A baby born into a Crystal Lake family on Thursday was the first baby born in 2026 at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin

Demolition has begun on Crystal Lake's Academy Building, one of the oldest structures in town. Preservationists' efforts to save it were unsuccessful, but they were able to document the building before its demise.

A two-story house in Cary and its contents were deemed a total loss in a Wednesday fire that caused partial collapse to the structure. A pet remained missing.

Two people were hospitalized after a car crashed into a house in Johnsburg on Thursday morning

"First and foremost, Illinois must restore a sense of fiscal responsibility," state Sen. Craig Wilcox of McHenry writes of his wish list for 2026.

A fire Wednesday evening at Walmart in Woodstock prompted the store to be evacuated and to remain closed for the evening.

Democratic Congressman Bill Foster held a town hall on Wednesday, April 16 in Crystal Lake. He was asked about impeaching President Donald Trump, the impact of Trump's tariffs and more.

Candidates for Woodstock City Council including Theo Dice, Gregory A. Hanson, Lou Ness, Tom Nierman, Joseph "John" Puzzo and Bob Seegers debated the issues in a candidate forum co-sponsored by the Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Northwest Herald.

Huntley Village President candidates, incumbent Tim Hoeft and current village board member John Piwko debate the issues in Huntley ahead of the April 1 election.

For more election information, visit our Election Central page: https://www.shawlocal.com/northwest-herald/election/