Community Corner

5 Dead In Family Mass Murder | 'Fecal Incident' Closes Pool | Act Of 'Mercy' Saves Dog's Life: IL Weekend

Plus: Grain bin death | IL pitcher chosen in MLB draft | Father Phleger faces new accusation | Shooting at classic car fest

Mercy the German shepherd/cattle dog mix was saved thanks to the efforts of the community after she was hurt near I-355.
Mercy the German shepherd/cattle dog mix was saved thanks to the efforts of the community after she was hurt near I-355. (Courtesy of Tinley Park PAWS)

Over the weekend, police captured two minors after they say seven family members were shot, five fatally, in separate locations in a targeted mass shooting.

Meanwhile, the community rallied around a dog who was found critically injured near I-55, showing it took a village to save her life.

Plus, firebrand priest Rev. Michael Phleger is once again facing sexual abuse allegations — and is once again vehemently denying any misconduct as parishioners stand behind him.

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

7 Family Members Shot, 5 Dead In Illinois As 2 Teenagers Taken Into Custody: State Police

State police called the killings a "targeted mass shooting," saying the family members were shot at multiple locations. A 15-year-old and a 16-year-old were in custody.

'Fecal Incident' Precipitates Temporary Pool Closure: Officials

The pool had to undergo "a specialized treatment process before it can safely reopen," park district officials said. The pool was closed for 2 days before reopening.

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

A Show of 'Mercy': Community Rallies To Save Life Of Dog Found Injured Along I-355

The German shepherd/cattle dog mix was found July 5 by a man en route to church. Their quick action, plus the work of a local rescue and a vet, saved her life.

Google Maps

Man's Body Recovered From Grain Bin

A 66-year-old man whose body was recovered from a grain bin died of traumatic injuries, the coroner's office said.

Suburban Baseball Standout Michael Addari Selected By Astros In MLB Draft

The pitcher was selected in the sixth round of the 2026 Major League Baseball draft.

AP Photo/Shafkat Anowar

Father Pfleger Removed From Ministry Over New Sexual Abuse Allegations

The well-known activist priest called the accusation "an absolute lie," and decried unfairness to clergy who are accused of abuse.

Man Touches Girl In Water Park's Lazy River: Prosecutors

Under the conditions of his release, he cannot have contact with the victim or anyone under 18 and cannot enter the water park.

Shooting At Classic Car Fest Under Investigation: Police

"I am deeply saddened that an event intended to bring families together, support our local businesses, and celebrate the spirit of our community was impacted by an act of violence," a local official said.

Joliet Fire Department

Massive Barn Draws Response From 4 Fire Stations

The barn was a total loss, fire officials said.

Sheriff's Sniper Who Killed Man, Costing Taxpayers Millions, Regains His Old Job

In May 2022, 65-year-old Gregory Walker was surrendering peacefully at the Fifth Third Bank after having a mental health crisis inside the bank. When he tried to surrender, he was fatally shot by mistake by Lt. Allen, the sheriff's sniper.

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