Alicia Fabbre

Alicia Fabbre is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune.

DiAnn Matter, right, of Joliet, holds a sign showing her opposition to a new data center after the Joliet City Council passed a motion approving the project at Joliet City Hall on March 19, 2026, in Joliet. (John Konstantaras/for the Chicago Tribune)

Joliet City Council OKs controversial mega data center project

March 20, 2026 at 3:03 p.m.

After approving a controversial 795-acre data center project, Joliet City Council members pledged to keep tabs on the developer as the 24-building technology center is built.

The Park District of Oak Park's Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex is pictured in 2014. District officials had proposed building an aquatic center adjacent to the complex, but bond funding for the plan was defeated by voters responding to a referendum question. (Pioneer Press file)

Oak Park voters sink indoor pool plan at Ridgeland Common

March 18, 2026 at 1:47 p.m.

Voters overwhelmingly rejected a referendum question regarding $40 million sought by the Park District of Oak Park to build an aquatic center.

Igancio Rivera, center, and other people opposed to the construction of a data center within Joliet city limits attend a hearing and vote on the issue at Joliet City Hall on March 16, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Joliet City Council postpones vote on massive data center until Thursday

March 17, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.

More than 200 people attended the meeting, and the majority of those who spoke were opposed to the proposal.

Teachers at Roosevelt Middle School and other schools in River Forest District 90 will receive a salary increase over four years as part of a new contract. (Pioneer Press)

River Forest School District 90 OKs contract with 21% salary hike

March 17, 2026 at 4:58 a.m.

River Forest District 90 teachers have a new contract that comes with an average salary increase of about 21% over four years.

Ralph Papesh, 65, and his wife, Terri Papesh, 63, sit in their living room at their home in Elwood on March 5, 2026. The couple are worried about pollution and the risk to the community water supply if a data center is built near their property. Terri lives with medical issues that already limit her abilities as diesel truck traffic increases in the area. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

In Will County, a deluge of data centers, warehouses and solar farms: ‘All around us, all at once’

March 15, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

On Monday, the Joliet City Council will vote on the largest data center in the state. Residents say development is too much, too fast.

A rendering by architect firm Perkins & Will shows the exterior of an indoor aquatic facility proposed by the Park District of Oak Park that is the subject of a referendum question in the March 17 election. (Perkins & Will)

Park District of Oak Park asking voters to fund new indoor swim facility

March 10, 2026 at 11:30 a.m.

The Park District of Oak Park is seeking $40 million to build a new aquatic center adjacent to the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex.

Oak Park Village Hall, Administration Offices and Police Station at 123 Madison in Oak Park, pictured in 2023, is 50 years old, and officials are eyeing plans to expand the building as well as move the police department to another location. (Antonio Perez/ Chicago Tribune)

Oak Park advances plans for new police station at U.S. Bank site

March 10, 2026 at 5:08 a.m.

Oak Park officials are eying a bank building for a new police station and an addition at Village Hall for a new room for Village Board meetings.

People stand holding signs during a plan commission meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers in Joliet, March 5, 2026. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

Joliet plan commission advances plans for state’s largest data center

March 6, 2026 at 4:33 p.m.

Despite residents' objections, Joliet plan commissioners advanced a proposal Thursday for what would be the state's largest data center.

Joan Bernal of Joliet went missing in 1988 and has not been seen since. Her husband, Gilbert Bernal Sr., is facing murder charges for the second time. (Will County Sheriff's Office)

Man accused of killing wife in 1988 will remain free as he awaits trial in Joliet

February 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

A Joliet Township woman disappeared in 1988. Will County authorities have accused her husband — once again — of killing her.

The River Forest Elementary District 90 school board named Janice Pavelonis to succeed Ed Condon as superintendent. (Aimee Wigfall)

River Forest School District 90 hires superintendent to replace retiring Ed Condon

January 22, 2026 at 11:31 p.m.

River Forest Elementary District 90 School Board members named Janice Pavelonis to succeed the retiring Ed Condon as superintendent.

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