Cook County Lifestyle
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Artistic expression: Batavia elementary school art teacher nurtures ‘creative problem solvers’May 18, 2026 9:34 am - Teaching art was a natural career choice for Grace McWayne Elementary School’s Nicole Pappanduros. Pappanduros’ mother, Sandie, taught art at Lions Park Elementary School in Mount Prospect. Pappanduros grew up helping her mom in the classroom. “The art room became a place where I felt comfortable and at home from an early age,” Pappanduros, 43, said.
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Illinois is banning Bradford pear trees. Here’s why experts want them goneMay 17, 2026 8:45 pm - Bradford pear trees put on a beautiful show in the spring. But Illinois is soon banning their sale.
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How native seeding is used for ecological restoration at Lake County forest preservesMay 15, 2026 4:33 pm - Using native plants to attract pollinators, birds and wildlife to your landscape can be a fulfilling practice but can come at a cost, especially if you have a lot of ground to cover.
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A necessary ‘reset’: Suburban schools support pediatrics group’s new guidance on recessMay 15, 2026 12:44 pm - Updated recess guidelines from the Itasca-based American Academy of Pediatrics this week resonated with suburban school officials, who already embrace the break’s importance — some even for older children — in both principle and practice.
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Thirsty? Elgin to purchase mobile hydration station to provide free water at eventsMay 15, 2026 10:43 am - Free, cold water will soon be on tap at many Elgin festivals and events.
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Baby bison born at Kane County forest preserveMay 14, 2026 11:45 am - Huddled close to its mother, the first bison calf born in a Kane County tallgrass prairie in over 200 years represents more than restoration: Something lost. Something returned. Something reborn.
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‘A huge improvement’: Small addition to Grant Woods Forest Preserve will have big impactMay 13, 2026 5:19 pm - The pending purchase of less than an acre adjoining Grant Woods in Ingleside is a blip for the Lake County Forest Preserve District but comes with a big upside.
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‘It does send a message’: Residents turn up heat on Palatine to raise Pride flagMay 13, 2026 1:13 pm - Residents continued to press Palatine village council members this week to approve flying the Pride Flag at village hall during June, which is Pride Month.
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Candlelight vigil, motorcycle parade for POW/MIA awareness May 23-24May 13, 2026 12:50 pm - Illinois Rolling Thunder chapters will host a candlelight vigil at Fort Sheridan as well as the Rolling Thunder XXXVIII Demonstration Parade for POW/MIA accountability on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, respectively.
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Grace Lutheran Church to host spring rummage sale May 15-16May 13, 2026 12:33 pm - Grace Lutheran Church in Lily Lake hosts its spring rummage sale May 15-16, featuring furniture, appliances, household items, clothing, toys, and books with many items priced at $1 and half-price specials on Saturday.