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.

A participant rolls a joint during the third annual 420 Run, hosted by Runners High Chicago, at The 606 in Chicago on April 19, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois cannabis sales revenue falls as hemp and other states cut into prices for the struggling industry

February 17, 2026 at 10:53 a.m.

While lower prices are welcome news for consumers, cannabis businesses have had difficulty making money due to high financing and operating costs.

Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia speaks at a press conference about the Mega Project Bill and how to keep the Bears in Illinois on Jan. 16, 2026, in Arlington Heights. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Arlington Heights rallies to bring Chicago Bears to the suburbs — and fight off a bid from Indiana

February 11, 2026 at 1:07 p.m.

Arlington Heights leaders and residents plan to rally Wednesday for Illinois lawmakers to fight off a bid from Indiana to build a new enclosed stadium for the Chicago Bears.

Levi's Stadium ahead of Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, in Santa Clara. California, on Feb. 4, 2026. (Godofredo A. Vásquez/AP)

With Super Bowl approaching, Illinois warns illegal online casinos to shut down operations

February 5, 2026 at 6:21 p.m.

In advance of Super Bowl Sunday, the Illinois Gaming Board Thursday issued more than 60 cease-and-desist letters to illegal online gambling companies, demanding that they immediately block Illinois residents from...

State Sen. Laura Fine, from left, Phil Andrew and Bushra Amiwala, Democratic candidates for Illinois' 9th Congressional District, speak to the Tribune Editorial Board on Jan. 29, 2026. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Millions raised fuel fierce fights for 5 open Illinois congressional seats ahead of March primary

February 3, 2026 at 3:47 p.m.

The five heavily blue congressional districts that span from Algonquin through parts of Chicago and down to Danville have nearly four dozen Democrats competing to replace three retiring members of...

8th Congressional District Democratic candidates Ryan Vetticad and Melissa Bean talk after a candidate forum Nov. 13, 2025, at Elgin Community College. Bean held the office from 2005 to 2011. (H. Rick Bamman/for the Chicago Tribune)

Junaid Ahmed and Neil Khot call for standing up to Trump administration in ads for 8th Congressional District race

January 30, 2026 at 12:14 p.m.

Dueling commercials by two Democratic candidates in Illinois' 8th Congressional District race both say former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean is “Wall Street’s favorite Democrat.”

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

Hawthorne Race Course officials are again working on casino deal despite recent financial crisis

January 28, 2026 at 6:06 p.m.

The Illinois Racing Board has suspended the operating license for harness racing at Hawthorne Race Course, citing ongoing financial difficulties.

People view the skyline while visiting Montrose Harbor on Jan. 1, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois population stays flat despite drop in international immigration

January 28, 2026 at 5:09 p.m.

Illinois' population grew .001% through mid-2025, reflecting a national trend of low growth due mainly to a historic decrease in international immigration.

Fans watch Rod Wave perform at the United Center on Dec. 15, 2025 in Chicago. Concertgoers at the United Center will soon be able to buy legal drinks infused with THC, the part of marijuana that gets users high — despite a looming federal ban. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Getting high at concerts now an option as THC beverages soon to be sold at the United Center

January 27, 2026 at 12:45 p.m.

Concertgoers at the United Center will be able to buy legal drinks infused with THC, the part of marijuana that gets users high — despite a looming federal ban.

Les Adams holds a photo of his late mother, Shirley Adams, as he sits in his Humboldt Park home on Jan. 19, 2026. Shirley Adams died at age 81 in 2023 after getting an infection from bedsores while at Lakeview Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Lawsuits allege shell corporations compound negligence by nursing homes

January 21, 2026 at 11:01 a.m.

Two recent deaths at Chicago-area nursing homes highlight problem of poor care, difficulty in holding those responsible accountable, advocates say.

Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia speaks at a news conference about the Mega Project bill and how to keep the Bears in Illinois on Jan. 16, 2026, in Arlington Heights. Surrounding him are politicians, school district officials and labor unions. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Arlington Heights calls for state lawmakers to act on Chicago Bears proposed new stadium

January 20, 2026 at 4:29 p.m.

Arlington Heights officials called for Illinois lawmakers to get moving on a proposed new Chicago Bears stadium in the northwest suburb.

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