Harvey Park District director to fill Cook County Board vacancy

When Hamas led raids into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages from various countries, including the bodies of 37 victims, a cease-fire deal was reached to release 33 hostages and Palestinian prisoners over six weeks. Eight hostages have been rescued, while some have died during military operations, with seven Americans still held captive, including Edan Alexander and Sagui Dekel-Chen. Full Article

Chicago residents express outrage over local leaders' handling of the migrant crisis as former Illinois State House candidate Andre Smith discusses the city council's rejection of a proposal to allow local law enforcement to assist ICE in deporting migrants with criminal records. Despite pushback from activist groups, Ald Ray Lopez and Silvana Tabares' attempt to amend the "welcoming city" ordinance failed, prompting criticism from residents like Jordan Kelly. Mayor Brandon Johnson's guidelines on ICE interactions...

The Celtics are facing a concerning stretch as they struggle to maintain their dominance, slipping to second place in the standings and losing seven of their last 14 games. Opponents are no longer afraid of them, as evidenced by losses to sub-.500 teams like the Raptors and the lack of defensive intensity. Formerly feared, the Celtics are now lacking the hard-nosed basketball style that once struck fear in their opponents and are in danger of...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced Thursday that the Cabinet will not convene to approve a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of hostages until Hamas resolves what is described as a "last minute crisis." Netanyahu's government is demanding that Hamas back down before any decision is made regarding the agreement. The delay in the Cabinet meeting indicates a tense situation between Israel and Hamas, with the release of hostages and the ceasefire...

The Avian Influenza has caused the deaths of a Harbor Seal and a Chilean Flamingo at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, with confirmed cases of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza. The CDC warns of mutations in severe cases of the bird flu virus in humans, while the zoo has implemented response plans including closing the McCormick Bird House and urging the community to keep personal pets indoors. Full Article

Laura Caron, a New Jersey elementary teacher, allegedly had a child with a former student, 13, who lived with her for several years until the teen's father noticed a resemblance on social media. Caron, 34, was charged with Aggravated Sexual Assault and other charges in January 2025 after allegedly having inappropriate relations with the student while they lived together. The Middle Township School District placed Caron on paid leave and is cooperating with investigators in...