Seasonal & Holidays

Spree Killings, Prison Demolition, White Discrimination Lawsuit: Top IL Stories Of 2024

Explore some of the milestones, controversies and moments of resilience that defined 2024 in Illinois.

Jonah Meadows's profile picture
Jonah Meadows, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|
Patch's 2024 Illinois news countdown captures the year’s defining moments, from major trials and political milestones to stories of resilience and community connections.
Patch's 2024 Illinois news countdown captures the year’s defining moments, from major trials and political milestones to stories of resilience and community connections. (Lorraine Swanson, John Ferak/Patch file photos)

CHICAGO — As 2024 comes to a close, we're looking back at the some of the biggest stories that Patch has covered so far this year in Illinois.

The 24 top Illinois stories of the year captured attention of readers around the state with a mix of shocking events, long-awaited developments and deeply human moments.

From courtroom dramas and horrific crimes to a beloved restaurant's return and the life-changing influence of a teacher, Patch has brought you stories from dozens of Illinois communities.

Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The countdown below highlights a year of challenges, milestones and resilience, with stories covering community connections, justice, accountability and political power.

24: Child, 10, Captures Abuse At Unlicensed Daycare On Camera: Court Docs

A sex offender at the Crystal Lake home daycare run by his grandma may have helped care for children, according to court documents.

Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Ann Migliorato, 61, is charged with two counts of aggravated battery to a child under 13 years old, aggravated battery - strangle and unlawful operation of a child care center. (Crystal Lake Police Department )

23: The Last Highball At Petey's Bungalow Lounge

It's the end of an era for Petey's Bungalow Lounge, which closed after a storied 63-year run in Oak Lawn.

The iconic neon sign of Petey's Bungalow on 95th Street in Oak Lawn. The supper club closed its doors in October after a 63-year run. (Lorraine Swanson/Patch)

22: Timberline Knolls Staffer Sexually Assaulted Patient, Lawsuit Alleges

The lawsuit cites numerous other allegations of assaults against patients at the Lemont facility.

Timberline Knolls in Lemont specializes in women and girls with mental health disorders, including mood and trauma disorders, eating disorders and addiction. (Lorraine Swanson, Patch)

21: Billionaire's Beach Blockage Ignites Dispute Over Trespassing, Public Land In Winnetka

Ted Wynnychenko insists he was never on billionaire Justin Ishbia's land. Now a village prosecutor has offered a deal to drop the charges.

Billionaire Justin Ishbia purchased three adjoining properties in the 200 block of Sheridan Road, demolished a trio of lakefront mansions and began building a 68,000-square-foot compound last year. (Larry Malvin Photography)

20: 'Guilty,' 'Guilty': Maggio Convicted In Murders Of Lockport Mom, Baby

A former paramedic at Joliet's Amazon warehouse and Cook County's tiny community of Phoenix, Maggio faced two first-degree murder charges.

The family of Ashtin Eaton and baby Hazel Bryant speak outside the Will County Courthouse after the guilty verdict was delivered in October. (John Ferak/Patch)

19: Congressman Shouted Down At Darien Town Hall Over Israel-Palestine Conflict

Rep. Sean Casten walked out. A police officer announced the meeting was over.

A woman continues to shout at U.S. Rep. Sean Casten, a Downers Grove Democrat, while Darien officers escort her out during a town hall at Indian Prairie Library in Darien. She was the first to disrupt the meeting. (David Giuliani/Patch)

18: Why Did Ex-Cheerleader Hayden Richardson Drop Sex Trafficking Suit Against Northwestern?

Court filings reveal the circumstances behind a recent attorney swap, discovery disputes and the destruction of a key piece of evidence.

A former Northwestern cheerleader withdrew claims of sex trafficking, forced labor and forced labor trafficking by former university officials, as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress by the former cheerleading coach. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)

17: Stateville Prison Will Be Demolished, Governor Pritzker Announces

Based on assessments of each facility and land availability, it is anticipated that Stateville will be temporarily closed and demolished.

Stateville Correctional Center opened on the northern outskirts of Joliet along Route 53 in March 1925, its operational capacity is 3,020 beds. (Courtesy of Joliet Area Historical Museum)

16: 5 Tornadoes Confirmed So Far In Chicago Area

The weather service said there are 29 different paths of potential damage that its teams are investigating.

Weather service graphics show multiple damage paths, including in areas near Naperville, Bolingbrook, Joliet, Tinley Park, Wheaton, Lombard, Elmhurst, Frankfort and Chicago. (John Ferak/Patch Staff)

15: CTA Shooting Victims Were Killed In Their Sleep: Forest Park Police

The Blue Line shooter walked up to each of the four sleeping victims and fired, according to Forest Park Deputy Chief Christopher Chin.

Yellow tape blocks off the parking lot of the Forest Park Blue Line train station in Forest Park, after four people were fatally shot on the train in September. (Pat Nabong/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

14: After DUI Arrest, Cook County Board Of Review Commissioner Wants To Keep Driver's License

The elected Evanston Democrat who refused sobriety tests and reportedly tried to flee after drunkenly crashing into parked cars wants to drive again.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele appears to slur her words as she refuses to cooperate with Chicago police officers trying to get her to hand over her license and registration after she crashed into multiple parked cars on Nov. 10. (Chicago Police Department)

13: Female Joliet HS Employee Sexually Groomed Teen Boy: Federal Lawsuit

Breah Pointer worked as the social worker for Joliet Township High School District 204 at the Pathways alternative high school building.

"We are aware of the lawsuit involving Breah Pointer. Ms. Pointer submitted her letter of resignation on August 10, 2023," District 204 spokeswoman Kristine Schlismann said. (John Ferak/Patch)

12: Portillo's Is Coming To Plainfield: 'A Historic Wrong, Righted'

Plainfield residents soon won't have to drive south to Shorewood to indulge in a slice of chocolate cake or enjoy a chili cheese dog.
Then: It's Official: Portillo's Will Open In Plainfield, Village Board Votes

A new Portillo's in Plainfield opened into the former PNC Bank building at the intersection of 135th Street and Route 59. (Scott Anderson/Patch)

11: White Drama Teacher's Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Dismissed By Judge

A federal judge found District 65 drama teacher Stacy Deemar failed to plausibly allege harm from race-conscious curriculum and training.

An image from part-time District 65 drama teacher Stacy Deemar's federal civil lawsuit filed in June 2021. A federal judge dismissed all three of its counts in August but gave her the option of refiling it in the future. (Court exhibit via Northern District of Illinois)

10: Cemetery Deer With Crooked Antler Brings Early Christmas Miracle

A beloved deer named Special (and many other names) is back safe at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery after his big adventure outside the walls.

Special, the deer with his crooked antler, peers among the headstones at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery in a recent photo. (Courtesy of Mike Nommensen)

9: Ravinia Brewing To Drop Name Of Neighborhood To Settle Ravinia Festival Trademark Lawsuit

Prolonged trademark litigation over the name of their shared neighborhood threatened to put the local microbrewery out of business.
Earlier: Ravinia Festival Faces Counterclaims From Ravinia Brewing In Neighborhood Name Dispute
Then: Following Ravinia Festival's Litigation, Ravinia Brewing Rebrands, Closes Chicago Taproom

Ravinia Brewing Company opened its Highland Park location in 2018 and added a Logan Square location in 2021. Ravinia Festival Association, which operates the outdoor music venue, filed suit in October 2023. (Ravinia Brewing Company)

8: 'She's An Angel': Mokena Woman Honors Teacher Who Saved Her Life

Jocelyn Gilbertson's world was turned upside down when she was 13 years old. One teacher pulled her back to herself.

Kim Klappauf (left), and Jocelyn Gilbertson in 2012. Gilbertson said Klappauf helped her significantly following Gilbertson's father's suicide. (Courtesy of Jocelyn Gilbertson)

7: Joliet Police Department Has Long Pattern Of Excessive Force, Attorney General Finds

The Joliet PD has a history of violating the Constitutional rights of citizens, according to the findings of the multi-year AG report.

This September 2023 Joliet police response to a crowd of young adults celebrating Mexican Independence Day in the Joliet Park District parking lot was cited by the Attorney General as one of many examples of Joliet police provoking violence. (Image via Joliet police body camera FOIA)

6: Terrorism, Hate Crime Charges Filed Over Shooting Of Jewish Man In West Rogers Park

Authorities said the antisemitic attacker — a 22-year-old native of West Africa — aimed to terrorize the Jewish community.
Earlier: Gunman Shoots Jewish Man, Fires At Police As He Shouts 'Allahu Akbar'; Hate Crime Probe
Then: Man Charged In Antisemitic Hate Crime Found Dead In Jail In Apparent Suicide

Authorities said 22-year-old Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi, accused in an antisemitic shooting of a Jewish man in West Ridge, died by suicide in Cook County Jail. Authorities say no foul play is suspected. (Cook County Sheriff's Office)

5: Elmhurst D205 Official Swindled Mom After Dad Died: Cops

The official's family led an "extravagant" lifestyle, while his mom's water was turned off twice, according to a police report.
Earlier: Elmhurst D205 Official Arrested On Financial Charges: Records; Wife Also Arrested
Then: Booze, Cigars Purchased On Elmhurst D205 Credit Card, Records Show

Todd Schmidt, the former facilities director for Elmhurst School District 205, put $47,615 in personal expenses on his district-issued credit card, records show. His family led an "extravagant" lifestyle, according to a police report. (David Giuliani/Patch)

4: 'Evil And Manipulative' Bobby Crimo Backs Out Of Plea Deal In Highland Park Shooting

Dozens of victims and survivors showed up to court expecting the defendant in the 2022 mass shooting to accept a life sentence.

Earlier: Accused Highland Park Parade Shooter Crimo Requests Public Defender
Then: Judge To Rule Whether Cops Violated Accused Mass Shooter's Rights, Denied Attorney Access
And: Crimo Confession Admissible In Court, Judge Finds Accused Shooter Waived Right To Lawyer

Early this year, accused Highland Park parade shooter Robert "Bobby" Crimo III requested a public defender, giving up plans to represent himself. Over the summer, he claimed he would plead guilty but backed out at the last moment. And this fall, the judge presiding over his case determined he waived his right to legal counsel during questioning. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, Pool)

3: Bears Hope To Break Ground On Chicago Stadium Next Year: President

The entire project, which would be built near the current site of Solider Field, is estimated to cost $4.6 billion.
Earlier: Arlington Park Tax Deal Proposed Amid 'Twists And Turns' With Bears
And: 'Pivotal' Moment: Bears Unveil $4.6 Billion Domed Stadium Plan For Chicago
Then: Bears Reach Arlington Park Tax Deal, Chicago Stadium Remains Focus
And: Bears Would Pay $3.6 Million In Property Taxes Under Arlington Park Agreement

Chicago Bears team officials released artist renderings of plans for a potential new stadium at the site of Soldier Field alongside the museum campus. (Chicago Bears)

2: Democratic Party Nominates Kamala Harris At Chicago Convention

Patch's analysis of the 2024 Chicago DNC highlighted high-profile speeches and themes to controversies over representation and unity within the party as its leaders picked the vice president as the party's nominee without a primary process.
Day 1: Dems Paint Picture Of Prosecutor Vs. Felon, Focus On Freedom
Day 2: Obama Plays The Hits, This Time With New Algorithm
Day 3: Bill Clinton Says Harris Is 'President Of Joy' We Need
Day 4: United Center Packed For DNC Finale, But No Room For Palestinians

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris waves during the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 22 at the United Center in Chicago.(Gabrielle Lurie/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

1: 8 Dead In Joliet Shootings On West Acres Road, Joliet Township

The man police believed to be the shooter, 23-year-old Romeo Nance, died after a confrontation with police in Texas.
More: Romeo Nance, Joliet Mass Murder Suspect, Dies In Texas: JPD
And: Romeo Nance Was Seen Running With A Rifle: Neighborhood Source
Then: Shorewood Gang Member Wanted To Fight Vice Lords: Prosecutors

Sheriff's deputies responded to the Pheasant Run Apartments off of Pheasant Run Road in unincorporated Joliet Township on Jan. 21, authorities said. (John Ferak/Patch)

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Chicago