Joseph States – Page 3

D118 approves balanced budget after deficit controversy: ‘Committed to … financial stability’

September 24, 2026 at 12:22 p.m.

Earlier this month, D118 approved a final budget with total operating fund revenue of $79.1 million and expenditures of roughly $79 million, according to meeting documents.

A pile of off-gassing garbage near Washington Street and Ambrogio Drive in Gurnee. The fire department determined several buckets of pool chemicals as the cause, and advised residents to properly dispose of hazardous materials. (Tim Steffens, Gurnee Fire Department)

Officials urge proper chemical disposal after Gurnee scare: ‘You don’t want to hurt … the public’

September 23, 2026 at 2:29 p.m.

The vapors began to dissipate, but wind conditions meant roads remained shut down for several more hours.

Highland Park condemns antisemitic graffiti at playground: ‘An act of hate’

September 23, 2026 at 2:07 p.m.

“We will not be intimidated, and we will not be silent,” Mayor Nancy Rotering said.

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.

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