Beavers, Illinois’ largest rodents, are in city lagoons, rivers and streams. They’re on Instagram, and TikTok. Sometimes a nuisance, and at others a welcomed presence, beavers have found respite all over the state, a switch from when they were wiped out by hunters and a sign that water quality and habitat possibilities have long been on the upswing.

Much is at stake when it comes to the Great Lakes region. Warming temperatures and more precipitation can mean more flooding. Invasive species threaten to upend ecosystems and toxic algae blooms are intensifying. Human health is at risk if water quality takes a hit.

Beavers, Illinois’ largest rodents, are in city lagoons, rivers and streams. They’re on Instagram, and TikTok. Sometimes a nuisance, and at others a welcomed presence, beavers have found respite all over the state, a switch from when they were wiped out by hunters and a sign that water quality and habitat possibilities have long been on the upswing.

Much is at stake when it comes to the Great Lakes region. Warming temperatures and more precipitation can mean more flooding. Invasive species threaten to upend ecosystems and toxic algae blooms are intensifying. Human health is at risk if water quality takes a hit.

Beavers, Illinois’ largest rodents, are in city lagoons, rivers and streams. They’re on Instagram, and TikTok. Sometimes a nuisance, and at others a welcomed presence, beavers have found respite all over the state, a switch from when they were wiped out by hunters and a sign that water quality and habitat possibilities have long been on the upswing.

Much is at stake when it comes to the Great Lakes region. Warming temperatures and more precipitation can mean more flooding. Invasive species threaten to upend ecosystems and toxic algae blooms are intensifying. Human health is at risk if water quality takes a hit.

According to CPS, 94% of the more than 36,000 spaces in school buildings that were assessed are cleared for the return of students.

After weeks of helping back the re-election of freshman Republican lawmakers around Rep. Joe Walsh, the National Republican Congressional Committee has made a large cable television ad buy to assist the controversial tea party-backed candidate in his race with Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth.

Smashing Pumpkins frontman ushers in his long-dreamed-of side projectThe idea to open a gathering spot for performance and kinship has been brewing in Billy Corgan's head for years.

Bill signed by Quinn also tries to improve quality of driving classesCars used in school driver's education programs will have to meet stricter safety requirements under a new measure signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn.

Over the past year, he quietly started the nonprofit Top Box Foods to bring high-quality, low-cost food to needy ChicagoansOn a recent Saturday morning, Chris Kennedy was standing on a sidewalk outside a South Side storefront church, talking about french fries, vegetables and the benefits of ground turkey over ground beef.

'It is not an attack against the Sikhs. It is an attack against humanity'Reeling from the weekend attack that left six worshippers and the gunman dead at a suburban Milwaukee temple, local Sikh leaders Monday offered guests sweet hot tea, a vegetarian meal and an education.

Facing tough re-election battle against Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth, tea party favorite dismisses event as 'excuse to mingle with insiders'Controversial tea party-backed freshman Rep. Joe Walsh, in a tough race for re-election against Democrat Tammy Duckworth, said Thursday he would skip a visit to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., at the end of next month.

Doctors say a mood disorder is an overarching category that includes conditions such as clinical depression and bipolar disorder, and involves feeling extreme emotional highs and/or lows. The common thread is the inability of the brain to properly regulate mood, which leads to a disturbance in the quality of mood on a daily basis.

Tests by consultant find evidence of mold Deerfield High School will wrap up the school year by clearing out some construction debris and vacuuming ceiling tiles in response to complaints from a small number of employees that the 51-year-old building is making them sick.

Rivals spar over student loans, Medicare, jobsThe first debate of a nationally significant congressional contest saw Republican Rep. Joe Walsh come out in favor of allowing federal student loan interest rates to double this summer and Democratic challenger Tammy Duckworth accuse her foe of advocating "crackpot" tea party ideas that she struggled to define.

Mitt Romney isn't exactly my cup of tea, and loyal readers know this. But my readers are quite civilized and know that tea is served properly with silver spoons.

Congressman was never 'a deadbeat dad,' couple say in statementRep. Joe Walsh and his ex-wife resolved a lawsuit claiming he owed child support Thursday, and as part of the settlement, the two said the controversial tea party-backed congressman was never "a deadbeat dad."

Plans fell through after disclosures about poor quality work surfacedThe Emanuel administration and the CTA engaged in private discussions on a $300 million no-bid contract with the maker of the transit agency's new rail cars, but the talks collapsed amid disclosures about the poor quality of the company's work, the Tribune has learned.

— This capital city is like all other capital cities: It is about power and reach.

Republican Rep. Joe Walsh, facing high-profile contest with Democrat Tammy Duckworth, to join in Elmhurst fundraiser with party congressional committee head Pete SessionsRepublican Rep. Joe Walsh has criticized his party's House leadership, but that's not stopping a top GOP lawmaker from raising money for him as the freshman congressman prepares to face Democrat Tammy Duckworth in a high-profile c...

Special tax district eyed to help attract 'quality tenants'Evanston officials hope to inject life into a struggling west side shopping center by creating a tax increment financing district. Money generated from the district would be invested back into the center with the goal of filling its many vacant spaces, officials said.

Hoodie-wearing demonstrators carry tea, SkittlesAngered by the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida last month, several hundred demonstrators marched through Chicago's Loop on Friday to rally for justice and show support for the teen's family.

I've never been to Whispers Coffee and Tea on North Michigan Avenue, but my credit card paid a visit there Monday.

Bus rapid transit project would be good place to startLong before he left office, former MayorRichard M. Daleywas widely viewed as friend of good design — a dictator, perhaps, but more often than not an enlightened one. Architects loved him as much as they feared him.

Residents of nursing homes could receive at least 46 minutes per day of direct care from registered nursesResidents of Illinois nursing homes would receive at least 46 minutes per day of direct care from registered nurses by 2014 under a new proposed rule that a state legislative panel is expected to vote Tuesday.

More hospitals are incorporating soothing nature scenes to put patients at easeI helped myself to a cup of tea and sat at a cafe table bathed in light from a wall of windows.

Immigrant was champion for affordable, quality educationDominick John Bufalino, who trained as a lawyer in his native Sicily, served on the board that oversaw five state universities in Illinois for 20 years.

The two Democrats vying to take on Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh tried Wednesday to both identify with and reject the tea party advocates who back the firebrand congressman.

Prosecutors say he helped plot Bridgeport break-in, other robberiesJoann Lascola was sipping tea at her kitchen table, visiting with some of the many friends and extended family members she often hosts at her Bridgeport home, when she was startled by a loud bang.