Joseph States

A pair of monarch butterfly chrysalis hang next to a caterpillar preparing to make its own. Annie Lawson and Heather Bauer have various ways of protecting the caterpillars as they transform into butterflies. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Grayslake residents share passion for monarch butterflies; ‘It’s like this whole other world that you come into’

July 17, 2025 at 4:26 p.m.

The monarch butterfly is most renowned for its yearly odyssey. Some will travel up to 3,000 miles during their two-way winter journey.

The Northern house mosquito, also known as culex pipiens, can transmit the West Nile virus.

Lake County reports first case of West Nile virus

July 17, 2025 at 8:18 a.m.

Last year saw 69 cases across the state, including six in Lake County, according to data from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Highland Park increases e-bike, e-scooter minimum fines to $100

July 15, 2025 at 3:36 p.m.

The maximum fine amount of $500 will remain unchanged.

An artwork near Highwood's city hall, by Anna P Murphy. It's one of a dozen painted during last year's Mural Fest, and the city plans to keep adding to its collection every year. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Highwood, Highland Park moving forward with public-art plans; ‘It becomes that destination where people want to … see all the murals’

July 10, 2025 at 3:38 p.m.

Both artists and officials agreed that such artworks provide a variety of community benefits, from the aesthetic to the economic.

The Waukegan Planned Parenthood facility, the first in Lake County and 18th in Illinois. Although Wisconsin has struck down its abortion ban, Planned Parenthood Illinois still expects Wisconsin care seekers in the future. (Joe States/Pioneer Press)

Officials expect Wisconsin women to still get Illinois abortions despite court ruling

July 11, 2025 at 10:05 a.m.

Despite the regaining of abortion access, Wisconsin “remained one of the top states for (Illinois) patient volume,” the Planned Parenthood Illinois statement said.

Lake County channels millions toward expanding housing options; ‘It’s a major way for us to continue our goals’

July 8, 2025 at 3:51 p.m.

The recent passing of the federal spending and tax bill, known colloquially as the “big beautiful bill,” has thrown some uncertainty into future housing-related funding.

Steven Bachta, 44, of Wilmette, a pediatric doctor at NorthShore Evanston and Highland Park hospitals, has advanced to the semi-finals of the NBC-TV American Ninja Warrior competition. (Trae Patton/NBC)

Libertyville and Wilmette athletes run, leap their way to ‘American Ninja Warrior’ semi-finals

July 10, 2025 at 8:53 p.m.

With calculated leaps, displays of strength, and races up a 14.5-foot curved wall, both a Wilmette doctor and a Libertyville High School student have advanced to the semi-finals of the...

Men ride an e-scooter and an e-bike in Chicago in a file photo. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Highland Park bans e-bikes, e-scooters from sidewalks, trails; ’28 mph down a sidewalk … puts the public safety in jeopardy’

July 3, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

The new ordinance passed by the City Council last month also requires riders to meet age and licensing requirements to ride such vehicles.

D113 cell-phone policy aims to fight tech addiction ‘crisis’; ‘They’re very powerful devices, and should be treated as such’

July 2, 2025 at 4:13 p.m.

Phone usage will still be permitted before or after school, during passing periods and at lunch.

Lake County arrests 27 in human-trafficking sting; ‘If there is no buyer, there is no market’

June 30, 2025 at 10:18 a.m.

Nearly 30 men from across the region were arrested during a two-day human-trafficking-suppression operation last week, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The Lake County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Group’s...

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