Andrea Earnest

11 hours ago | patch.com | Andrea Earnest

ILLINOIS — Friday will be yet another hazy day as unhealthy air quality due to Canadian wildfire smoke continues, according to the National Weather Service. The weather service advised limiting or postponing prolonged outdoor activity, especially for sensitive groups. According to IQAir, Chicago had the 10th worst air quality in the world on Friday morning. The only other U.S. city that was ranked worse was Detroit at number 7.

1 day ago | patch.com | Andrea Earnest

LEMONT, IL — Lemont High School's softball team will compete in the IHSA Class 3A sectional final on Friday against Providence Catholic. On Tuesday, Lemont defeated Ottawa, 4-2, in the sectional semi-final. Earlier this season, Lemont also captured its 20th IHSA Regional title, including its ninth straight since 2016. Lemont was the South Suburban Conference-Blue Division Champion this season. The team was the state runner-up in 2021 and the state champions in 2022 and 2023.

1 day ago | patch.com | Andrea Earnest

FRANKFORT, IL — A bill which creates new guidelines for missing persons investigations is awaiting Gov. J.B. Pritzker's signature after it passed the Illinois General Assembly. The bill, which was championed by Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart and sponsored by Sen. Michael Hastings in the Senate and Rep.

1 day ago | patch.com | Andrea Earnest

LOCKPORT, IL — Patrick Maier, a newly-elected commissioner of the Lockport Township Park District, recently attended the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ 2025 Boot Camp, the park district shared in a release. IAPD offers the educational course to elected officials and professionals at Illinois park districts.

1 day ago | patch.com | Andrea Earnest

ILLINOIS — The National Weather Service has shared that overall May 2025 was "very dry" and on the cooler side of normal temps. Chicago only received 1.35 inches of rain, which is 3.14 inches below normal, the weather service said. This contributed to an overall drier-than-normal spring. May 2025 was also a bit cooler than normal, with an average temperature of 58 degrees, which is 2.6 degrees below normal, according to the weather service.