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Carole Yackley Passes Away at 83, Longtime Naperville Resident Remembered

Carole Yackley Passes Away at 83, Longtime Naperville Resident Remembered

Carole J. Yackley, a longtime resident of Naperville, Illinois, passed away at the age of 83 on April 12, 2026, at her daughter's home in Marseilles, Illinois. Born on January 6, 1943, in Elgin, Illinois, Yackley was a cherished member of her community. Arrangements for her services are being handled by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Naperville. The visitation is scheduled for April 20, 2026, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on April 21, 2026, at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Naperville.
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Weather Forecast for Illinois: Clear Skies and Mild Temperatures

Weather Forecast for Illinois: Clear Skies and Mild Temperatures

The weather in Illinois is expected to remain clear and mild over the coming days. According to the latest forecast, residents can anticipate sunny skies with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). The region will experience light winds, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. No significant weather disturbances are predicted, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The forecast suggests stable conditions with no precipitation expected, allowing for uninterrupted plans and events.
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Federal Government Moves to Block Illinois Credit Card Swipe Fee Ban, Favoring Banks

Federal Government Moves to Block Illinois Credit Card Swipe Fee Ban, Favoring Banks

The federal government is taking steps to block an Illinois law that bans certain credit card fees, a move that aligns with financial institutions opposing the state law. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency plans to issue an 'Order Preempting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act.' This state law, passed in 2024 and set to take effect in July 2026, prohibits swipe fees on the tax and tip portions of bills, aiming to reduce charges by credit card companies to retailers. Financial institutions argue that the law would be costly and burdensome, potentially affecting small businesses and consumers. A federal judge had previously allowed key provisions of the law to proceed, a decision that banks and credit unions appealed. Retailers support the law, claiming it will lower costs for businesses and consumers.
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Illinois Governor Pritzker Advocates for Housing Reforms Amid Rising Costs

Illinois Governor Pritzker Advocates for Housing Reforms Amid Rising Costs

Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois is pushing for significant housing reforms in response to a poll indicating that over a third of Illinois voters have considered moving due to rising housing costs. The poll, conducted by the Illinois Realtors group, highlights widespread concern over housing affordability, with many respondents citing high property taxes and limited housing supply as key issues. Pritzker's proposed 'Building Up IL Developments' (BUILD) initiative aims to streamline zoning regulations and increase the construction of multifamily homes. The plan includes updating building codes, reducing permit review times, and investing in construction and down payment assistance.
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Police investigate bomb threat at Chicago-area home of Pope Leo's brother

Police investigate bomb threat at Chicago-area home of Pope Leo's brother

April 16 (Reuters) - Police on Thursday were investigating a bomb threat made to the Chicago-area home of Pope Leo's brother John Prevost after a search found no explosives or hazardous materials.
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Triad Partners with CCBHC Workforce Accelerator to Address Mental Health Professional Shortage

Triad Partners with CCBHC Workforce Accelerator to Address Mental Health Professional Shortage

Triad, a B2B platform of Level Education Group, has announced a partnership with the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Transformation (CCBHC-T) Workforce Accelerator program. This initiative aims to expand the behavioral health workforce in Illinois, Kansas, and Michigan. The program addresses the critical shortage of mental health professionals, with 137 million people living in areas lacking sufficient services as of last year. The partnership will provide comprehensive licensure exam preparation to clinicians pursuing careers in community-based behavioral health settings. The Workforce Career Accelerator operates as a scholarship-based program, offering financial incentives up to $8,500, along with support including exam fee coverage, peer discussions, and professional development. The program is funded by Ballmer Group through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which has a proven track record in advancing community-based care.
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Marjorie Ann Gilmartin Passes Away at 101, Leaves Legacy in Lisle, IL

Marjorie Ann Gilmartin Passes Away at 101, Leaves Legacy in Lisle, IL

Marjorie Ann Gilmartin, a beloved member of the Lisle, IL community, passed away at the age of 101 on April 8, 2026. Known for her dedication to family and community, Marjorie was the loving wife of the late Robert Gilmartin Jr. and cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her life was celebrated by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who remember her fondly. A visitation is scheduled for April 14, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, with interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
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Severe Storms Cause Tree Damage in Elgin, Illinois

Severe Storms Cause Tree Damage in Elgin, Illinois

A severe storm in Elgin, Illinois, has resulted in significant damage, including a massive tree being downed on Chicago Street. This incident has caused disruptions as the tree fell onto power lines, affecting the local power supply. The storm's intensity was enough to uproot large trees, indicating strong winds and possibly heavy rainfall. The event highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure during severe weather conditions, particularly in residential areas where trees and power lines are in close proximity.
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Marjorie Gilmartin Passes Away at 101, Leaves Legacy of Family and Community Service

Marjorie Gilmartin Passes Away at 101, Leaves Legacy of Family and Community Service

Marjorie Ann Gilmartin, a centenarian, passed away on April 8, 2026, at the age of 101. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert Gilmartin Jr. and a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Marjorie is survived by her children Robert, Diane, and Daniel, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to her family and community. A visitation is scheduled for April 14 at Villa St. Benedict in Lisle, Illinois, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial. Marjorie will be interred at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.
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Waukegan Transforms from Industrial Past to Eco-Friendly Future

Waukegan Transforms from Industrial Past to Eco-Friendly Future

Waukegan, Illinois, is making strides towards becoming a 'green town' by implementing sustainable practices and environmental initiatives. The city has adopted a Sustainability Plan, which includes the use of solar panels at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep and the introduction of 'beach rangers' to maintain the city's beach. Waukegan is also addressing its industrial past, which left several Superfund sites, by focusing on cleanup efforts and renewable energy projects. The city's efforts are part of a broader plan to reduce greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and promote green jobs.
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Ford's Theatre Chair from Lincoln's Assassination Night Donated to ALPLM

Ford's Theatre Chair from Lincoln's Assassination Night Donated to ALPLM

A chair believed to have been used at Ford's Theatre on the night of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination has been donated to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM). The chair will be part of a special exhibit titled 'The Second American Revolution,' which will explore the impact of the Civil War and the emancipation of enslaved people. The chair, donated by Gordon and Coleen McCray, provides a tangible connection to the historical event and will help portray the audience's perspective during the assassination. The ALPLM aims to use such artifacts to inspire civic engagement and educate the public about Lincoln's legacy.
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Chicago Faces Flood Watch with Potential Tornadoes and Hail

Chicago Faces Flood Watch with Potential Tornadoes and Hail

A flood watch has been issued for several counties in Illinois and northwest Indiana due to expected storms lasting through late Wednesday night. The National Weather Service warns of multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, which could lead to flash flooding, especially in areas with poor drainage. Current conditions at Midway Airport are overcast with a temperature of 66°F (19°C), while O'Hare International Airport reports similar conditions at 63°F (17°C). The elevated soil moisture from recent rainfall increases the risk of flash flooding. Additionally, damaging winds up to 70 mph, large hail up to half dollar size, and a small chance of tornadoes are anticipated.