Joseph States

A rendering of a proposed new facility for Antioch's early learning center, to replace the current Mary Kay McNeill Early Learning Center, which operates out of a nearly 100-year-old building. (Antioch CCSD 34, Legat Architects)

Antioch planning board opposes D34 school building permit: ‘Surprised and disappointed’

September 21, 2026 at 11:39 a.m.

Despite the recommendation from the planning board, the school district plans to move forward with the application at the Oct. 14 Antioch Village Board meeting.

A rendering of renovations planned for the Brushwood Center, at the Ryerson Woods, funded through donations. The project could break ground in early 2027.(Brushwood Center)

Historic home of Brushwood Center to get $5M facelift: ‘Win-win’

September 18, 2026 at 5:24 p.m.

During last week’s Lake County Forest Preserves meeting, the board approved a new 20-year license agreement with the nonprofit Brushwood Center for use of the historic building.

Patrons enter the Martin Theater at Ravinia, a 122-year-old building that has seen several major renovations over its lifetime. The music venue was once used as office space and storage after going dark in 1915. (Kyle Dunleavy, Ravinia Festival)

Ravinia announces major renovation of historic Martin Theatre; ‘Such a treasure’

September 16, 2026 at 4:24 p.m.

Work is expected to be completed by July of 2028.

Nicole Georgas speaks during a Deerfield School District 109 board meeting March 13, 2025, accusing the school staff of forcing her daughter to change into gym clothes with a transgender student and demanding the school change its policies relating to locker rooms and bathrooms. Georgas also filed a complaint with the Department of Justice. (Deerfield School District 109)

Lawsuit against trans-inclusive D109 policies dismissed: ‘An expression of transphobia, nothing more’

September 16, 2026 at 4:01 p.m.

Last year, district parent Nicole Georgas accused school officials of forcing her daughter and other students to change their clothes for gym class with a transgender student.

D128 pledges reforms after teacher grooming accusations: ‘We know that trust isn’t restored by a statement’

September 15, 2026 at 2:56 p.m.

Vernon Hills-based Community High School District 128 is pledging reforms following bitter public backlash over its handling of a now-retired teacher who was accused in a lawsuit of grooming a...

The brick house at 175 Prospect in Highland Park has been demolished, and historic architecture advocates reflected on the local dispute a year ago. Some worry about the future of preservation in the community. (Bill Levy)

Historic Highland Park home demolition irks preservationists: ‘It’s literally heartbreaking’

September 14, 2026 at 10:17 a.m.

Local historic architecture advocates reflected on what happened, and looked ahead at what the future may hold for the city’s historic character and preservation efforts.

Highland Park teacher charged with domestic abuse resigns: ‘The school board lost its mission’

September 10, 2026 at 4:57 p.m.

She had been placed on administrative leave prior to her resignation.

Lake County Board GOP candidate may not appear on ballot: ‘It should be up to the voters’

September 9, 2026 at 1:17 p.m.

A Waukegan Township Democratic Party news release described the omissions as “serious legal defects,” and one of several signs of an “operation stretched thin.”

Boats trawl the beachfront of Illinois Beach State Park in July 2025, searching for the body of a 14-year-old who drowned. After a beachfront restoration effort, an increase in water incidents and a spate of drownings grew into a local controversy over a lack of state support. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Man dies after being pulled from lake at Illinois Beach State Park: ‘They need lifeguards’

September 8, 2026 at 2:55 p.m.

Water safety advocates have warned the breakwaters create stronger, more dangerous currents around them, and draw curious swimmers who don’t understand their dangers.

Mundelein Trustee Jennifer Grieco sent in her resignation last week, citing her plans to move out of the village, Mayor Robin Meier announced this week. An appointee will fill Grieco's former seat, to serve through April 2027. (Village of Mundelein)

Mundelein trustee resigns, then charged with DUI: Search is on for successor

August 26, 2026 at 11:43 a.m.

In Grieco’s resignation letter, she said she had been maintaining two homes to continue living in Mundelein and serving on the board, but “financially, it simply no longer makes sense...

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