Unfortunately it’s not our Chicago Bulls.. But, a big congratulations to Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks on winning his first NBA championship. Brunson led the way with 45 points in the title-clinching Game 5 win over the Spurs, capping off an incredible Finals run.

Before becoming an NBA champion, Brunson was a standout right here in the Northwest Suburbs at Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire. Always fun to see a fellow Northwest Suburbanite make history on the biggest stage.

Team Illinois Gymnasts Head to the National Stage

Four talented gymnasts are getting ready to represent Illinois at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota, including athletes from Elgin, Schaumburg and Vernon Hills.

The group has spent months training for the big stage, showing dedication, confidence and plenty of heart. It is a proud moment for Team Illinois and a great reminder of the strength, joy and determination found right here in our local communities! GO TEAM ILLINOIS! (Full Story)

Severe Storms Bring Multiple Tornadoes Across Illinois and Indiana

The National Weather Service confirmed that at least 11 tornadoes touched down across Illinois and Indiana during Thursday’s severe weather outbreak, with ratings ranging from EF-0 to EF-3.

Some of the hardest-hit areas included Streator, Illinois, along with parts of northwest Indiana. Survey crews are continuing to assess damage, and officials are reminding residents to stay weather-aware as severe storm season continues.

A strong reminder to keep alerts on, have a plan and take warnings seriously when storms move through the region. (Link)

Fourth of July Fireworks Guide Released for Chicago and the Suburbs

Planning ahead for the Fourth? ABC7 Chicago shared a roundup of fireworks shows happening across Chicago, the suburbs and Northwest Indiana, including Navy Pier’s Independence Day display and several suburban celebrations.

For Northwest Suburban readers, nearby shows include Bartlett, Lake Zurich, Des Plaines, Skokie, Wheeling & more. A good reminder to mark your calendar early and check local event details before heading out. (Link)

• Santa’s Trolley Express tickets are now available at the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin. Families can enjoy a festive holiday trolley ride with hot chocolate, Christmas carols, Santa and vintage train charm. (Link)

• Mount Prospect is hosting “Aging in Mount Prospect: What Families Need to Know,” a community presentation designed to help residents and families better understand the realities of aging, local resources and planning ahead for future care needs. Open to everyone! Mount Prospect residency not required. (Link)

• Bartlett has a packed summer events calendar, with community favorites planned throughout June, July and August. Residents can look forward to downtown markets, pool parties, family activities and more ways to enjoy the season close to home. (Link)

• Illinois will be part of America’s 250th anniversary time capsule, with a contribution representing the state included in the national America250 project. The capsule will preserve items from across the country as a snapshot of life in America today for future generations. (Link)

• A new bookstore is planned for downtown Arlington Heights, with The Book Boutique expected to open this fall at 13 W. Campbell Street. The shop will feature mostly new books and novels, along with stationery, planners and other cozy reading finds. (Link)

• Lincolnwood Town Center is set for a major transformation, after the Village Board approved a redevelopment agreement for the longtime shopping center. Demolition is expected to begin soon, with plans calling for new retail, commercial space and a refreshed vision for the site near the Chicago-Skokie border. (Link)

Don’s Dock Seafood in Des Plaines has been serving fresh seafood to the Chicago area since 1951, making it a true local staple. Known for its market-style seafood, casual dining and longtime neighborhood feel, Don’s Dock has become a go-to spot for everything from fresh fish to fried favorites.

A classic Northwest Suburban gem that has been keeping seafood lovers happy for generations.

Crave Cafe & Restaurant (Hanover Park) | Tue, June 16 | Celebrate the grand opening of this new local spot and sample their signature halal burgers, loaded wings, and boba teas. (Link)

AAA Coins (Arlington Heights) | Thu, June 18 | Celebrate the grand opening of this new family-owned business with complimentary food, an ice cream truck, and a special appearance by the Mayor. (Link)

Bell House Books (Barrington) | June 27th | A woman-owned, independent bookstore bringing thoughtfully curated reads and community-centered programming to Barrington. (Link)

Forged Golf Club (Arlington Heights) | Opened June 6th | Arlington Heights' premier indoor golf facility featuring TrackMan and PuttView technology. (Link)

Indiyaana (Schaumburg) | Opened June 3rd | Upscale modern Indian restaurant serving North & South Indian cuisine. (Link)

Insomnia Cookies (Skokie) | Opened May 16th | Beloved late-night bakery brand Insomnia Cookies has opened its first Skokie location. (Link)

Father’s Day is this weekend, and a few local restaurants are serving up special brunch buffets & family-friendly meals to help celebrate. Whether you’re planning a big family outing or just want to treat Dad to something delicious, here are some local options to check out.

Saranello’s Father’s Day Brunch Buffet (Wheeling) | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | $54.95 ($27.50 for kids 12 & under). (Link)

The Saddle Room Father’s Day Brunch Buffet (Hoffman Estates) | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | $60.95 ($22.95 for kids 12 & under, $12.95 for kids 5 & under). (Link)

Tap House Grill (Palatine) | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Dads eat free (free entrée up to $20 value with purchase of another entrée/sandwich, plus a free gift while supplies last. (Link)

See Restaurants In Your City

Palatine Plaza Sidewalk Sale (Palatine) | Tue, June 16 – Wed, June 17 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Free | Shop outdoor sidewalk days with special summer deals and discounts at the local businesses and storefronts within the plaza. (Link)

Taste of Des Plaines (Des Plaines) | Fri, June 19 – Sat, June 20 | Fri: 5 PM, Sat: 12 PM | Free | A downtown street fest featuring food trucks, family fun, and live tribute bands. (Link)

Father's Day Picnic (Skokie) | Sun, June 21 | 1:00 PM – Sunset | Free | A family festival at Terminal Park with a kids' zone, food vendors, and live music. (Link)

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Schaumburg Live! @ 90N: Lake Effect (Schaumburg) | Wed, June 17 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Free | A midweek outdoor social featuring live music, yard games, and local food trucks. (Link)

Concerts in the Park: Chicago Catz (Niles) | Fri, June 19 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Free | A high-energy outdoor performance of 70s funk, soul, and dance hits at Oak Park. (Link)

Concerts in the Park: Trabuco Latin Salsa Band (Park Ridge) | Fri, June 19 | 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Free | A dynamic outdoor evening of infectious rhythms and feel-good live salsa music at Hodges Park. (Link)

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Mobile Museums of Tolerance (Palatine) | June 16 – 19, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Free | Broaden your understanding of civic history through an interactive educational pop-up experience exploring social justice and human rights at the Wheeling Community Center. (Link)

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Movie in the Park: The Princess and the Frog (Elgin) | Fri, June 19 | 7:30 PM | Free | An outdoor community screening of the spellbinding animated musical adventure.(Link)

Father's Day Pancake Breakfast (Schaumburg) | Sun, June 21 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM | $15 | Breakfast in an airport hangar with Pilot Pete’s featuring pancakes, bacon, and optional helicopter tours. (Link)

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Can’t find your city in today’s spotlight? Click below to browse our curated local events lists: My wife put A LOT of work into this 🙂 There’s a lot happening around the Northwest Suburbs!

“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”

- Robert Louis Stevenson