Glencoe residents will vote on a $14.7 million bond for park updates in November 2024 without increasing taxes. Community surveys show support for the improvements.

A sole survivor chick from a clutch of Piping Plovers at Montrose Beach was named Nagamo, reflecting its species' vocal nature and chosen to honor cultural heritage.

Chicago denied permits for an ALS research fundraising swim in the Chicago River due to safety concerns, suggesting an alternative route. The event by A Long Swim was to highlight river cleanliness and support youth swimming.

One of four piping plover chicks at Montrose Beach is missing and presumed dead, with the remaining three in good condition. The community mourns the loss as conservation efforts continue.

The Lake County Forest Preserves District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the acquisition of 18 acres near the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve to enhance regional conservation efforts.

A playground in Streamwood is closed indefinitely after an undisclosed incident damaged its challenge course during the Fourth of July weekend. Other park areas remain open.

Sunrise Beach increases its non-resident entry fees following a surge in popularity due to a "Top Secret Beaches" article, as the Lake Bluff Park District seeks to cover maintenance costs.

Delasol, a 33-year-old Bolivian gray titi monkey, has passed away at the Lincoln Park Zoo, outliving her species' average lifespan by over two decades.

The iconic Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park reopened after being vandalized by anti-war protesters, prompting a temporary closure. The fountain was cleaned and is now fully operational. No arrests have been made yet.

Brookfield Zoo in Chicago debuted koalas Brumby and Willum, marking the first time the zoo has hosted these marsupials, now part of an elite group of U.S. zoos with such residents.

Four peregrine falcon chicks hatched at UIC during graduation, while pro-Palestinian students at Northwestern University walked out of their ceremony in protest.

Chicago's Gage Park Fieldhouse is reopening with facility upgrades after serving as an emergency winter shelter, with summer programs resuming June 10.

New regulations from the Department of Treasury could hinder Illinois corn farmers' prospects of using their crops for sustainable jet fuel production, due to stricter conservation practice requirements.