Robert McCoppin

Robert McCoppin reports on news and trends in Chicago's suburbs, focusing especially on the legalization of marijuana. Having worked at the City News Bureau and Daily Herald before joining the Tribune in 2010, he has covered crime, the courts, flooding, and health, and has won multiple Chicago Headline Club awards.

Jason Gorsline spreads grass seeds near the grave of Revolutionary War veteran Aaron Miner in the Elk Grove Cemetery on May 22, 2026, in Elk Grove Village. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

On America’s 250th anniversary, Elk Grove Village rededicates cemetery with 2 Revolutionary War soldiers

July 3, 2026 at 11:35 a.m.

Rediscovered and restored graves mark the rededication of Elk Grove Cemetery, where two Revolutionary War veterans are buried.

Yadhira Villegas, 17, has work done on her wisdom teeth by oral surgeon Dr. James Appiah at Oral Surgery Solutions in Chicago on June 15, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois Medicaid patients can wait more than a year for critical dental care due to low reimbursements

July 1, 2026 at 3:21 p.m.

Medicaid patients can wait more than a year in Illinois for critical dental care due to low reimbursements.

Horses walk on the track on April 6, 2024, at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney. (Vincent Alban/Chicago Tribune)

Bidder for Hawthorne Race Course expected to end horse racing unless another buyer steps in

June 27, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Members of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association hold out hope that Hawthorne may be saved as the last professional horse racing track in the Chicago area.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks at a protest organized by the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression held June 20, 2026, in Federal Plaza. He said afterward that a mass shooting Friday night was "heartbreaking." (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

At least 13 wounded in ‘heartbreaking’ mass shooting on Far South Side

June 21, 2026 at 5:06 p.m.

At least 13 people were wounded Friday night when two gunmen opened fire from an SUV into a large crowd gathered on the Far South Side, Chicago police said.

Yadira Escamilla sits at her church,
Unity Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Austin, on June 2, 2026. Escamilla alleges that Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness and A-Alert Security Services failed to protect her from repeated sexual abuse. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

DCFS added to lawsuit alleging Chicago foster care facility failed to protect woman from sexual abuse

June 18, 2026 at 3:51 p.m.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was added as a defendant Thursday in a lawsuit charging a South Side foster care facility failed to protect a girl from...

A person’s legs poke out from a doorway at Albany Care along the 900 block of Maple Avenue on May 26, 2026, in Evanston. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

State tries to shut down Evanston psychiatric facility after string of crimes and violations

June 16, 2026 at 7:44 a.m.

The state of Illinois is trying to close Albany Care in Evanston, a home for about 170 people with mental health and substance abuse issues. The facility is appealing the...

Horses are escorted in the paddock at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, Illinois, on April 6, 2024. (Vincent Alban/Chicago Tribune)

Hawthorne Race Course warns of 290 potential layoffs if its bankruptcy sale doesn’t keep the track racing

June 12, 2026 at 6:04 p.m.

The development is the latest in a string of bad news for the horse racing industry in Illinois.

Tajha Igess, left, a manager at Prohibition THCafe, explains the menu to a customer on June 4, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Proposed Illinois law would shut down unlicensed intoxicating hemp shops

June 8, 2026 at 1:25 p.m.

A proposed Illinois law would shut down unlicensed intoxicating hemp shops, double cannabis possession limits, expand medical sales and extend dispensary hours.

A golfer hits from the rough at Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond, on May 13, 2026, with the backdrop of BP Whiting Refinery. Lost Marsh Golf Course would likely be part of the Bears Hammond stadium footprint. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/)

Chicago Bears say they will proceed with plans for a stadium in Hammond

June 5, 2026 at 9:09 p.m.

The Chicago Bears will proceed with plans for a new stadium in Hammond, the organization announced Friday.

Mayor Brandon Johnson answers questions from reporters at City Hall about the plans for a Chicago Bears stadium, June 1, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Mayor Brandon Johnson sees opening in latest stadium proposal to keep Bears in Chicago

June 1, 2026 at 6:13 p.m.

In Arlington Heights, Mayor Jim Tinaglia said officials were "disappointed" that Illinois lawmakers failed to pass legislation, while Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said he's "optimistic."

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