Racism At Homecoming Game | Slain Officer Honored | Immigration Blitz Anniversary: IL News

On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across Illinois. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

'Racist Behavior Must Have Meaningful Consequences': IL Teacher Groups On Incident At Football Game

Educators across the state are speaking up amid the fallout of a racist incident that took place at a football game between two suburban schools last week: "This cannot be the end of the response. Racist behavior must have meaningful consequences, and schools have a responsibility to ensure their students understand the harm caused by racism."

Police Station To Be Renamed After First Female Officer To Die In Line Of Duty

Ofcr. Dorelle Brandon served on the police force from 1978 to 1984, during an era when the role of police officers was predominantly male. She was 35 when she was shot and killed while working as an undercover narcotics detective.

1 Year After Operation Midway Blitz, Pritzker, IL Democrats Renew Calls For Accountability

Operation Midway Blitz began Sept. 8, 2025, when the Department of Homeland Security announced an immigration enforcement campaign focused on Chicago and Illinois. DHS said at the time that the operation would target immigrants with criminal records and named it in honor of Katie Abraham, a 20-year-old suburban graduate who was killed in a drunken hit-and-run crash earlier that year.

Sheriff To Auction Off 2-Year-Old Horse

Gambit, a 2-year-old male horse, will be sold to the highest bidder in the upcoming cash-only auction.

Coroner IDs Man Who Drowned At Illinois Beach State Park

The 45-year-old who jumped from the rocks was pulled from Lake Michigan by bystanders Sunday and later pronounced dead, authorities said.

Lottery Ticket Wins $550K Lucky Day Lotto Jackpot

The winning ticket was sold at a Shell station during Labor Day weekend.

Suburban Township Kiss Quarrel May End Up In Court

A county board candidate threatened to sue the township, alleging her opponent failed to release public records. The dispute stems from a kiss caught on camera.

Child Pornography Charges Added For Man Accused Of Drugging And Assaulting Woman He Met At Concert

A suburban man already charged with drugging and assaulting a woman he met at a concert is facing 10 new child pornography charges.

IL National Guard Soldier, 21, Killed In Crash

"He epitomized what it means to be a National Guard soldier, answering the call in our nation’s defense while also being part of the community in which he served."