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Bridgeview’s planned unveiling of “Little Palestine Way” — a heartfelt tribute to Palestinian culture and a six-year-old boy tragically killed — was derailed at the last minute by IDOT, citing legislative scheduling. Community organizers blame state Senator Willie Preston, accusing him of orchestrating the delay after not being invited to speak, even filing an ethics complaint. Preston sidestepped...

Gas prices are soaring, forcing travelers to rethink summer plans—but the urge to connect with loved ones remains strong. Families are postponing trips, cutting back on hotels and meals, and even tweaking their vehicles for better fuel efficiency. Commuters are ditching gas-guzzling SUVs for public transit or walking, while savvy drivers use apps to find the cheapest fuel. It’s a summer of smart s...

A Winfield family’s century-old home was destroyed by lightning while they were on vacation, claiming their pets and most of their belongings—including a prized guitar collection. But one thing survived: their wedding dress, a tiny symbol of resilience. Thousands of miles away, they’re grieving the loss, yet leaning on their kids, health, and an outpouring of community support. With rebuilding exp...

Chicago’s own Common is headlining the Taste of Chicago for the first time, bringing a high-energy, dance-filled show packed with new material to Grant Park — a place he remembers from his South Side youth. He’s also recently performed at the Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening, calling it deeply meaningful, and sees Chicago as a constant source of inspiration. With street closures already i...

Illinois is suing the Trump administration to stop cuts to federal school mental health funding, arguing the move harms vulnerable students and undermines academic success—educators and advocates warn untreated mental health issues will cost more down the line as courts weigh whether the federal decision was justified. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/disco...

The Thornton Composite Reservoir, the world’s largest combined sewer reservoir, hits 94% capacity — its highest since 2015 — thanks to recent rains, with water slowly released to prevent overflow. This engineering marvel, serving half a million people south of Chicago, ties into a personal story: my dad’s decades hauling stone from the nearby Thornton Quarry — the world’s second-largest commercial...

Two Chicago teens turned grief into action after losing friends to gun violence, launching the “Peace Book” initiative to stop future tragedies. Instead of attending deadly teen gatherings, they’re training peers as peacekeepers to offer conflict resolution, mental health support, and job opportunities — solutions rooted in youth trust and community healing. Though still awaiting city adoption, th...

The Bears’ final third-round draft pick, tight end Sam Roush, has signed his deal after a brief holdout tied to salary benchmarks set by earlier picks like Carson Beck. Known for his elite blocking and over 100 career catches at Stanford, Roush is poised to be a key red zone and short-yardage asset. With offensive coordinator Press Taylor pushing for more tight end usage, Roush’s versatility could...

Graham Platner has dropped out of the Maine Senate race after facing mounting pressure from Democrats following sexual assault allegations — claims he denies as false and politically motivated. With the ballot deadline passed, the Maine Democratic Party now races to pick a replacement before July 27th, as the seat’s outcome could tip the balance in the Senate. Platner urged an open nomination proc...

Ravinia’s $70 million makeover is turning heads — a brand-new Hunter Pavilion, upgraded acoustics, and a stage that’s bigger but more intimate, with comfy chairs and cupholders. Inspired by 1904 Martin Theatre windows, the orchestra shell now balances sound so brass doesn’t drown out the strings — and the CSO’s test run proves it works. Pop concerts? The shell retracts and black curtains add flexi...

Chicago’s beloved Taste of Chicago festival returns for its 46th year—cashless this time, with credit cards only—and the crowds are already pouring in, heat be damned, for sliders, Korean tacos, and Italian ice. Street performers, karaoke, and a nostalgic crowd—including a woman returning after 20 years and her sister reliving memories from 1997—fuel the electric vibe. Friday night’s headliner? Ra...

A Cedar Lake cop allegedly got pulled over and arrested for DUI—while driving a police car. The chief slammed the incident, calling it unacceptable and stressing that officers must be held to a higher standard, both on and off duty. He warned that such breaches erode public trust and vowed transparency within legal limits. The officer is on administrative leave as criminal and internal investigati...

After a decade-long legal battle, La Grange wins a major court ruling that clears the way for its $50 million stormwater project, ending a dispute over a severed 100-year-old pipeline cut by quarry owners in 1992. The appeals judge sided with the village, finding the quarry’s severing of the pipe was the real issue — not the lack of an easement. With this victory, officials are poised to finalize...

New research reveals how our brains dynamically rewire themselves when learning new skills—showing distinct electrical activity patterns that signal true mastery, not just repetition. Using advanced imaging, scientists are uncovering how different brain regions sync during sustained effort and refinement, offering insights into why some people learn faster. The findings could revolutionize educati...

A luxury Lake Geneva property, Sidney Stables, is hitting the market for $7.9 million—with a twist: it’s tied to the Aloha Lodge, a high-profile property involved in a $22 million deal. Real estate insiders are buzzing, wondering what this connection means for the sale and the legacy it carries in the luxury market. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount...

O’Hare’s flight limits stay extended as FAA battles staffing crisis, aiming to tame delays and cancellations with a long-term plan to hire and train more air traffic controllers—travelers brace for ongoing disruptions while hoping for a steadier, more predictable experience. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.a...

A federal jury just convicted Christopher Yates on murder-for-hire charges after he plotted to kill two witnesses set to testify in his cousin’s murder case. Yates allegedly recruited accomplices, handed them cash and a gun, and promised more money once the job was done — all to ensure his cousin walked free. The plot, uncovered in summer 2024, included chilling recordings where Yates openly discu...

Get ready for local action: Elgin’s Hawthorne Hill Nature Center offers a free watershed discovery walk—sign up by July 18th. In Carpentersville, kids 5-14 can battle cops and firefighters in a laser tag Special Olympics fundraiser July 24th. North Aurora Fire District donates a 1995 engine to Elgin Community College to train future first responders. Statewide, Illinois’ Blue Envelope Program expa...

A Chicago man named Christopher Yates just got convicted for plotting to kill two witnesses set to testify against his cousin in a 2020 murder case. He allegedly recruited hitmen, handed them guns, ammo, and $250, and promised more cash if they succeeded—telling them both targets needed to “disappear.” Arrested before any violence occurred, Yates was found guilty after a week-long trial on June 29...

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A Cedar Lake police officer was arrested Sunday for driving a department vehicle while intoxicated, leading to an immediate administrative leave. Chief John Gruszka emphasized the department’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and upholding the high standards expected of law enforcement. Working with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, officials are conducting both criminal and interna...

Chicago’s deadly heat wave claims another life—Stephanie Rodriguez, 47—making her the fifth heat-related fatality since July 1. Her death, caused by heat stroke with schizophrenia as a contributing factor, joins a grim list: Barbara Whigham (71, heart disease + asthma + obesity), Mike Rodriguez (57, heart disease + diabetes), David Gonzalez (44, heat stroke + multiple chronic conditions), and Dani...

Casa Cactus, the beloved Northwest Side coffee spot, shut down abruptly on June 26th after a licensing mix-up with the city — but the community’s rallying cry is keeping the dream alive. Owner Ozzy Gámez’s coffee shop was flagged for lacking a proper retail food license, despite operating under state authorization, after a pest complaint triggered a health inspection. The root cause? A tax withhol...

Chicago nearly bought back its parking meter system for a whopping $3.2 billion—only to walk away after realizing the financial gamble was too risky. With ballooning debt and uncertain future revenue from shifting transportation trends like ride-shares and self-driving cars, the city couldn’t afford to lock itself into a deal that could jeopardize essential services. The mayor wisely called off th...

The Chicago Bears have finalized their offseason moves, signing all draft picks—including their Stanford tight end, a third-round selection who practiced without a deal but now locks in for training camp. The hold-up was over contract guarantees, not base pay, as the league sets those. With Ben Johnson’s offense built around multiple tight ends, this newcomer will battle for the third TE spot. Wit...