Chicago Botanic Garden Sued | Flu Emergency Room Visits Skyrocket | $87.8M School Referendum

NORTHERN CHICAGO SUBURBS, IL — Hope your week is off to a good start. Let us get you caught up on the latest news from the northern Chicago suburbs from the past few days.

Here is a look at articles that have been getting attention from Patch.com readers:

Lightscape Operators Sued After Display Collapses, Injures Women: Lawsuit

The lawsuit accuses the Chicago Botanic Garden of negligence and misconduct after a projection screen fell on two women and their children.

Flu Emergency Visits Have Tripled This Year In Suburban Cook County: CCDPH

Flu activity jumped from low to high during the week of Dec. 14 through Dec. 20, according to health officials.

Voters To Weigh In On $87.8M Referendum For Deerfield District 109

The board of education recently voted to place a referendum question on the March 17, 2026, ballot.

Fatal Crash, Several Other Collisions Reported On Icy Roads Monday: Authorities

A woman was killed in a collision near Woodstock on Monday morning and several other crashes were reported throughout the county.

Kane County Rolls Out New Emergency Alert System

Kane County recently transitioned to a new mass notification vendor, Regroup, to enhance the delivery of public safety alerts.

Woman Killed In McHenry County Crash

The collision happened Monday morning near South Division Street and McGuire Road in Harvard. RELATED: Coroner IDs Woman, 60, Killed In Crash In Harvard

2 District 214 High Schools Selected For Illinois State Theatre Festival

Wheeling High School and Prospect High School have been selected to perform at the state level.

Buffalo Grove Woman Marks 400 Blood, Platelet Donations

Nancy Prater was recently recognized for her efforts at the Vitalant Arlington Heights Donor Center.

Northbrook History Museum President Dies: Report

Judy Hughes was the longest serving member of the Northbrook Historical Society board of directors.

Charlie Kirk Killing, School Superintendent Pays For Porn, Fugitive Groom Caught: Biggest IL Stories Of 2025

A look back at the events, controversies and people that defined 2025 in Illinois.

POLICE REPORTS/BLOTTER

• Hate Symbols Written In Chalk Found On Sidewalk: Glenview Police Blotter
• Drunken Driver Leaves Accident Scene: Lake County Sheriff's Blotter
• Man Fires Gun 'In Act Of Celebration' In Bar Parking Lot: Police
• Skokie Reports Third Straight Year With No Murders: 2025 Crime Stats
• Evanston Records Second Year With No Murders: 2025 Crime Stats
• $4.5K Fraudlent Nordstrom Shopping Spree: Winnetka, Glencoe Crime Blotters

RECENT NORTH SUBURBAN NEWS UPDATE

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