Jim Dudlicek

Jim Dudlicek is a freelance writer for the Chicago Tribune who grew up in Oak Lawn and started his journalism career in the south suburbs.

Sisters Lynn White and Donna Greenwald, two of the owners of Old Fashioned Candies in Berwyn, display the shop's many wares as the business celebrates 50 years in Berwyn this summer. (Jim Dudlicek/Pioneer Press)

Old Fashioned Candies celebrating a half century sweetening the west suburbs

July 24, 2026 at 11:50 a.m.

Old Fashioned Candies has been a sweet staple in Berwyn since moving from Chicago in 1976 and now the grandkids are set to work there.

Bill Glennon stands before the Wall of Honor at Prairie Path in Lombard, recognizing the senior community's residents who served their country Glennon, now 101, was shot down off the coast of Alaska while serving in the Navy during World War II. He later returned to action and spent decades after the war as an educator at west suburban schools. (Jim Dudlicek/Pioneer Press)

Bill Glennon, whose plane was shot down in WWII, reflects ahead of 102nd birthday: ‘I’m amazed I’m here’

July 15, 2026 at 9:50 a.m.

Longtime Western Springs educator and WWII veteran Bill Glennon is still enjoying life at 101, drinking a daily Manhattan at lunchtime.

People interested in becoming caretakers through Triple R Pets learn how the trap, neuter, return program works during a workshop at Southwest Animal Care Center in Palos Hills. (Triple R Pets)

Indian Head Park partners with Triple R Pets to manage feral cat population

July 7, 2026 at 11:44 a.m.

Feral cats can provide a valuable service to communities by reducing the rodent population, but they can also become a nuisance if their numbers aren’t kept in check. With that...

People record the scene as Metra unveils a specially painted locomotive, June 24, 2026, in Chicago, marking 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Metra’s new America 250 locomotive a tribute to ‘people working together’

June 25, 2026 at 12:23 p.m.

Metra paired with La Grange-based Progress Rail Locomotives for an engine decorated to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.

La Grange area resident Stella Grace Fitzgerald, right, joins fellow stars Nate Bargatze, Mandy Moore, Charlotte Tucker, and Birdie Borria at "The Breadwinner" Nashville Premiere at Regal Hollywood & RPX on May 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

La Grange area actress makes her big screen debut in ‘The Breadwinner’ after earning straight As

June 17, 2026 at 9:59 a.m.

Stella Grace Fitzgerald, a student at Lyons Township High School in La Grange, stars with Nate Bargatze and Mandy Moore in 'The Breadwinner.'

Will County native Darrell Holmquist was awarded by the state historical society for his book about life in New Lenox during World War I. (Darrell Holmquist)

Three Southland authors earn Best of Illinois awards from State Historical Society

May 24, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Three authors with ties to the south suburbs were among the recipients of Best of Illinois 2026 awards from the Illinois State Historical Society, announced last month.

Longtime Celebrating Seniors Coalition volunteer Pat Koko, center, accepts a donation to the group from Kathy and Joe DeMaira of DeMaira Dance Studios during The Dance Exhibition on March 1 at Dominican University. (DeMaira Dance Studios)

Dancing exhibition unites young and old for Celebrating Seniors Week

May 5, 2026 at 5:07 a.m.

Dancing Exhibit funds Celebrating Seniors Week 2026 in Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, with a variety of events planned.

Linda Poggensee, of La Grange, pauses for a photo March 1 at the finish line of the Tokyo Marathon. It was the culmination of a 6-month effort that started when she broke her leg during the Chicago Marathon in October. (Bob Poggensee)

La Grange runner completes Tokyo Marathon months after breaking femur at Chicago Marathon

April 5, 2026 at 5:16 a.m.

Linda Poggensee of La Grange broke her femur during the Chicago Marathon, but wasn't going to miss her chance to run the Tokyo Marathon.

About 75 people gathered to hear musicians, storytellers and poets share their art during the Peace & Protest: The Art of Resistance program Saturday, March 21, at the Flossmoor Community House in Flossmoor. (Jim Dudlicek/Pioneer Press)

Protest songs make a comeback at Art of Resistance program in Flossmoor

March 24, 2026 at 5:06 p.m.

Performers, poets, artists and artisans came together for an emotionally charged evening of protest and peace in Flossmoor.

Liz Rench, rabbit coordinator for the Animal Care League in Oak Park, observes how pet rabbit Henry, top, reacts while meeting potential new companion Iris, a shelter animal. According to Rench, rabbits are the third most common companion animal in the United States. (Jim Dudlicek/Pioneer Press)

Rabbit rescues spike after Easter, and Oak Park shelter works to find them new homes

March 6, 2026 at 2:02 p.m.

The Animal Care League in Oak Park said they see a spike in abandoned rabbits a few months after Easter, and works to get them new homes.

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