Good morning, Chicago.

Lake County and the Lake County Forest Preserve District are hosting a public listening session today from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Greenbelt Cultural Center (1215 N.

Green Bay Road, North Chicago) to share progress on a new Urban and Community Forestry Strategic Plan aimed at guiding long-term green space efforts.

Irene Hsiao's performance piece 'Guardians of the Earth and Sky' took place on August 17 at Osaka Garden on Jackson Park’s Wooded Island, drawing several dozen viewers as dancer Amanda Marist embodied the White Tiger of the West with fluid dance and music.

The performance will return on August 23 at Chinatown’s Ping Tom Memorial Park at 2 p.m. — organizers noted its creative blend of art and public space.

Vickki Willis and community speakers urged the board to protect special education funding in the 2026 budget—she warned that cuts hurt students like her son.

The $10.25 billion plan relies on a projected $300 million TIF surplus to close a $734 million gap, and the board will vote on it on August 28.

Downers Grove Public Library Director Julie Milavec was named Librarian of the Year—marking the capstone of her 30-year career—while teen services coordinator Jade Parks was honored as the 2025 Young Adult Library Professional for transforming the library’s teen space that has seen a 25% increase in use. Both awards recognize long-term commitment and innovative service that benefitted the community.

Mount Prospect police promoted four officers at Tuesday's board meeting; Anthony Lietzow was promoted to sergeant, Joseph Kanupke to deputy chief, William Ryan to commander, and Andrea Kane to sergeant — marking the first time in department history — that the force has four female sergeants.