Local News – Page 24 –

A train at Chicago's Millennium Station, the endpoint for the South Shore Line commuter rail service. The South Shore Line is hoping to get youngsters into the habit of riding trains by offering some new promotions. (Doug Ross/for the Post-Tribune)

South Shore Line wants to train kids early with Kit the Fox

By Doug Ross

October 10, 2026 at 4:33 p.m.

The South Shore Line is hoping to get youngsters into the habit of riding trains...

Portage City Hall

User Upload Caption: Portage City Hall, 6070 Central Ave.

Portage considering $60.9 million budget for 2027; final budget will be less

By Doug Ross

October 10, 2026 at 3:11 p.m.

The Portage City Council is considering a $60.9 million proposed budget for 2027. The final...

More than 120 scarecrows are on display throughout downtown St. Charles during the annual Scarecrow Weekend fest, which runs through Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Scarecrow Weekend celebrates autumn in St. Charles

By David Sharos

October 10, 2026 at 10:38 a.m.

St. Charles is awash with colorful creations and plenty of autumn activities this weekend as...

Ed Hershey, from left, Patty García, moderator Anita Blanton, Chris Getty and Lupe Castillo participate in a candidate debate for the Illinois 4th Congressional District seat on Sept. 29, 2026, at FOX 32 television studio in Chicago. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

Illinois 4th District race: Rivals hit Patty García over ballot moves in race to succeed Jesús ‘Chuy’ García

By Jake Sheridan

September 30, 2026 at 4:37 p.m.

At the first opportunity, the three challengers went after Patty García for what they argued...

People walk by Deering Meadow on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston on March 31, 2025. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Man accused of drawing Nazi hate symbols at Northwestern University sentenced to seven years

By Claire Murphy

October 2, 2026 at 4:36 p.m.

At the time of his Feb. 12 arrest, Hussain admitted to defacing Northwestern's property. This...

Lake County election officials test voting machines on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

Lake County election officials put voting machines through their paces

By Michelle L. Quinn

September 29, 2026 at 5:03 p.m.

After Tuesday’s board meeting, Lake County Election Board members and other employees conducted the second...

Ricardo Camarena lifts his neighbor Rayshawn Hackey, 6, while playing on the roots of a tree outside their homes on 26th Ave. in Gary, Indiana on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The tree was toppled Aug. 11. A group of state legislators spent nearly seven hours Monday looking at NIPSCO’s response to the storm. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Indiana statehouse hosts marathon committee meeting into NIPSCO’s storm response

By Maya Wilkins

September 29, 2026 at 3:58 p.m.

The committee passed recommendations for future legislation, including requiring procedures for power restoration and for...

Volunteers sort bags of sweet potatoes Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva during a Hunger Action Day event. (David Sharos/For The Beacon-News)

Volunteers work to help those in need during Hunger Action Day at Northern Illinois Food Bank in Geneva

By David Sharos

September 29, 2026 at 3:12 p.m.

About 200 volunteers pitched in during the effort to help people throughout the food bank’s...

The Buffalo Soldiers local regiment circled the arena in uniform to begin the day’s competitions. Today’s veterans still carry the tradition of celebrating the Buffalo Soldiers and Black service members. (Anna Ortiz/Post-Tribune)

Rodeo rallies horseback riders across nation to Gary

By Anna Ortiz

September 29, 2026 at 2:05 p.m.

Equestrians traveled from Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and from across Indiana to compete in...

The Indian Prairie School District 204 board meets at the Crouse Education Center at 780 Shoreline Drive in Aurora. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Indian Prairie D204 school board OKs $476 million 2026-27 budget, which includes $5.8 million deficit

By Molly Morrow

September 29, 2026 at 1:50 p.m.

District officials say the deficit is due to factors like reduced federal funding and rising...

Lake County finance director details how property tax cuts will affect Gary

By Maya Wilkins

September 29, 2026 at 1:27 p.m.

Gary Common Council Vice President Darren Washington, D-at large, hosted a community forum looking at...

Trial opens for man accused of gunning down ex-wife on Hammond street

By Meredith Colias-Pete

September 29, 2026 at 1:21 p.m.

Allen Oscar Woods, 41, of Hammond, formerly of Houston, is on trial this week, charged...

The Portage Township School Board is considering a $98.9 million budget for 2027. (Doug Ross/for the Post-Tribune)

Portage School Board considering $98.9 million budget

By Doug Ross

September 29, 2026 at 11:33 a.m.

The Portage Township School Board is considering a $98.9 million budget for 2027. A vote...