Joseph States

A Flock camera sitting over a Highland Park city parking lot, on of hundreds of such devices across Lake County. The devices are cropping up increasingly in the news over privacy concerns, and their potential misuse. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

As Illinois debates rules for license plate readers, resistance grows in Lake County

August 21, 2026 at 3:10 p.m.

At a busy Highland Park intersection, a camera goes missing; not usually a newsworthy occurrence, but the online reaction to the disappearance of this particular type of camera — an...

A yellow hydrant sits outside of a fenced area announcing a data center north of West Peterson Road on the T5 @ Chicago IV data center property on July 5, 2026, in Grayslake. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Grayslake public meeting on data center canceled due to safety concerns over online comments

August 20, 2026 at 4:39 p.m.

An extended public comment session on the Grayslake data center was abruptly canceled just a day before it was scheduled at the University Center of Lake County, with the venue...

D112 food service contract investigation finds no major issues: ‘No evidence of malintent or collusion’

August 18, 2026 at 11:34 a.m.

A year on from the controversy, and with a new food vendor contract already underway, the involved parties seem ready to move on.

D112 Superintendent Monica Schroeder speaks during a ribbon cutting event for Sherwood Elementary School on Thursday, August 13. She called it a "peak moment." (Joe States)

D112 cuts ribbon on Sherwood Elementary as school starts: ‘It really warms my heart’

August 14, 2026 at 2:40 p.m.

Construction on Sherwood began in February 2025, according to the district website, with students and staff relocated to the former Elm Place Middle School.

A rendering of The Bowery of Highland Park, a 227-unit residential development planned for 1700 Old Deerfield Road that broke ground on July 28. The development was controversial with some area residents due to its density, leading to several lengthy, late night meetings. (M/I Homes)

Highland Park 227-unit development plans fall construction: ‘A seamless addition’

August 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

Sales will begin later this year, with pre-sales appointments in October for potential buyers to preview the community.

Brandon Ewing was sworn in to the Lake County Board Tuesday, August 11, temporarily filling the vacant seat of the late Mary Ross Cunningham. Ewing is running for the remainder of her term in a special election in November.
(Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Brandon Ewing sworn in to vacant Lake County Board seat: ‘It’s about being able to build on the legacy’

August 11, 2026 at 3:48 p.m.

Ewing will serve as the County Board member for District 9 until Dec. 7, at which point whoever wins the special election this November will be sworn in.

Johnny and Jeffry Love, the parents of Mary Alice Love, and Bishop Tavis Grant during a press conference outside of Mundelein Village Hall Monday, August 10. They had just viewed additional body cam footage from the fatal police shooting of Love in May. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Family of woman killed by Mundelein police sees new footage: ‘They need to bring charges’

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

The family also planned to attend Monday’s Village Board meeting to call for the termination of the officer who killed Love, describing them as a danger to the community.

Lawsuit filed against planned Grayslake data center: ‘We have a really strong case’

August 7, 2026 at 2:34 p.m.

Filed on behalf of the Preservation of Community Well-being Collective, the lawsuit’s plaintiffs are residents and property owners in Saddlebrook Farms, Grayslake, Mundelein and Round Lake Park.

Six Flags announces largest investment in decades, new attractions: ‘It’s really special’

August 6, 2026 at 2:16 p.m.

Park President John Krajnak called it one of the most significant investments in the park since the 1996 opening of the Southwest Territory.

Susann Marsh Look gives fellow Great America park alum Kenned MacIver a hug during last Friday's get-together. As the theme park celebrates 50 years, park Show Operations staffers got together to reminisce. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Original Great America alumni celebrate 50th anniversary: ‘It was a really unique time’

August 4, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

Nearly 200 people crowded the event hall Friday evening, calling out to each other, hugging and sharing memories as old park tunes played over the speakers.

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