Gina Grillo –

Chef Todd Stein is in the kitchen of Juniper on opening day, August 25, at 200 Green Bay Road, Highwood. Juniper blends Stein’s take on American classics with an expertly crafted sushi program, offering North Shore area diners a refined, global dining experience, complemented by craft cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a sake selection. (Gina Grillo,/ for the Pioneer Press)

North Shore native and storied chef, opens new restaurant, Juniper, in Highwood

September 4, 2026 at 6:25 a.m.

Celebrated Chicago Chef Todd Stein has led a storied career – and on August 25, 2026, a new chapter has begun, with his return home to the North Shore and...

Members of the Assyrian Youth Group take part in a procession to kick-off the opening ceremony of the 8th annual Assyrian Food Festival, a two-day celebration of Assyrian food, music, and heritage hosted by the Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of the Eastern USA took place at the Morton Grove Park District, August 22 and 23 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

Assyrian Food Festival in Morton Grove showcases food, music, heritage and traditions

August 24, 2026 at 5:16 p.m.

At this weekend’s Assyrian Food Festival, preparing and sharing food is a way to celebrate Assyrian history and the joy of these ancient cultural traditions.

Community Liaison Officer Justin Jurasz, Morton Grove Police Department, gives a high-five to 10-year-old Nicholas Oprsan of Morton Grove during the 11th annual Morton Grove National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, at the Morton Grove Civic Center, a block party celebration promoting strong relationships between police officers and the neighbors they serve. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

Hundreds show community spirit at Morton Grove’s National Night Out

August 10, 2026 at 5:04 p.m.

In a showing of true community spirit, hundreds of neighbors, supporters, first responders, and Village staff gathered on Tuesday, August 4 at the Morton Grove Civic Center for Morton Grove’s...

Black Moon Trio during their performance of Lakenotes: Seasons of Lake Michigan, at Ravinia on August 2, 2026, a multi-dimensional performance created in tribute to the mystery and majesty of Lake Michigan performed through music, verse, and videography. From left: Black Moon Trio, Jeremy Vigil on piano, Khelsey Zarraga on violin, Parker Nelson on horn. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

Ravinia host Black Moon Trio’s premiere of multi-dimensional piece using Lake Michigan as a muse

August 3, 2026 at 4:46 p.m.

Lake Michigan as a muse has inspired artists working in a multitude of disciplines from visual art to music to the written word.

Xochitl Ramos,13-years-old of Skokie, and Samantha Thai, 13 years old from Lincolnwood, enjoy a cool treat during the 30th Annual Lincolnwood Fest, in Proesel Park, Thursday, July 23 through Sunday, July 26, featuring a carnival and midway, food vendors, family activity tent, a sensory zone, beer/wine garden, main stage entertainment, and business expo. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

Lincolnwood Fest draws thousands to the annual four-day community celebration

July 27, 2026 at 3:14 p.m.

Deep into the summer season for carnival lovers – thousands took part in a four-day community celebration in Lincolnwood’s Proesel Park, in pursuit of cotton candy, a ride on the...

Meg and Janine Casiple, both from Park Ridge, sample the loaded bacon and cheese fries from Tricafe during the Taste of Park Ridge the 24th annual celebration of community spirit and local flavors, which featured 22 local area food vendors, live musical performances, a family fun zone, and Canopies on Courtland, a showcase for businesses and community resources. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

24th annual Taste of Park Ridge continues tradition of volunteers coming together for the event

July 14, 2026 at 6:05 a.m.

David Iglow, volunteer president and co-founder of Taste of Park Ridge, says this event is an annual celebration of the high-octane volunteerism of the town.

Family members of cancer survivors take a moment to leave their own message of hope on the pavement during the Artistic Expressions of Hope chalk art initiative at City of Hope North Shore Center in Morton Grove, 9300 Waukegan Road, on Wednesday, July 8. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

Cancer survivors, families and caregivers created messages of hope on chalk walk in Morton Grove

July 13, 2026 at 4:34 p.m.

Cancer survivors, their family members and members of their care community took to the pavement this week to create a message of hope.

Foam drenches kids at the Red, White & Boom 4th of July Celebration in Lincolnshire on Saturday. (Gina Grillo/For Pioneer Press)

Lincolnshire celebrates holiday with Red, White and Boom fest: ‘Still the best old-fashioned Fourth of July’

July 6, 2026 at 2:21 p.m.

The Red, White and Boom 4th of July celebration this year featured two days of Independence Day activities and attractions honoring the nation's semiquincentennial.

9947 Scott Johnson and Bryce Johnson, 5 years old, celebrate the first bite of the morning for Pierce Johnson, 7 years old, all from Park Ridge during Saturday’s Gone Fishing Derby, held this year on June 27 at Maine Park Ponds, a 25-year tradition in Park Ridge — an event that organizers say is woven into the history of the Wildwood Nature Center. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

Park Ridge continues more than 25-year tradition with Gone Fishing Derby on June 27

June 30, 2026 at 11:58 a.m.

Under a hazy summer sky, families gathered Saturday morning, along the shoreline and on the pier, as the quiet splash of lines baited with wax worms and night crawlers dipped...

Annette Dezelen of Lake Forest admires the creations of Milwaukee-based artist Christine Plicha, whose art has evolved into a practice that includes digitally scanning her original nature-based oil paintings onto fabric to create silk scarves and garden flags. (Gina Grillo/ for the Pioneer Press)

Lake Bluff’s 26-year tradition, Artists on the Bluff Summer Arts Festival showed artists vision

June 22, 2026 at 5:15 p.m.

Matt and Katie Frekko of Lake Forest attended Artists on the Bluff Saturday and say it has become something of a social community gathering for them.

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