Sexual Conduct With Dog | Rescued Beluga Whale Dies | Police Memorial Defaced: 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.

Woman Pleads Guilty To Felony Animal Sexual Conduct

Her charging document alleges that between June 1 and July 1, 2025, she knowingly permitted sexual contact with an animal to be conducted at her residence and that she recorded her boyfriend engaging in the conduct.

Beluga Whale Dies At Shedd Aquarium After Rescue From Closed Marine Park In Canada

"We cannot emphasize enough that rescue is a step-by-step process for these whales," wrote Andrew Pulver, vice president of animal care.

Immigration Judge Orders 6 Children Deported After Courts Deemed Them Abandoned

Judge Shawn Abraham was not in court for Wednesday's hearings. He appeared virtually, requiring the kids to be there in person.

Man Charged In Defacement Of Police Memorial

A 29-year-old man who allegedly spray-painted the word "TRASH" on a memorial honoring fallen officers faces a felony, police said.

Rabid Bat Found In Suburban County For First Time Since 2024

The bat was found Aug. 16 in the backyard of a home.

Man Sentenced After Starving Dogs Found In Home With Dead Animals: Prosecutors

He was sentenced after a jury found him guilty of neglecting two dogs found severely malnourished and living in deplorable conditions.

Teacher Ran Entirety Of Mississippi River To Raise $12K For Childhood Cancer Research

During his summer vacation, the suburban teacher set out to run the entirety of the Mississippi River. Not only did he accomplish his goal, but he beat his own target, completing the journey in 52 days instead of 70.

'I Was Freaking Out' — Worker Trapped In 130-Foot Sign Shares Story

"In the moment, it was getting hairy. I mean, I was getting — I was genuinely getting scared, and I didn't know what was going to happen," he said.

Boy’s Death Remains Under Investigation Months Later

Police have released few details since the 8-year-old was found unresponsive in his home June 6.

Communities Rally Around Kindergartener After Medical Emergency

"He should be spending these days learning his new classroom, filling out his 'About Me' papers, losing his first teeth, scoring goals, making new friends and deciding whether pizza, pasta or gelato deserves the top spot on his list of favorite foods. Instead, Orazio is beginning a fight no five-year-old should ever have to face."