Daniel I. Dorfman

Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for the Pioneer Press.

Retired Lake Forest Fire Chief Mike Beatty and his son, Zach. Mike Beatty died on May 24, at the age of 74. (Photo courtesy of Zach Beatty)

Retired Lake Forest Fire Chief Mike Beatty remembered by family, community for helping shape fire department

June 8, 2026 at 6:09 p.m.

Family members and former colleagues are remembering retired Fire Chief Mike Beatty as a dedicated public servant whose nearly 30-year career helped shape the Lake Forest Fire Department during a...

Lake Forest Library Executive Director Ishwar Laxminarayan stands in one of the library's newly refurbished courtyards (Daniel I. Dorfman/ for the Pioneer Press)

Lake Forest Library finishes one phase of renovations, prepares for next chapter in the fall

June 2, 2026 at 10:39 a.m.

The Lake Forest Library has completed another phase of its long-term building rehabilitation project and is now preparing for the next chapter of improvements.

Lake Forest Caucus revising mayoral endorsement process ahead of next municipal election

June 2, 2026 at 10:28 a.m.

The Lake Forest Caucus has revised its mayoral endorsement process to provide for a second vote if the organization's general membership rejects a candidate recommendation from the Caucus Committee.

A group of volunteers raises the American flag as part of Lake Bluff's Memorial Day commemoration.

About 200 people at Lake Bluff’s Memorial Day ceremony listened to a Gold Star mother’s remembrance of her son

May 26, 2026 at 4:10 p.m.

On the last Monday in May each year, many Americans pause to remember military service members who died while serving their country. For Wildwood’s Ellen Dimock, who lost her son...

Amid the debate of whether an LGBTQ+ flag can be flown on village-owned flagpoles, Lake Bluff residents held a "Pridefest" at the Village Green on June 22, 2025, where remnants remained for a few days afterward. Lake Bluff trustees have approved updated policies regarding both special event permits and flag displays on village property.
(Daniel I. Dorfman/ for the Pioneer Press)

Lake Bluff officials update policies for special events permits and flag displays on village property

May 22, 2026 at 5:02 p.m.

After conversations stretching back to last year, Lake Bluff trustees have approved updated policies regarding both special event permits and flag displays on village property.

Patrons play pickleball on courts in Lake Bluff’s Blair Park in file photo. Pickleball play is no longer permitted there and is played at Artesian Park . The Lake Bluff Park District board has approved a plan to expand pickleball play at Artesian Park. (Lake Bluff Park District)

Lake Bluff Park District makes plans to expand pickleball play at Artesian park

May 22, 2026 at 4:29 p.m.

The Lake Bluff Park District board has approved a plan to expand pickleball play at Artesian Park by converting one existing court for exclusive pickleball use and creating space for...

Lake Forest officials seeking financing help to build more senior cottages through state program

May 18, 2026 at 4:20 p.m.

Lake Forest officials are pursuing state tax credits to help finance the construction of 12 additional cottages for senior citizens.

Lake Forest firefighters rescue three pets from house blaze

May 18, 2026 at 10:02 a.m.

Three pets were rescued on the afternoon of May 15 after a fire broke out at a Lake Forest home, according to city officials.

Glencoe Historical Society board members Ed Goodale, from left, Ellen Shubart and Ed Olinger discuss ongoing renovations at the Frank Lloyd Wright structure known as Ravine Bluffs cottage in Glencoe. (Daniel I. Dorfman/for Pioneer Press)

Glencoe’s Frank Lloyd Wright cottage, past home to racist lawyer and suffragette, may open to public

May 15, 2026 at 8:15 p.m.

Glencoe's Frank Lloyd Wright cottage, past home to a racist owner and a suffragette, is being restored and may open to the public.

Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital’s ranking for patient safety slips a grade

May 11, 2026 at 6:14 p.m.

Following a series of “A” grades from a national watchdog group, Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital slipped to a “B” in the latest patient safety rankings.

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