Before a packed courtroom in McHenry County Thursday, friends and family of 24-year-old man killed by a drunk driver spoke of the light and love he brought to their lives.

“In Search of His Lost Cords - His Life, His Plea,” the story of Wauconda resident and recording artist Eric Kinkel’s quest for recovery of his brain and vocal cord functions, will have a free screening Feb. 7.

The Lake County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Legislative Breakfast will take place Feb. 11 in Gurnee.

In recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Lake County Human Trafficking Task Force on Jan. 16 hosted a training for judicial and court personnel, bringing together more than 50 prosecutors, probation officers, judges and service providers from Lake County.

In northern Illinois’s largest cities to its smallest towns, counterfeit pills, whose effects are boosted by fentanyl, kill users and devastate the families they leave behind.

A one-time Democratic candidate for Illinois’ largely suburban 9th Congressional District seat has withdrawn from the race, and another has suspended his campaign.

Maria Peterson: This is a common-sense approach: modernize our tax system to create a dedicated funding source, honor our past commitments, and ensure the system is fair for our current and future public servants. Read Peterson's full questionnaire here

Martin McLaughlin: I will continue to vote against any tax increases, and I will support property tax relief. Read McLaughlin's full questionnaire here

Karen Battaglia: Property taxes are one of the biggest pressures on families in our district, and school funding is a major driver of those costs. I believe we can provide relief to homeowners without shortchanging our schools. Read Battaglia's full questionnaire here

An ordinance that calls for monitoring some Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities in Downers Grove is expected to be approved Tuesday the Village Council

A Wonder Lake man pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of sexually abusing a child and avoided a lengthy prison sentence, according to court records.

A Cary man twice convicted of attempted murder in Cook County, and acquitted of murder as a teen in 1980, has turned himself in after being wanted on a sixth alleged offense of drunk driving.

Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg will be awarding a scholarship in the amount of $500.

Living Roots Farm has opened in Fox Lake. In a renovated warehouse, operators have 50 aeroponic towers growing a mix of herbs, microgreens and several leafy green lettuce varietals.

A Cary man who years ago was convicted of attempted murder, and prior to that acquitted of murder as a teen, has been charged with a sixth DUI, according to court records.

Nic Geudtner and his mother, Diana Geudtner, are farming vertically and aeroponically growing greens and herbs year-round in rehabbed Fox Lake warehouse

The Lake County Board approved a resolution on Jan. 13 supporting the Illinois America 250 Commemoration and is encouraging communities across Lake County to plan and participate in local events leading up to and culminating on July 4, 2026, as the county celebrates America’s 250

The Lake County Board on Jan. 13 approved two transportation improvement projects slated for construction in 2026 that are designed to enhance safety and non-motorized connectivity.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center recommends that residents test the radon levels in their homes and apartments, especially during the winter, when radon levels are highest.

Lake County continues to be a leader in forward-thinking sustainability planning with the Board’s recent approval of its newest initiative, the Lake County Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan.

The Illinois Product Stewardship Council is pleased to announce the start of a statewide paint recovery program.

Anticipating arctic conditions later this week, Metra will operate on a reduced schedule Friday.

A Lake County man with a past felony conviction was found guilty of gun and drug charges after authorities said he hid a Glock pistol in the back of a squad car during a McHenry traffic stop.

A man called police in Lakemoor reporting he'd driven into a water but wasn't sure where. Hours later, his car was found in Volo.

College of Lake County has received a transformational $6.065 million gift from Schreiber Philanthropy.

In conjunction with the February celebration of the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, 19th Judicial Circuit judges will be among the many Illinois judges to deliver a program to grade school students.

The Lake County Clerk’s Office is issuing important guidance regarding recently implemented changes by the United States Postal Service that may affect voters who plan to use vote by mail for upcoming elections.

Great Lakes Credit Union recently announced that its President and CEO Steve Bugg has been elected to the Board of Directors of the National Credit Union Foundation, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

This past holiday season, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies statewide for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High. Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket” traffic safety campaigns.

The McHenry County Coroner’s Office released the identity of a 78-year-old Fox Lake woman who died in a crash Friday in Fox Lake.

A 95-year-old Palatine man was killed and three others, including a 30-year-old Cary man, were injured in a three-vehicle crash in Deer Park, authorities said.

Two weeks after halting his bid for U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s 9th Congressional District seat and a week after saying he would resume a campaign schedule, entrepreneur Bruce Leon has formally withdrawn and endorsed a rival candidate.

Several Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were sprayed with bear spray Monday morning while dealing with a person having a mental health crisis, causing one to be hospitalized.

In partnership with the Lake County Clerk’s Office, the Round Lake Area Park District, and Lake County schools and community organizations, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias is organizing a Voting Experience Simulation designed for adults with disabilities.

A Fox Lake man allegedly threatened a neighbor with a gun after an exchange over a loose dog.

A suburban congressional candidate’s name was struck from upcoming primary ballots Thursday because the Illinois State Board of Elections decided her petitions fell one signature short of the legally required 799.

A trailer bill tweaking some parts of the state’s transit rescue bill could surface when the General Assembly reconvenes, legislative leaders said Wednesday at a City Club Chicago forum.

The staff at the Fort Sheridan National Cemetery announced those laid to rest at the Fort Sheridan National Cemetery in December 2025.

A Libertyville couple’s infant daughter was the first baby born in 2026 at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital.

Join a free workshop put on by the Job Center of Lake County that is designed to help you leverage valuable data to understand your community and grow your business.

A person likely killed by a Metra train on Jan. 2 has been identified, authorities said.

The Lake County Forest Preserves recently earned two national awards for its Words of the Woods podcast and another for Horizons magazine.

Longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky has endorsed fellow Evanstonian Daniel Biss as her successor in the 9th Congressional District.

A candidate for a largely West suburban congressional seat was struck from the March 17 primary ballot Wednesday because of petition problems while another in the 11th district will keep his spot.

2026 marks a new capital program for the Illinois Tollway and votes on whether to increase tolls.

The Chicago area has been a fertile ground for Winter Olympians over the years, from champion figure skaters to fearless ski jumpers.

Kids Garage McHenry, which has opened just outside the city, gives kids a place to play, explore and burn energy.

Saying he wants to “step back and reflect on my candidacy,” Democrat Bruce Leon has announced he’s suspending his congressional campaign in the largely suburban 9th District.

Winter is calling in Lake County’s forest preserves. Maybe that means ice skating with friends, racing down a sled hill or skiing through quiet, snow-covered trails.

Lake County is taking another step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future by expanding its solar energy portfolio.