News
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Pope Leo XIV urges Spain to stop fanning flames of polarization on first papal visit in 15 years
Jun 06, 2026 3:50 pm - Pope Leo XIV urged Spaniards on Saturday to stop “fanning the flames of polarization” as he arrived in Spain at a moment of political turmoil for the Socialist-led government and a credibility crisis for the Catholic Church.
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Ukraine targets St. Petersburg again after Putin rejects Zelenskyy’s offer for direct talks
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FBI fires several analysts tied to disputed ‘Catholic ideology’ memo
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Glock ban, prescription drug board among measures that stall in final days
Jun 06, 2026 2:49 pm - Many key bills discussed in the General Assembly this year failed to move forward before lawmakers adjourned on June 1. Bills banning Glocks, creating a prescription drug board and regulating algorithmic pricing advanced in the final days of session, but not to the governor’s desk. A sweeping election reform bill was also filed but didn’t get called for a vote. The measures are expected to be discussed throughout the summer and could advance during the fall veto session or possible January lame-duck session.
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The Obama Center opens as a time warp to an old political order
Jun 06, 2026 2:07 pm - One end of the regulation-size basketball court that anchors the south tip of the Obama Presidential Center campus is emblazoned with the words “Yes We Can,” and at the other end, “Fired Up, Ready to Go.” The facility’s main tower, which houses a museum documenting the 44th president’s life and career, features a “Hope and Change Lobby,” and outside there is a playground (with a child-safe poured-in-place rubber surface), a women’s garden, barbecue grills, and a green roof with wheelchair-accessible raised beds for vegetables. The Obama Foundation’s 19.3-acre complex opens June 19.
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‘It’s so gratifying’: Longtime employee takes over ownership at Emmett’s Brewing Co.Jun 06, 2026 1:50 pm - After starting as a sous chef 27 years ago when Emmett’s Brewing Co. opened, Rob Kwiatek has purchased the restaurant concept that has locations in West Dundee and Palatine.
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The Biz Week That Was: Work begins on Waukegan casino, fierce demand leads to surging home pricesJun 06, 2026 1:27 pm - Waukegan casino breaks ground on new $302M permanent facility Shovels hit the dirt as workers broke ground Wednesday on the permanent site for the American Place Cas...
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Guinness World Record attempt draws soccer fans to Fox Valley MallJun 06, 2026 1:03 pm - Soccer enthusiasts gathered Saturday at Fox Valley Mall in Aurora to attempt a Guinness World Record.
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Illinois’ latest budget asks taxpayers to pay more for Springfield’s spendingJun 06, 2026 12:24 pm - Year after year, lawmakers wait until the final hours of session to assemble massive budget packages that put businesses and residents on the hook for spending that few people actually reviewed. The process lacks accountability and can involve gimmicky maneuvering.
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‘Something spectacular’: Towns to go all out on July 4 for America’s 250th yearJun 06, 2026 12:00 pm - America’s 250th birthday has suburbs unfurling all things red, white and blue. New downtown murals will be unveiled and time capsules filled. Some towns are shelling out more for their fireworks, and proudly so.