Softball Coach Wanted In Sex Abuse Case | New Ikea Is Coming Soon | Rabbi Donates Kidney

NORTHERN CHICAGO SUBURBS, IL — It’s time to catch up on the biggest stories from around the northern Chicago suburbs. Here’s a look back at the news that grabbed readers’ attention in recent days— from major investigations and community updates to stories you may have missed.

The bicyclist suffered a potentially serious head injury and was flown to a Level 1 trauma center, authorities said.

Softball Coach Wanted On Sex Abuse Charges Involving Juvenile Athlete

The Hoffman Estates man coached softball athletes in Vernon Hills, Wauconda and elsewhere in the Chicago area, and police say additional underage athletes may have been affected.

Crystal Lake Woman Pleads Guilty To Felony Animal Sexual Conduct

Katelyn Heiden, 28, pleaded guilty to a felony charge involving sexual contact with a dog, with sentencing set for November.

Hoffman Estates Man, 22, Dies After Being Pulled From Lake Michigan

Tirth J. Patel was recovered from the water near Belmont Harbor Wednesday; an autopsy remains pending.

Dolly Parton-Themed Corn Maze Opens At Woodstock-Area Orchard

All Seasons Orchard’s new maze honors the country icon and her Imagination Library following her death Tuesday.

IKEA Among Seven New Businesses Coming Soon To Gurnee Mills

The 66,000-square-foot IKEA is expected to open in late fall.

Lake Forest Rabbi Donates Kidney To Stranger After Year-Long Journey To Match

Rabbi Moshe Spalter said he is recovering well nearly two months after donating a kidney to a stranger.

Highland Park Man, Northwestern Staffer Charged With Possessing Child Pornography

A research assistant professor at Northwestern University is facing charges of possessing child pornography, Lake County authorities said.

Man, 22, Credits Family Dog With Helping Him Through Rare Cancer Battle

Jacob Gramer, 22, recently completed treatment for stage 4 neuroblastoma after more than a year of intensive treatment.

MORE ON PATCH

• Semi Taking Curve 'Too Fast' Tips Over On I-94, Snarls Traffic: Police
• Police ID Man Killed In Wheeling Hotel Shooting; Gunman Still At Large
• Des Plaines Lottery Player Wins $2 Million Scratch-Off Prize
• Highland Park Presses Union Pacific Over Excessive Train Horn Noise
• Buffalo Grove Board To Revisit $6.25M Village Hall, Police Facility Proposal
• Chicago Stars To Keep Playing Home Matches At Northwestern In 2027

• Rabid Bat Found In Kane County For First Time Since 2024
• Man Sentenced After Starving Dogs Found In Home With Dead Animals: Prosecutors
• $800K Lucky Day Lotto Jackpot Ticket Sold In Elk Grove Village
• Lake County Road Construction: 6 Major Projects Bringing $108.8M In Improvements
• Lake County Forest Preserves Unveils Roadmap For Next Four Years
• District 300 $355.5M School Bond Referendum Set For November Ballot
• Juniper, New Highwood Restaurant From Chef Todd Stein, Open Now
• Man, 47, Dies Days After ATV Crash: Officials
• Kane County’s Great Orb Hunt Returns With 150 Hidden Treasures
• North Shore Donors Asked To Help As Red Cross Reports National Blood Crisis