.8 million in lost annual revenue. The company initially appealed to a county review board, which upheld the original assessment of $175.8 million for the properties, implying a market value of $527.4 million. Rivian, however, argues the assessed value should be $71.7 million, or a 59% reduction, which would place the market value around $215 million. Following the county board's denial, Rivian has escalated its appeal to the state's Property Tax Appeal Board (PTAB). This ongoing dispute creates significant uncertainty for Unit 5's proposed $252.1 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which is currently being finalized and is set for a vote in September. Superintendent Kristen Weikle highlighted that this is not a one-time loss but an annual impact on potential revenue.

United Way of Adams County Launches New Community Needs Survey Following Impact Showcase

United Way of Adams County Launches New Community Needs Survey Following Impact Showcase

The United Way of Adams County, Illinois, held a Community Impact Showcase to review the progress made by local organizations in addressing critical community needs and officially launched a new community needs survey. The event, held at the Blessing Conference Center, brought together various non-profits, healthcare providers, public agencies, and community partners who form the Community Building Council. This council aims to foster collaboration and prevent duplication of efforts among organizations tackling challenges in Adams County. The new survey seeks input from all residents and workers in Adams County, not just Quincy, to identify current needs. This initiative follows a similar survey conducted in 2021, which helped pinpoint housing, behavioral health, and financial stability for ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households as top priorities. The results of the 2021 survey led to the formation of solution teams focused on these areas, demonstrating how community feedback can dr...

Is your state one of America's most fun? See the list

Is your state one of America's most fun? See the list

WalletHub ranked all 50 states by entertainment, recreation and nightlife. See where your state ranks among the most fun in America.

Illinois Mother Dies Saving Son During Fishing Trip in Des Plaines River

Illinois Mother Dies Saving Son During Fishing Trip in Des Plaines River

Angelina Khalimendik, a 31-year-old mother of three from Hinsdale, Illinois, tragically drowned after jumping into the Des Plaines River to save her 7-year-old son during a family fishing trip. The incident occurred near the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Lake County. Khalimendik successfully helped her son reach another family member before she was swept away by the current. Her death has been attributed to drowning, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office. The incident followed recent torrential rains in the area, which caused the river to flood with extra water, debris, and fallen trees, making the conditions particularly hazardous. Lake County Forest Preserves’ Police Chief Ron Davis advised individuals caught in such waters to remain calm, roll onto their backs, and use their limbs to push away from debris to reach the shoreline.

Mother of Three Dies Saving Son from Des Plaines River in Libertyville

Mother of Three Dies Saving Son from Des Plaines River in Libertyville

Angelina Khalimendik, a 31-year-old mother of three from Hinsdale, died from drowning after saving her son in the Des Plaines River in Libertyville. The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Independence Grove Forest Preserve. According to Lake County Forest Preserves Police Chief Ron Davis, Khalimendik entered the river to assist her son, who was in distress. She successfully helped her son reach a family member but subsequently went underwater herself. Emergency services, including multiple fire departments with boats and divers, responded to a water rescue call around 7 p.m. Family members and bystanders pulled Khalimendik from the water, and paramedics performed CPR before transporting her to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death.

Storms Circle Back to Batter a Flood-Weary Midwest

Storms Circle Back to Batter a Flood-Weary Midwest

The Midwest and Ohio Valley are once again facing a threat of severe weather, with new storms expected to bring damaging winds, hail, and flash flooding. This comes on the heels of catastrophic floods and a deadly derecho that recently impacted the same regions. The ground is already saturated, making it highly vulnerable to the anticipated heavy rainfall, which could reach up to 2 inches per hour. Southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and Indiana are identified as the primary areas of concern. The repeated severe weather events pose significant risks to public safety, strain emergency response resources, and exacerbate the ongoing recovery efforts. Residents are urged to stay informed about weather alerts and take necessary precautions, including avoiding travel through flooded areas and securing property. The forecast suggests the most intense activity will occur through Wednesday, with potential lingering effects into Thursday. Continued monitoring of weather updates is crucial for those in the affecte...

Illinois State Police Deploy Bicycle Response Team at State Fair, Plan Expansion

Illinois State Police Deploy Bicycle Response Team at State Fair, Plan Expansion

The Illinois State Police (ISP) has deployed its new Bicycle Response Team at the 2026 Illinois State Fair. This team, consisting of 11 officers, is designed to enhance public safety by increasing operational mobility, visibility, and service in crowded environments where traditional patrol vehicles are less effective. The ISP established this team to allow troopers to reach difficult-to-access areas more quickly, improve crowd management capabilities, and foster community engagement through direct interaction. These specially trained officers will continue their regular patrol duties but will be available for deployment as bicycle operators as needed. The ISP plans to train approximately 100 bicycle operators for this volunteer program, with some also receiving training in crowd management and control tactics. The initiative aims to provide a more agile and visible police presence at large-scale events such as fairs, festivals, and parades.

DuPage County Tornado Sirens Accidentally Activated Overnight During System Test

DuPage County Tornado Sirens Accidentally Activated Overnight During System Test

Tornado sirens across multiple communities in DuPage County, Illinois, were accidentally activated around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, waking up many residents. DuPage Public Safety Communications (DuComm) confirmed that a staff member inadvertently triggered the sirens during a planned system test. The test was intended to check the technology without actually sounding the sirens. The National Weather Service in Chicago confirmed that no severe weather warnings had been issued from their office. Local agencies, including the village of Downers Grove and Villa Park police, quickly posted on social media to inform residents that the activation was an error and there was no weather emergency. DuComm has issued an apology for the unnecessary interruption and confusion caused by the incident.

‘Survival mode’: Indiana residents endure a ninth day without power

‘Survival mode’: Indiana residents endure a ninth day without power

Tens of thousands of people in northwest Indiana are entering a second week without power after a deadly storm toppled trees and power lines