Lauren Victory

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Lauren Victory

Senior gardeners work to nurture butterflies in Schaumburg, Illinois The monarch butterfly is Illinois' state insect and has held that distinction for 50 years — having been suggested for the honor by third grade classes in Decatur in 1975. But the butterfly is also in danger of landing on the endangered species list. Some retirees are hoping to reverse that trend. Volunteer Ned Bruns recently spent a gorgeous morning digging up ugly weeds.

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Lauren Victory

New Community Outreach uses peace circles to help youth build relationships There is no one-size-fits-all solution to gun violence in Chicago, but New Community Outreach is trying a less traditional technique that has seen growth and success. The bell that sounds and the lessons taught on the third floor of the Bronzeville Scholastic Institute aren't exactly traditional.

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Lauren Victory

People from all over the Chicago area took time out this Memorial Day to honor fallen service members. At Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery near Elwood, Illinois southwest of Chicago, there was pomp, circumstance, and honors for "Poppa J." — the father of Jessica LaRoche. "Our dad was in the Navy, and he was huge into airplanes," LaRoche said. Poppa J. — Robert Lee Jarvis — is buried at the cemetery. He gets a visit from LaRoche and her kids every Memorial Day.

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Lauren Victory

People who work in the Loop are often looking for a quick and affordable lunch. Some CBS News Chicago colleagues noticed there used to be lots of McDonald's locations in downtown Chicago. But one by one, most have disappeared. Other restaurant spaces also sit vacant, including the former Minigrow at 28 S. Wabash Ave., and the former Corner Bakery at 35 E. Monroe St. right next to the Palmer House Hotel.

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Lauren Victory

Father of young man with autism is behind multiple Illinois state bills A suburban Chicago father has dedicated countless hours to making Illinois better for his son and others with developmental disabilities. In fact, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker even singled out Mike Baker of Schaumburg for his efforts. Watching old videos of shows like "Bear in the Big Blue House" at warp speed is just one of the ways Baker shows his son, Bryan, love. "We're buddy-buddies," Baker said.