State News
Thursday, June 11, 2026 · Wheaton
East Dundee Opens Self-Serve Kayak Rental Kiosk at Fox River
East Dundee approved a self-serve kayak rental kiosk for the Fox River launch, opening in summer 2026 with pricing from $25 for two hours to $99 annual memberships.
East Dundee Breaks Ground on Sound Stage This Summer
East Dundee will build a permanent sound stage at 120 Railroad Street this summer as part of a downtown civic park project designed to support community events and economic development.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Milton Township Distributes $1.3M in Mental Health Grants, Reports Zero Debt
Milton Township distributed $1.3 million in mental health grants and reported zero debt after completing overdue audits.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
West Chicago Earns Second Tree City USA Designation
West Chicago planted a tree at its wastewater treatment facility as part of efforts to earn a second consecutive Tree City USA designation.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Milton Township Awards $1.3M in Mental Health Grants, Eliminates Debt
Milton Township awarded $1.3 million in mental health grants and eliminated its debt, officials reported at the annual meeting.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Joliet Greenlights $20B Data Center, Illinois' Largest on 795 Acres
Joliet city leaders have approved the first major step for a colossal $20 billion data center campus on 795 acres of farmland, poised to become the biggest in Illinois. The project promises thousands of construction jobs but sparks debate over water, power demands and permanent employment. As AI booms, this Chicago suburb bets big on tech infrastructure.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Mascoutah Plant Roars Back: Boeing Workers End 101-Day Strike
After rejecting four contract offers over three months, 3,200 machinists at Boeing's Illinois and Missouri facilities secured a 24% wage increase and $6,000 signing bonus, ending a strike that halted fighter jet production. Workers at the Mascoutah plant resumed operations in mid-November 2025, rebuilding the F-15, F/A-18, and other advanced military aircraft.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Blackhawks Win No. 1 Pick in 2023 Draft Lottery, Eye Bedard
The Chicago Blackhawks defied 11.5% odds to win the 2023 NHL Draft Lottery, securing the No. 1 overall pick and a shot at generational talent Connor Bedard. Chicago fans erupted as the team, last picking first in 2007 with Patrick Kane, positions for a franchise reboot. The victory came Monday night at the United Center, igniting hope across Illinois.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Bulls Routed by Knicks in Playoff Opener at MSG
The Chicago Bulls' playoff dreams took a bruising hit as the New York Knicks demolished them 136-96 in a Game 1 rout at Madison Square Garden. OG Anunoby's 31 points powered New York to a 47-point lead, leaving Chicago fans stunned. Illinois basketball faithful now await a fierce response in Game 2.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
White Sox Fall to Guardians in Home Opener at Guaranteed Rate
The Chicago White Sox suffered a deflating 1-0 loss to the Cleveland Guardians in their home opener at Guaranteed Rate Field, falling victim to a walk-off bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning. Nolan Jones drew the decisive walk off Mike Clevinger, marking the first 1-0 game to end on such a play since the Dodgers defeated San Diego on May 1, 2009.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Park City Cop Charged with Sexually Abusing Woman During Traffic Stops
A part-time Park City police officer faces 10 felony counts for allegedly sexually abusing a woman under threat of arrest during two traffic stops in January. Patrick Cacho, 29, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, exploited his badge in the Lake County village, prompting a swift Illinois State Police probe. The judge cited 'predatory behavior' in ordering him held without bail.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Chicago Woman Charged in Shooting of Teen at Pullman Back-to-School Event
Nearly two years after a back-to-school event turned deadly in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood, authorities arrested a 31-year-old woman accused of shooting a 15-year-old boy in the spine, leaving him wheelchair-bound. The incident, captured on police body cameras, stemmed from a parking lot confrontation outside Gately Park Stadium. Darnisha Jones faces attempted murder charges as the community grapples with the lasting impact.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Elmwood Park Squad Car Hit Head-On on Chicago's West Side
An Elmwood Park police marked squad car was struck head-on by a gray sedan on Chicago's West Side in an overnight collision that authorities are now investigating. The crash, which involved officers responding to the scene, has drawn scrutiny as police work to determine the cause and circumstances of the impact.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Illinois drivers reeling as Chicago gas hits $6.29, outpacing nation by 50 cents
Gas prices in Chicago have surged past $6 a gallon at some pumps, with Illinois averaging $4.93—nearly 50 cents above the national average of $4.45. The spike, driven by the U.S.-Iran war and local refinery disruptions, marks the highest prices seen in four years, leaving motorists scrambling to manage fuel costs.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Illinois Retail Workers Under Siege as Violent Thefts Surge 7%
A new report from the Illinois Organized Retail Crime Association reveals that violent retail crime is accelerating across the state, with thefts involving weapons threats or injuries climbing 7% in the past year. The troubling trend has prompted Cook County prosecutors to more than double retail theft charges, but a stubborn pattern of repeat offenders continues to drive most of the damage.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Elgin Pumps $200K into PADS Shelter to Avert June Shutdown
Faced with a crushing $500,000 budget shortfall, PADS of Elgin received a critical $200,000 lifeline from the city to keep its doors open through June 30. The Elgin City Council's one-time grant ensures transitional housing and support services continue for homeless residents in Kane County. A June 7 garden party fundraiser aims to bridge the remaining gap.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Prospect Knights dominate home turf at 58th Wanner Invitational
Prospect High School's boys track and field team rolled to victory at their own Joe Wanner Invite on May 1, claiming the championship with 173 points despite frigid temperatures. The Mount Prospect knights dominated their home meet, the 58th running of the prestigious invitational that draws competitors from across Illinois.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Hoffman Estates Teen Stabs 2 in Arlington Heights After Smoking Weed
An 18-year-old Hoffman Estates man faces attempted murder charges after allegedly stabbing two acquaintances in an Arlington Heights apartment following a marijuana-fueled night. The early-morning attack on April 30 left victims hospitalized with severe lacerations. Damian R. Engelmann remains jailed as prosecutors build their case.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Lisle's Bigger French Market Blooms in New Downtown Spot
The beloved Lisle French Market has relocated to a prime downtown location, expanding its footprint to draw more vendors and shoppers. Now nestled near the Metra parking lot, this Saturday staple promises fresh produce, artisan goods and European flair through late October. Illinois foodies, mark your calendars for a taste of village vitality.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
United Cuts 100+ O'Hare Flights Daily Amid FAA Summer Cap
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport faces a slimmer summer flight schedule as United Airlines slashes over 100 daily departures to comply with a federal mandate aimed at curbing delays. The reductions, tied to ongoing construction and airline growth, preserve peak travel times but signal challenges for Illinois travelers and the region's economy. With the cap starting June 2, passengers are urged to check bookings amid the nation's busiest hub's constraints.
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Strangled in Schaumburg: Woman Dead, Man Held After Welfare Check
A 43-year-old woman was found strangled to death in her Schaumburg home Thursday night, prompting a homicide probe by local police. A man known to her was taken into custody at the scene, though no charges have been filed. Authorities assure northwest suburban residents there is no ongoing threat.
Thursday, June 11, 2026