Tag: Chicago

3 people rescued by Lake County, Illinois, Sheriff’s office after going missing in water near Lake Villa

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The Lake County, Illinois, Sheriff’s office Marine Unit rescued three swimmers they said otherwise could have drowned in a lake near Lake Villa this weekend. Around 2:50 p.m. Saturday, sheriff’s deputies were on patrol in Petite Lake in unincorporated Lake Villa with personal watercraft provided through the Sea-Doo public safety loan program. The operator of a rental boat with several people celebrating a bachelor party onboard flagged down the deputies, said he was inexperienced in operating boats, and was looking for three friends who had gone missing in the water, the sheriff’s office said. A search commenced, and the three were found about 100 yards from the rental boat, the sheriff’s office said.

They were showing signs of distress and trying to stay afloat. Deputies got to all the people in the water before any of them slipped beneath the surface, and got them all to grab onto a rescue bar on the Sea-Doo personal watercraft the deputies were using. All were rescued and got back on the rental boat, the sheriff’s office said. Lake County Sheriff’s Office The boat operator was not under the influence, but alcohol was a factor in why the three people ended up off the boat, the sheriff’s office said.   “We have worked hard over the years to build and strengthen our Marine Unit, and this is exactly why.  Three young adults who had been drinking and were not wearing life jackets could have lost their lives,” Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said in a news release. “Because our Marine Unit was on the water and ready to respond, and thanks to our valued partnership with Nielsen Enterprises, which provides the personal watercraft our deputies use, they were rescued before tragedy struck.”

Source: 3 people rescued by Lake County, Illinois, Sheriff’s office after going missing in water near Lake Villa – CBS Chicago

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.
Romans 14:1

Embracing Forgiveness: The Power of Surrender

 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” This verse teaches believers not to seek personal revenge when they are hurt…

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Loving Sacrifice: The Essence of True Worship

What the world calls waste, Jesus calls worship, your sacrifice for Him is never overlooked. Bold, extravagant faith stands out in a culture that misunderstands true devotion.  “She has done a beautiful thing to me.” —…

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Faith Under Pressure

Pip: Drink of Jesus is a site that treats ancient Scripture the way a good contractor treats load-bearing walls — you don’t move them just because the room looks dated. Mara: Today we’re covering three stretches…

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God’s Presence in Painful Moments

When life feels too heavy to carry and every door seems shut, God is still moving in places you cannot see. Your breaking point may be the very place where His healing power begins.  Every silent…

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God: Your Unshakeable Refuge in Troubling Times

When life feels like it’s falling apart, God remains your safest place. Even when everything shakes, His strength never does.  Bible Verse:God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not…

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Stay Steadfast: Your Efforts Matter Forever

In your most tired moments, it’s easy to wonder if any of this really matters. But what if every small act of faithfulness is echoing into eternity in ways you can’t yet imagine? “It’s All Worth…

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Unity in the Body of Christ: Breaking Down Barriers

Division within the church is one of the enemy’s greatest tools because it weakens unity, damages witness, and distracts believers from the mission of Christ. I personally believe that all of the denominations and interpretations are…

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Shepherds Who Neglect the Flock

The deepest wounds are often inflicted by those entrusted to care for our souls. But when earthly shepherds fail, the Good Shepherd never abandons His sheep. Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy,…

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Chicago teens learning firefighting skills at “Camp Courage”

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Group of Chicago firefighters holding and spraying water from a hose during training with city buildings in background

Teens from across Chicago on Monday were learning firsthand what it takes to be a firefighter. The Chicago Fire Department is hosting “Camp Courage” at the Engine Company No. 121 firehouse in the Beverly neighborhood. The first day of camp on Monday focuses on firefighting skills. Teens learned how to quickly put on a firefighter’s protective bunker gear. On Tuesday, the teens will participate in emergency medical services training. The campers graduate on Wednesday. In addition to teaching teens about firefighting, organizers said the camp aims to teach them leadership and team-building skills.

Source: Chicago teens learning firefighting skills at “Camp Courage” – CBS Chicago

I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land.
Psalm 143:6

The Weight of Leadership

“A church can survive criticism, but it cannot thrive without integrity. When spiritual leaders forget they answer first to God, the flock always bears the wounds.” “Not many of you should become teachers,…

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Heaven is for Real Movie

“Heaven is for Real” is a faith-based family drama inspired by a Nebraska Pastor Tood Burpo’s best-selling book about his 4 years old son (Colton Burpo) who had visited heaven and describes his…

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God’s Here

After losing his wife and son in a tragic accident, a firefighter wrestles with grief and forgiveness. Starring Kevin Sorbo (God’s Not Dead), Sarah Elizabeth Reeves Director: Bill McAdams Jr. Writer: Bill McAdams…

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OVER THE HILL GANG CAR SHOW, TAKE OVER!

Stew Leonard’s car show coverage over 400 classic cars, hot rods and custom builds completely packed out the lot as Stew Leonards in Newington, Connecticut, on Sunday, July 19, 2026. This venue was…

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Feeling Alone? God Sees You

Even when you feel invisible in your struggle, God sees every tear, every burden, and every silent prayer. Your exhaustion has not escaped His attention. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and…

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Illinois leading U.S. in tornadoes with 140 so far in 2026

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dramatic sky over rural wheat field

Thursday night’s tornado outbreak in the Chicago area continues a concerning trend of increasing tornado frequency in the Upper Midwest. With 140 tornadoes so far this year, Illinois leads the nation in tornado count for the third of the last four years. In a distant second place is Mississippi with 82 tornadoes this year, and Missouri comes in third with 62.  It’s the fourth year in a row that Illinois has surpassed 100 tornadoes. Illinois averages only 54 tornadoes per year, according to the Illinois State Climatologist’s Office.

As CBS News Chicago reported in February, we may be witnessing what climate researchers have long expected in a warming climate. As human activities add greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, a warmer climate is making the traditional Tornado Alley in the Plains hotter and more arid. This change shifts the more favorable tornado ingredients eastward into the Midwest and Deep South, and leads to more tornadoes in Illinois. Thursday’s tornado outbreak comes during the typical peak of tornado activity in Illinois. Tornado frequency typically peaks between April and June in the Chicago area. It follows a very unusual early-season tornado outbreak on March 10 that brought a deadly EF-3 tornado to Kankakee and Newton counties.

Source: Illinois leading U.S. in tornadoes with 140 so far in 2026 – CBS Chicago

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
1 John 3:2-3

Jesus Revolution

In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher.…

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Letters to God

Tyler Doherty is an extraordinary eight-year-old boy armed with strong faith and courage as he faces his daily battle against cancer. Surrounded by a loving family and community, Tyler’s prayers…

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War Room

Pharmaceutical salesman Tony Jordan and his wife, realtor Elizabeth Jordan, appear outwardly successful; they have a large house, plenty of money, and a beautiful daughter named Danielle. Behind the façade,…

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Climbing Your Mountain

Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s…

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National Weather Service confirms multiple tornadoes with Streator, Merrillville among hardest hit areas

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uprooted tree cut in pieces

Residents across Illinois and Indiana are cleaning up from severe damage after destructive tornadoes and severe storms hit on Thursday night.  As of Friday evening, the National Weather Service has confirmed at least seven tornado touchdowns on June 11, including an EF-3 tornado in Kouts, Indiana, an EF-3 tornado in Streator, Illinois, an EF-2 tornado in Merrillville, Indiana, an EF-1 tornado in Bartlett , Illinois, an EF-1 tornado near Dwight, Illinois, an Ef-1 tornado in Wenona, Illinois, and an EF-0 tornado in St. John, Indiana. Storm survey crews will be deployed across the area to assess the extent of damage, which officials said could take several days. 

Thousands without power across Illinois, Indiana   ComEd officials provided an update on Friday morning on the storm restoration efforts following the back-to-back storms.  ComEd said the 80 miles per hour winds had the biggest impact on their service area. Officials said nearly 3,000 employees have been working to restore power.  “Our crews are working as fast as possible to get you back online,” ComEd officials said.  ComEd’s chief operating officer said Wednesday’s storm affected around 550,000 customers. It is estmated 80% of those outages have been restored and the rest should be complete by Saturday at 11 p.m. The second round of storms on Thursday night impacted some of the same customers. Around 150,000 customers were impacted, and 70,000 have had their power restored. 

ComEd expects to restore power to the majority of its customers by Sunday.  Customers can check for alerts on the ComEd website.   As of 11 a.m. on Friday, nearly 62,000 NIPSCO customers in Indiana were without power. NIPSCO.  Gary, Dyer, and Chesterton are among the areas in Indiana most impacted by the outages. NIPSCO had to shut off power to most of the city on Thursday night.  NIPSCO customers can report outages here.  Cleanup continues after destructive tornadoes  Cleanup for the extensive damage stretching from the western suburbs to northwest Indiana is underway for the areas hit hardest.    In Streator, Illinois, about 80 miles southwest of Chicago, multiple houses were completely destroyed after a tornado touched down. Trees were shredded and came crashing down on cars and roofs.  There’s a lot of hard work ahead for cleanup and repairs, but after two days of storms, and a slew of tornadoes, Friday provided calm sunny weather as cleanup efforts began in Streator.

Several homes were destroyed, multiple cars were heavily damaged, and debris was scattered across the city after the storms ripped through. Many damaged homes will have to be torn down and rebuilt. At one home in Streator, police officers, neighbors, and a video journalist following the storms helped rescue a man pinned under debris after the house collapsed. The man suffered a broken leg and will require surgery, but otherwise will be okay. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported from Thursday’s storms in Illinois. Extensive damage also was reported in Bridgeview, Illinois, where trees were uprooted, and telephone poles snapped.  The fire chief said two apartment buildings were evacuated, and residents are taking refuge at the Bridgeview Village Hall.  The National Weather Service will be conducting a survey in Bridgeview on Friday. 

Overnight, officials in Merrillville, Indiana, warned residents of road closures in the downtown area due to downed trees and power lines. Officials said a command center was established near 61st and Cleveland streets.  “Please stay clear of any fallen utility lines or damaged utility poles as these pose a serious safety risk,” officials said.  A resident told CBS News Chicago he lost his gazebo and backyard area. “As you can see, it’s all collapsed.”  The Andrean High School campus in Merrillville will remain closed on Friday due to significant damage.  “There are active power lines, downed trees, broken glass, significant roof damage, etc., that make it unsafe,” school officials said in a Facebook post. “While we assess the damage, mitigate safety risk, and determine next steps, we ask that you please stay away from campus until we provide an update.”  Gerado Regalado, his wife, and two daughters were home at the time the storm hit in Merrillville. The storm ripped off their roof, and left barely any walls standing as they took cover. Everything inside the house was damaged, but he’s counting his blessings that his family is safe.

“We can make it again or get another one, but my daughter’s life is more important than mine, you know? It’s hard,” Regalado said. Zachary Van Drunen’s church members helped pick up tree limbs and debris out of his yard in Merrillville. Van Drunen said the wind was a lot stronger than normal. “As soon as we walked through the door, the biggest tree in my yard fell exactly where I was standing. Two seconds later, and we’d be having a completely different conversation right now,” he said. He lives right next door to Harold Curtis. He, his wife, and daughter were also home when the storm came through. They were headed to the basement when Curtis said he felt a strong gust of wind. “As I shut the door behind me to go downstairs, it’s like you felt the wind blow right in, and like in 15 seconds it was over,” Curtis said.

In nearby Hebron, Indiana, residents woke up to a destroyed town on Friday morning. Hebron resident Beth Bowen told CBS News Chicago that when she got out of her house safely, she found her garage had collapsed.  She said it sounded like “train.”  “We felt the pressure, our ears were popping, we thought the doors were going to blow over in our laundry room, it was shaking so bad,” Bowen said. “We felt the house move.”  Professional storm chaser Gabe Cox followed Thursday’s tornadoes for hours as the storms hit multiple communities, including Hebron. He said he counted at least eight separate tornadoes on his own in Illinois and Indiana, and there were more that he couldn’t get to. “This was the most significant tornado outbreak I have ever covered personally,” he said. “To see eight significant tornadoes back to back over the course of four hours, I’ve never experienced that before in my 10 years as a professional, 20 years of storm chasing.” Cox said he’s still processing what he saw and experienced during the storms.

“Honestly, you know, with storm chasing, it’s a range of emotions. There’s the excitement of it, of course. You’re seeing something just phenomenal that most people don’t get to see. Then there’s the reality of what it does, and ending the chase in Hebron last night brought that reality full scale, and so my heart sank. I feel bad for those people. I’m so thankful that they are okay, and not a scratch on them. Obviously, there’s a lot of cleanup to be done, and these people are going to need a lot of help.” In Bartlett, Illinois, a BP gas station had 18 pumps ripped out of the ground from the force of the tornado that hit on Thursday, and debris from the gas station was blown into the parking lot of a nearby Wendy’s. Surveillance video captured the moment the gas pumps toppled to the ground. Garbage cans and debris also could be seen swirling around a parked car. Sources said the driver inside wanted to beat the storm, but stayed put when rain started falling.

Debris from the gas station could be found as far away as a strip mall across the street. The gas station owner said he hopes to have the pumps replaced and the gas station back in operation within the next two weeks. Employees at the nearby Wendy’s were cleaning up for the night when the storm blew through. “I was in the bathroom, and out of nowhere, you just hear a gust of wind, and then it grows stronger and stronger and stronger, and then out of nowhere, you just hear booms, and everything breaks. The store vibrating, and then you get out, you really see the tornado from the window coming this way, and you could hear the branch fall,” Jaden Cordero said. “We were in the tornado.” Thankfully, no one was injured.

Source: National Weather Service confirms multiple tornadoes with Streator, Merrillville among hardest hit areas – CBS Chicago

Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1:3

Boundary Waters wilderness burning at U.S

Wildfires flared earlier this week and destroyed thousands of acres in Manitoba, Ontario, and Minnesota, with many of the fires straddling the U.S.-Canadian border. The Western Fire Chiefs’ map on…

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Peace in the Storm

God does not always remove the storm immediately, but He promises peace in the middle of it. His presence calms fearful hearts.  Bible Verse: “Peace I leave with you; my peace…

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The Brave New Age of Trust-Fund Socialism

Democrats are in the midst of a fun and terrifying transformation. Hating Trump is no longer sufficient to win elections in blue states. Democratic primary voters—specifically the party’s core constituency…

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Finding Hope in Life’s Challenges

When life turns up the heat, your faith isn’t falling apart, it’s being revealed. What feels like pressure is actually God proving that what He placed in you can’t be…

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Ransomware attack shuts down Evanston Township High School campus

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a person holding a tablet device with skull image near blackboard

The FBI is investigating a cybersecurity at Evanston Township High School that has closed down the whole campus Monday morning. A ransomware attack is hitting the district’s phone lines, internet services and computers, and impacting the school’s emergency notification and public address systems. “Because these systems are not fully operational, we made the determination to cancel summer school classes and other on-campus activities until we can restore access to a point where we can safely run school,” said district spokesperson Reine Hanna.

A popup on the Evanston Township High School website announced that summer school, sports camps, and on-campus activities are canceled due to the ransomware attack that happened on Sunday. Hanna told CBS News Chicago that they have not yet received a money demand for the attack, but it’s “part of the investigation and response process.” “Because this happened in the summer months, the impact is substantially less than it would’ve been during the regular school year,” she said. She said the disruption means staff may have limited access to their email and student accounts may not work.

Phone systems are also unavailable. She said the breach is causing a major disruption for students and teachers that do need to access the school building, who will not be able to for at least two days. Staff members that were scheduled to come in to work Monday have been told to stay home and work remotely. A school spokesperson said their IT team discovered the breach. An email sent to parents, students and staff Sunday night assured the community that the hack is being handled. Cybersecurity attorneys and forensic experts are on the case, and the FBI is investigating. The district’s superintendent said the school is still working to figure out what information the hackers may have accessed, and said, “recovery efforts are under way.”

Source: Ransomware attack shuts down Evanston Township High School campus – CBS Chicago

And so it was, because the midwives feared God, that He provided households for them.
Exodus 1:21

Prayer for Boldness; Acts 4:24-31

When opposition rises against God’s people, the natural response is often fear. Yet the early church teaches us that the answer to intimidation is not retreat, but prayer…

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Michigan City Zoo animal care workers attacked by wolves

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wild wolf growling

Two animal care workers were attacked by wolves at the Michigan City Zoo in Indiana. According to the Department of Parks and Recreation, a wolf at the zoo died Tuesday night of natural causes. After that death, two of the animal care workers at the zoo were attacked by other wolves in the zoo’s enclosure. Michigan City police said the two workers were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

One of them was not badly injured, police said, but the other, a 39-year-old woman, suffered multiple injures across her entire body. Parks officials said both workers are stable at hospitals, and a review of the incident by their department and zoo officials is ongoing. The zoo remains open to the public, but the main wolf exhibit is closed while staff continue to monitor the animals and assess the situation, officials said. 

Source: Michigan City Zoo animal care workers attacked by wolves – CBS Chicago

Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me.
Isaiah 49:15-16

Robin Williams as the American Flag

Robin Williams portrays the American flag in “I Love Liberty,” a two-hour television special created by Norman Lear and presented by People For the American Way. Source: (630) Robin…

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Child safe after carjacking on Chicago’s South Side

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close up of police car roof and sign

A car was found after it was stolen with a 1-year-old inside on Chicago’s South Side early Wednesday morning.  Chicago police said a 36-year-old man was standing next to the car in the 9100 block of South Urban Avenue just before 2:15 a.m. when a person got in the car and drove off with the child in the car.  Police said the car was found shortly after in the 6200 block of South Eberhart Avenue with the child inside.  The 1-year-old was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center for observation.  No arrests have been made.  Area detectives are investigating. 

Source: Child safe after carjacking on Chicago’s South Side – CBS Chicago

But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:11

The Story of America: John Adams

The White House Salute to America 250 Task Force has partnered with Hillsdale College to provide a history series that tells the remarkable story of American Independence. It…

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George Washington on Freedom of Speech

George Washington never wrote a single famous statement that exactly says “freedom of speech” in the way many internet memes claim. However, throughout his writings and public addresses,…

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Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan to Chicago diverted to Miami after passenger tries to open door mid-flight

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photo of airplane wing

A Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Chicago O’Hare International Airport Sunday was diverted to Miami when a passenger tried to open the door mid-flight. In a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration said Frontier Airlines Flight 3345 was in the air en route from San Juan to Chicago when there was a “passenger disturbance” reported by the crew. The FAA said the flight landed safely at Miami International Airport around 11:55 p.m. ET. In a statement, Frontier confirmed a passenger “became disruptive” before the fight was diverted. “Law enforcement boarded the aircraft in Miami and removed the passenger and the flight subsequently continued on to Chicago a few hours later,” the statement concluded.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said flight attendants and other passengers on the plane told them the man tried to open the exit doors while in flight, saying he wanted to get off the plane. Flight attendants tried to stop him and told him to sit down, but he ignored them and instead went to the front of the plane, where police said he tried to get into the pilot’s cabin. Flight attendants tried multiple times to get him back to his seat, police said, then took him to a different seat and an off-duty flight attendant volunteered to sit in his row on the aisle. When the off-duty attendant got up to use the bathroom, police said the man tried to grab his bag. When he was told not to touch the off-duty attendant’s belongings, police said they were told the man then attacked the off-duty flight attendant, trying to choke him, as other passengers restrained him. Eventually, police said flight attendants and passengers were able to restrain the man. The flight was diverted to Miami, where he was arrested. The FBI also interviewed the man after his arrest, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said.

Source: Frontier Airlines flight from San Juan to Chicago diverted to Miami after passenger tries to open door mid-flight – CBS Chicago

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
1 John 2:2

Costly Sacrifice: The Heart of Worship

What the world calls waste, Jesus calls worship, your sacrifice for Him is never overlooked. Bold, extravagant faith stands out in a culture that misunderstands true devotion.  “She has done a beautiful thing…

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States That Allow Bible in the Classroom

Texas public schools will now require students to read Bible passages and stories as part of the latest conservative push to expand the role of religion in public education—a move bound to escalate wrangling over the separation of…

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Park Forest police reunite lost horse with owner after animal found wandering Friday morning

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horses in a field

Park Forest police have reunited a lost horse with its owner after it was found wandering in the south suburb. Police posted to their Facebook page that the horse was fond wandering in the area of Western Avenue and Steger Road Friday morning around 7 a.m. Shortly before 1 p.m. police confirmed they had reunited the horse with its rightful owner.  “A warning was issued for horsing around an un-stable behavior,” they wrote on Facebook.

Source: Park Forest police reunite lost horse with owner after animal found wandering Friday morning – CBS Chicago

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James 1:17

Trusting God: Overcoming Anger and Resentment

Offense can quietly poison the heart, turning pain into bitterness and hurt into anger. Always consider that when you release revenge to God, we make room for peace, healing, and freedom. Beloved, never avenge…

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North Korea commissions largest-ever warship

North Korea has revealed its largest-ever warship that leader Kim Jong Un says can carry nuclear-capable missiles. The 5,000-metric-ton destroyer is part of the country’s growing navy, which is set to expand sharply over…

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Birders, conservationists excited about first bald eagles to hatch in Chicago in over 100 years

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black and white eagles in close up shot

Three baby bald eagles were recently born in Chicago, the first time the national bird of the United States has hatched in the city in more than a century. Conservation experts said it’s a sign that local ecosystem restoration efforts are working.  One Chicago birder captured some of the first images of two of those eaglets. In his free time, you can find Dustin Weidner listening, searching, and snapping pictures of birds around Chicago. A bald eagle caught Weidner’s eye while birding in Albany Park on Thursday.  

“You usually only see them along this river through the winter,” he said. In early April, whispers within the birder community led Weidner to a different eagle nesting at a park on the Southeast Side. “I’m sitting here watching a bald eagle nesting in the city of Chicago, and the craziest part is if this is successful, it will be the first time in something like 100 years,” he said at the time. He returned at the end of the month and recorded not one but two eaglets in the nest. “It’s a huge moment to have a bald eagle nest within city limits,” he said. While eagles are no longer an endangered species, and somewhat of a common sighting for birders, the Chicago Ornithological Society said the eaglets are a sign of how far conservation efforts have come.

Source: Birders, conservationists excited about first bald eagles to hatch in Chicago in over 100 years – CBS Chicago

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
James 1:19

Judge PROTECTS ILLEGAL Immigrant Voting

Judge Sparkle says you cannot remove illegal immigrant from voter rolls because maybe it removes citizens blocking Trump from securing US elections Source: (604) Judge PROTECTS ILLEGAL Immigrant Voting | Tim…

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Not Meant For the Government

“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government.” Patrick Henry Patrick Henry | Revolutionary War…

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Cyberattack shutters Canvas learning platform for schools across the U.S.

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a person holding a tablet device with skull image near blackboard

A system that thousands of schools and universities use was offline Thursday due to a cyberattack, creating chaos as students tried to study for finals and underscoring education’s dependence on technology. The hacking group named ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the breach at Instructure, the company behind the learning management system Canvas, said Luke Connolly, a threat analyst at the cybersecurity firm Emisoft. CBS News has reached out to Instructure for comment. Late Thursday night, Instructure posted to a status log that Canvas was “now available for most users.”

Some of the universities that have reported being targeted include Penn State, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Columbia University and Union College New Jersey. UCLA was among several California schools that reported being crippled by the outage. Also impacted in the Chicago area were Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago and the University of Illinois. In a message to students, Penn State said that “no one has access” to Canvas, and a “resolution” was not expected “within the next 24 hours.” The school said all tests scheduled for Thursday and Friday in its Pollock Testing Center were canceled. The student newspaper at Harvard reported that the system was down there, too. And public school districts also sought to reassure parents, with officials in Spokane, Washington, writing that they aren’t “aware of any sensitive data contained in this breach.” Canvas is used to manage grades, course notes, assignments, lecture videos and more. The hacking group posted online that nearly 9,000 schools worldwide were affected, with billions of private messages and other records accessed, Connolly said.

Source: Cyberattack shutters Canvas learning platform for schools across the U.S. – CBS News

Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.
Luke 12:3

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5 injured in apartment building fire, reported explosion in Des Plaines

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burning flame of a building on fire

Five people were injured in an apartment fire and reported explosion in Des Plaines, Illinois, overnight.   Firefighters responded to a fire at a three-story building at 1279 Harding Ave just before 1 a.m. and found heavy flames and smoke.  Video from the scene shows firefighters on ladders working to control the flames as emergency responders on the ground treated residents. Fire officials confirmed that multiple people were rescued from balconies.  Five people were taken to local hospitals with injuries of varying severity, the Des Plaines Fire Department said.  One neighbor told CBS News Chicago she heard a “very big explosion” followed by people yelling, “Help me.”  The cause of the fire and the reported explosion are under investigation.

Source: 5 injured in apartment building fire, reported explosion in Des Plaines – CBS Chicago

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
Ephesians 1:7

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Experts raise concerns about CTA after Yellow Line derailment in Rogers Park

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an aerial shot of a traveling train

Almost 24 hours after a derailment made a mess of the Red, Purple, and Yellow lines in Chicago, the CTA continued to investigate the cause of the incident, and experts were raising concerns about what they called a troubling pattern. During the evening rush on Thursday, a Yellow Line train derailed in the rail yard near the Howard terminal in the Rogers Park neighborhood, prompting the CTA and firefighters to evacuate approximately 80 passengers from the train. No injuries were reported. “Howard is a very complicated, intricate yard, with lots of traffic. So, it’s a hot spot for possible derailments,” said DePaul University professor and transportation expert Joe Schwieterman.

The derailment interrupted service on the Red, Purple, and Yellow lines for several hours.  Video from CBS Skywatch showed the front wheels on one car of a two-car Yellow Line train appeared to end up on a different set of tracks than the rest of the train. “You look at this picture, you wonder if something happened with a switch, whether it was an open switch, or whether something about the speed or the wheel quality or something interacted with the rail,” Schwieterman said. It was at least the fifth derailment by a CTA train since February of 2025. Experts said this pattern is concerning and needs to be addressed. 

Source: Experts raise concerns about CTA after Yellow Line derailment in Rogers Park – CBS Chicago

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

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United flight from Germany to Chicago diverted to Boston due to unruly passenger, airline says

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airplane in flight against cloudy sky

An unruly passenger caused a United Airlines flight from Germany to Chicago to be diverted to a Boston airport on Monday morning. United Airlines flight 945 was diverted to Logan Airport, where it landed around 8:30 a.m. Chicago time due to the unruly passenger. According to the Massachusetts State Police, the passenger was restrained on the flight, but was cooperative by the time troopers boarded the plane. EMS also responded to evaluate the passenger, who declined medical attention.

The flight, a Boeing 787, was heading to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport from Frankfurt International Airport. It had 231 passengers and 12 crew members on board.  United said in a statement after the passenger was removed, “the flight then continued to Chicago.” The individual was placed into custody by U.S. Customs officials and was later taken to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Source: United flight from Germany to Chicago diverted to Boston due to unruly passenger, airline says – CBS Boston

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:17

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