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John W. Lumber, Esteemed Educator and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 89

John W. Lumber, Esteemed Educator and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 89

John W. Lumber, a respected educator and philanthropist from Ingleside, Illinois, has passed away at the age of 89. Lumber had a distinguished career in education, serving as a history instructor and later as Dean of Social Sciences at the College of Lake County. He was also a member of the college's Board of Trustees. Known for his generosity, Lumber supported various charities and established endowments at the college. He is survived by his sister, partner, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled for May 15, 2026.

Thomas Connolly's Passing: A Tribute to a Cherished Family Man

Thomas Connolly's Passing: A Tribute to a Cherished Family Man

Thomas J. Connolly, a beloved family man, has passed away. He was the husband of the late Penny and a loving father to Kelly, Michael, Daniel, and Thomas. Connolly was also a proud grandfather and a cherished brother, uncle, and cousin. A visitation will be held on May 11 at Cooney Funeral Home in Park Ridge, Illinois, followed by a funeral mass on May 12 at Mary Seat of Wisdom Church. Interment will take place at All Saints Catholic Cemetery.

Robert James Drucker Passes Away at 91, Leaving a Legacy in Wilmette, IL

Robert James Drucker Passes Away at 91, Leaving a Legacy in Wilmette, IL

Robert James Drucker, a native of Wilmette, Illinois, passed away at the age of 91 on May 6, 2026. Drucker is survived by his daughter, Michelle Drucker Williams, and sons Sean, Alex, Stephen, Patrick, and Robert, along with nine grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, guardian children, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen, and several family members. A visitation is scheduled for May 11, followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Joseph Church in Wilmette. Drucker’s family has requested donations to an Alaskan Malamute Rescue in lieu of flowers.

Robert James Drucker of Wilmette Passes Away at 91

Robert James Drucker of Wilmette Passes Away at 91

Robert (Bob) James Drucker, a long-time resident of Wilmette, Illinois, passed away at the age of 91 on May 6, 2026. Drucker is survived by his children, grandchildren, and numerous relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen, and other family members. A visitation and funeral mass are scheduled for May 11 at Saint Joseph Church in Wilmette, with interment at St Joseph Cemetery. The family has requested donations to an Alaskan Malamute Rescue in lieu of flowers.

Illinois Authorities Excavate House in Search for Missing Teen Kianna Galvin

Illinois Authorities Excavate House in Search for Missing Teen Kianna Galvin

Authorities in South Elgin, Illinois, have initiated an excavation at a house near where 17-year-old Kianna Galvin disappeared a decade ago. The action follows the detection of 'anomalies' underground by ground-penetrating radar. Galvin was last seen on May 6, 2016, after telling her sister she was heading to a park. The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office announced the excavation, which began exactly ten years and a day after her disappearance. The investigation aims to uncover potential evidence related to Galvin's case, which has remained unsolved. Despite previous searches, including one in November 2016, no charges have been filed. The renewed efforts underscore the authorities' commitment to resolving the case and providing answers to Galvin's family.

Metra Train Collision with Truck in Wilmette Results in Minor Injuries

Metra Train Collision with Truck in Wilmette Results in Minor Injuries

A Metra train collided with a semi-truck at the Linden Avenue and Green Bay Road crossing in Wilmette, Illinois, resulting in minor injuries to two passengers. The incident occurred at approximately 2:46 pm, and the truck driver managed to exit the vehicle before the collision, remaining uninjured. The collision involved Metra Train UP-N 337, and the crossing was subsequently closed, with inbound and outbound trains temporarily halted. Metra police are investigating the incident, and commuters have been advised to find alternative routes.

Illinois Offers Tax Incentives for Green Film Productions, Aligning with Columbia College's Sustainability Efforts

Illinois Offers Tax Incentives for Green Film Productions, Aligning with Columbia College's Sustainability Efforts

Illinois has become the first state in the U.S. to offer a tax incentive for environmentally sustainable film productions. This initiative aligns with Columbia College's existing green production standards, which have been in place since the school joined the Green Film School Alliance in 2022. Columbia's School of Film and Television requires student productions to adhere to a sustainability checklist, which includes using reusable water bottles, secondhand props, and energy-efficient equipment. The state's expanded Illinois Film Production Tax Credit now provides an additional 5% incentive for productions certified as environmentally sustainable. This move is part of a broader effort to attract film projects to Illinois while promoting greener production practices. The initiative has been well-received by students and faculty at Columbia, who have noted improvements in waste reduction and overall sustainability on film sets.

Dolton Mayor Jason House Reflects on First Year in Office

Dolton Mayor Jason House Reflects on First Year in Office

Jason House, the mayor of Dolton, Illinois, marked his first year in office this week. He assumed the role in May 2025 after defeating his predecessor, Tiffany Henyard, in the municipal elections. House's tenure has been characterized by efforts to address local issues and improve governance in the south suburban community. His leadership style and policy initiatives have been under scrutiny as he navigates the challenges of his new role.

We Work the Waterways Launches Maritime Workforce Development Consortium

We Work the Waterways Launches Maritime Workforce Development Consortium

We Work the Waterways (WWW) has partnered with the Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium to enhance workforce development across America's inland waterways. The consortium, involving ports, industry leaders, and educational institutions from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri, aims to address the maritime industry's workforce challenges by developing skilled professionals to meet supply chain demands. WWW's role includes shaping workforce strategies and connecting students with maritime careers through national programming and Maritime Interaction Days.

Experts Assure Hantavirus Not an Immediate Threat to Chicago

Experts Assure Hantavirus Not an Immediate Threat to Chicago

Following a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship, experts have reassured the public that there is no immediate threat of the virus spreading to Chicago. Hantaviruses, primarily found in rodents, can cause severe respiratory and kidney issues in humans. The recent outbreak involved the Andes virus strain, which can spread through close contact. Despite the outbreak, experts emphasize that the risk to the general public remains extremely low, with only one case reported in Illinois in the past decade.

Marguerite McCarthy's Passing and Her Legacy in Park Ridge

Marguerite McCarthy's Passing and Her Legacy in Park Ridge

Marguerite Gail McCarthy, a long-time resident of Park Ridge, Illinois, passed away on May 3, 2026, at the age of 81. Born in Chicago on September 22, 1944, she was the daughter of Catherine C. (O’Connor) and Maurice J. McCarthy. Marguerite was a beloved sister, aunt, and great aunt, remembered fondly by her family. Her funeral services are scheduled to take place at Our Lady of Ransom Church in Niles, Illinois, with visitation followed by a Mass. Arrangements are being handled by Skaja Terrace Funeral Home.

Judith Forgash Ullman Remembered for Her Contributions to Speech Pathology and Charity

Judith Forgash Ullman Remembered for Her Contributions to Speech Pathology and Charity

Judith Forgash Ullman, aged 82, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service in speech and language pathology and charity work. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Julian Ullman and a devoted mother and grandmother. Judith was known for her work helping children and adults overcome speech obstacles and was an active member and former President of the Infants’ Aid Charity. Her life will be celebrated with a chapel service on May 8, 2026, at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home in Arlington Heights, Illinois.