News across Cook County
Janice Conner, former Willard School teacher, dies at 95
Janice “Jan” Grace Stromberg Conner, 95, died peacefully Sept. 21, 2026, at the Westminster Presbyterian Home. She was born Feb. 10, 1931, on the South Side of Chicago and was baptized at the South Shore Swedish Methodist Church. It was at church, in Sunday school and youth…
Pelosi to deliver Northwestern Prison Education Program commencement address on Oct. 16.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will deliver the Northwestern Prison Education Program commencement address on Oct. 16. According to Northwestern, the graduation marks the first time incarcerated women…
City: Ryan Field alarm testing to continue over the next week
Alarm testing at Ryan Field will continue Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., over the next week. At city management’s request, testing will be limited to these days and hours. Residents and businesses in the surrounding area may hear intermittent alarm sounds during…
Horton’s lawyer says former District 65 superintendent will change his plea next week
In a pretrial conference Wednesday, former Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Superintendent Devon Horton’s lawyer said that the former district chief would change his plea next week. The change is not part of a cooperation deal with the government, the attorney said. Horton…
Evanston Transit Alliance mobilizes residents as city updates bike plan for the first time since 2014
Liz Kramer, a real estate agent and Evanston Transit Alliance volunteer, uses an e-bike to commute to work, attend client showings and go to open houses. Her children also ride their bikes to and from school, making cycling a regular part of the family’s daily transportation. But…
Horton co-defendant pleads guilty, will testify against former superintendent
A co-defendant accused of running a kickback scheme with former Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Superintendent Devon Horton confessed to one count of wire fraud Tuesday as part of a plea deal with the federal government. As part of that arrangement, he’s agreed to testify…
This grass is for the birds: City plants rye, wildflowers on vacant lot at Main Street and Sherman Avenue
Evanston officials transformed a vacant lot at 801 Main St. into a temporary barley and wildflower meadow to beautify the area until a new housing project begins construction. This grass is for the birds: City plants rye, wildflowers on vacant lot at Main Street and Sherman…
$21 Billion At Stake As Invasive Carp Barrier Sits In Limbo, Democrats Warn
Fishing and boating industries could be hit hard if carp breach the Chicago waterway and reach Lake Michigan, advocates say.
James Christopher Horner (August 9, 1959 – June 30, 2026)
James Christopher Horner, 66, of Rock Springs passed away on Tuesday June 30, 2026, of a sudden illness at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. He was a resident of Rock Springs for the past 30 years. He was born August 9,1959 in Evanston, Illinois, the son of the late James…
Hospital Gown, Cop-Car Crash And 100 MPH Flight: Illinois Woman Wanted In Kenosha County After Wild Police Chase
Santana R. Ross, 29, of Chicago(Lake County Sheriff's Office) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 29-year-old Chicago woman accused of driving a stolen vehicle while wearing a hospital gown, smashing into a police squad and fleeing officers at nearly 100 mph is now wanted in Kenosha County after…
Calling young artists: Evanston recycling truck design competition returns
The City of Evanston is kicking off the fifth year of its recycling truck design competition, and this year the contest is getting a regional upgrade. The city is partnering with the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) to tie the competition into “Feed the Cart,”…
Michael Lembeck, retired owner of Williams Shoes, dies at 73
Michael Scott Lembeck, 73, died Sept. 24, 2026. He was born March 28, 1953, to David and Vitti Lembeck in Highland Park, Illinois. Michael was a devoted husband of 44 years to his wife, Marianne Lembeck, and a loving father to his two daughters, Zoe and Ariel Lembeck. Michael and…