School Closure Consultants Sought | Referendums On Ballot | Mall Redevelopment Approved

With just over three weeks go until Halloween and less than four weeks until Election Day, we hope your October is starting off smoothly.

We've compiled some of the latest news from the northern Chicago suburbs, catching you up on some of the most talked-about stories from the past few days.

From major redevelopment projects reshaping communities to critical upcoming referendums, these are the that have been getting attention from Patch.com readers:

Old Orchard Mall Apartment Plan Approved By Skokie Village Board

Village trustees gave the green light to the first phase of a $100 million redevelopment plan to add housing to Westfield Old Orchard Mall.

Grayslake Family Opens New Pumpkin Farm

On Sept. 21, Tobie Family Farm opened at 2070 W. Peterson Road in Grayslake.

School District To Hire Consultant To Help With Layoffs, School Closures

Firms have until Friday to reply to District 65's request for proposals for "school consolidation and school closure consulting services."

301-Unit Mixed Use Arlington Heights Development Breaks Ground

The project comprises 301 apartments and approximately 26,000-square-feet of ground-floor retail.

Binding Term Limit Referendum Goes Before Skokie Voters

For the first time, Skokie residents will decide whether to impose caps on the amount of time mayors, clerks and village trustees can serve.

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.

Developers Sought To Bring New Business To Old Bank

The village of Algonquin is seeking a developer to breathe new life into the former Algonquin State Bank property at 221 South Main Street.

New Mental Health Board, Liquor License Law Referendums On Ballot

Township voters consider a new tax for mental health as city residents vote on whether liquor license holders can serve on the City Council.

'Soft Opening' Nears For Nicholas Dowden Park After Repairs

The Nicholas Dowden North project includes the addition of a playground with a zip line, basketball court, six pickleball courts and more.

New Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen Opens In Glenview

The popular chicken fast food restaurant is located in the Plaza del Prado Shopping Center.

Dad's Rights Attorney Suspended For Charging Exorbitant Fees

Jeffery Leving admitted to wrongdoing after an investigation of outrageous billing practices that left his firm's clients in financial ruin.

POLICE REPORTS/BLOTTER

• Algonquin Man, 30, Identified As Person Found Dead Near Train Tracks
• Wisconsin Felon Attempts To Buy Gun: Blotter
• Car Critically Injures 47-Year-Old Woman Crossing Suburban Street
• Man Punches, Spits On 2 Police Officers During Arrest: Palatine PD
• Halloween Decorations Damaged Throughout Village: Blotter

EARLIER: Reflecting On Oct. 7 Attacks | Man Dies At Riot Fest | 'Devil's Gate'