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Jacqueline Hermanny's Passing Leaves a Legacy of Community Service in Glenview

Jacqueline Hermanny's Passing Leaves a Legacy of Community Service in Glenview

Jacqueline 'Jackie' Hermanny, a resident of Glenview, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on July 18, 2026, at the age of 80. Born in Chicago on March 7, 1946, Jackie was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her children, Kyle Hermanny Jr., Lisa Pinion, and Christine Kindblom, as well as her grandchildren and sister. Jackie was known for her volunteer work at the Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview, a place she cherished. Her funeral services are scheduled for July 23, 2026, at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Parish in Winnetka, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Friends of Wagner Farm organization.
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Shari Barranco of Northbrook, Illinois Passes Away at 96

Shari Barranco of Northbrook, Illinois Passes Away at 96

Shari M. Barranco, a long-time resident of Northbrook, Illinois, passed away on July 19, 2026, at the age of 96. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, she was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Barranco was married to John P. Barranco for 74 years and is survived by her children and grandchildren. A visitation and service are scheduled at N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home in Glenview, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, ASPCA, or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
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Canadian Wildfires Continue to Impact Illinois Air Quality

Canadian Wildfires Continue to Impact Illinois Air Quality

Over 900 wildfires are currently burning across Canada, with more than 7 million acres scorched since the start of the year, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. These fires, particularly in boreal forests, are sending significant amounts of PM2.5 pollutants into the atmosphere, affecting air quality in Illinois and the broader Midwest. Cook County recently experienced a quadrupling of its previous PM2.5 record. While an air quality alert ended on Monday, smoke is expected to linger in the region, and experts warn that similar events could recur later this summer. The situation is exacerbated by climate change, which is intensifying fire seasons and increasing the frequency of such air quality issues.
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Jessica Dixon Heitman Appointed to Illinois House Seat Amid Harassment Scandal

Jessica Dixon Heitman Appointed to Illinois House Seat Amid Harassment Scandal

Jessica Dixon Heitman, granddaughter of the late U.S. Senator Alan Dixon, has been appointed to fill a vacant Illinois House seat following the resignation of state Rep. Harry Benton. Benton resigned amid allegations of sexual harassment, which were brought to light by a Tribune investigation. Heitman, who previously worked briefly in Benton's office, was chosen by Democratic Party officials in Will and Kendall counties to serve as the party's nominee in the upcoming November general election. During her swearing-in ceremony, Heitman emphasized the need for stronger ethics laws in Springfield, particularly concerning harassment investigations. She aims to advocate for transparency, accountability, and consequences for leaders who misuse their positions. Heitman also expressed her commitment to fully funding public schools, easing property tax burdens, advocating for workers' rights, and addressing inequities in the healthcare system.
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Illinois' Orange Wildflowers: A Summer Attraction for Pollinators

Illinois' Orange Wildflowers: A Summer Attraction for Pollinators

Illinois' Orange Wildflowers: A Summer Attraction for Pollinators
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Illinois Lawmaker Proposes Toll Cost Transparency Amid Rate Hike Considerations

Illinois Lawmaker Proposes Toll Cost Transparency Amid Rate Hike Considerations

Illinois State Rep. Martin McLaughlin has proposed the 'Truth in Toll Transparency Act' to require clearer signage displaying toll costs before drivers reach toll points. This proposal comes as the Illinois Tollway considers its first passenger vehicle toll increase since 2012. The proposed legislation aims to ensure drivers are informed of toll costs before committing to toll roads. The Illinois Tollway's board is considering a plan to increase tolls to fund a $26.5 billion infrastructure program focused on maintenance and improvements.
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Illinois Promotes Route 66 Tourism with Centennial Passport Program

Illinois Promotes Route 66 Tourism with Centennial Passport Program

Illinois Promotes Route 66 Tourism with Centennial Passport Program
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Honorable Emil J. Coglianese Passes Away at 87, Community Mourns

Honorable Emil J. Coglianese Passes Away at 87, Community Mourns

The Honorable Emil J. 'Bud' Coglianese, Jr., a respected figure in Burr Ridge, Illinois, has passed away at the age of 87. He was a beloved husband to Judith Ann Coglianese and a devoted father and grandfather. His passing marks the end of a life filled with family and community service. A visitation is scheduled for July 22, 2026, at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home in Willowbrook, Illinois. The funeral mass will be held the following day at St Isaac Jogues Church in Hinsdale, Illinois, with interment at Bronswood Cemetery. Emil Coglianese is remembered for his contributions to his community and his dedication to his family.
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Karen Nilsen-Kern's Passing: Community Mourns and Honors Her Legacy

Karen Nilsen-Kern's Passing: Community Mourns and Honors Her Legacy

Karen Nilsen-Kern, a resident of Bensenville, Illinois, passed away on July 6, 2026, at the age of 72. Born in Chicago, she was the wife of the late Gordon W.G. Kern Jr. and is survived by her daughter Mckenzie Kern. A visitation was held on July 20, 2026, at Geils Funeral Home in Bensenville, with private interment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary or the American Mustang Institute.
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Diane Konstantelos, Founding Member of Greek Orthodox Church, Passes Away at 86

Diane Konstantelos, Founding Member of Greek Orthodox Church, Passes Away at 86

Diane Manolis Jeanne Konstantelos, a founding member of Sts Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, Illinois, passed away on July 16, 2026, at the age of 86. She was preceded in death by her husband, Demetri (Jim) Konstantelos. Diane is survived by her children, Dean, Christopher, and Eleni, and her grandchildren, Olivia, Audrey, Evelyn, and Chloe. A visitation is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at N.H. Scott Funeral Home in Glenview, followed by a funeral service on July 20, 2026. The family has requested that memorial gifts be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in her honor.
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Memorial Service Announced for GeriAnn Ortega in Woodridge, IL

Memorial Service Announced for GeriAnn Ortega in Woodridge, IL

GeriAnn Ortega, a resident of Woodridge, Illinois, has passed away at the age of 61. She is survived by her son, Jesse Ortega, and her father, Anthony, along with several siblings and extended family members. A memorial gathering is scheduled to take place on July 25, 2026, at Knollcrest Funeral Home in Lombard, Illinois. The service will provide an opportunity for family and friends to pay their respects and celebrate her life. The family has requested that memorials be made according to their wishes, and the interment will be private.
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GeriAnn Ortega's Memorial Service Scheduled in Woodridge, IL

GeriAnn Ortega's Memorial Service Scheduled in Woodridge, IL

GeriAnn Ortega, a resident of Woodridge, Illinois, passed away at the age of 61. She is survived by her son, Jesse Ortega, and her father, Anthony, along with her siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering is planned for Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Knollcrest Funeral Home in Lombard, Illinois. The service will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until 3:30 PM, followed by a private interment. The family has requested that memorials be made according to their wishes.