Tom Robb
@tomrobb.bsky.social
#Journalist newspaper reporter & photographer covering local news in Chicago's North and Northwest Suburbs area with http://journal-topics.com my opinions are my own.
We have an update on that big Dempster Street fire from Nov. 12. Three Niles police officers are up for awards after running into the burning building to evacuate residents.
Arson Not Suspected In Apartment Fire That Displaced 6 Families; Cops Hailed As Heroes - Journal & Topics Media Group
The investigation continues into last Wednesday’s (Nov. 12) fire that displaced six Niles families, although fire officials say arson is not suspected.
www.journal-topics.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:51 PM
We have an update on that big Dempster Street fire from Nov. 12. Three Niles police officers are up for awards after running into the burning building to evacuate residents.
The Journal's editorial on ICE.
Diffrences Between ICE, Local Police Are Striking - Journal & Topics Media Group
Federal agents with Customs and Border Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are not playing by the same rules as local police do. That’s resulted in a breeding ground for a lack o...
www.journal-topics.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The Journal's editorial on ICE.
3 Niles police officers up for lifesaver awards after running into a burning apartment building to evacuate residents.
3 Niles Police Officers Run Into Burning Building, Help Evacuate Disabled Kids, Mother, Baby - Journal & Topics Media Group
Flames burst from the windows of the second floor of an apartment building in the 8200 block of Dempster Street as alarms sounded at 2:35 a.m. Wednesday, making for a large fire and police presence in...
www.journal-topics.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:24 PM
3 Niles police officers up for lifesaver awards after running into a burning apartment building to evacuate residents.
A Glenview man was charged with involuntary manslaughter after shooting and killing his longtime friend while "Recklessly Handling" a shotgun in his friend's home in Niles.
Glenview Man ‘Recklessly Handling’ Shotgun Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter After Niles Man Shot - Journal & Topics Media Group
A Glenview man faces one charge of involuntary manslaughter for Thursday’s (Oct. 16) shooting death of a Niles man. Police said the two were longtime friends.
www.journal-topics.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:15 PM
A Glenview man was charged with involuntary manslaughter after shooting and killing his longtime friend while "Recklessly Handling" a shotgun in his friend's home in Niles.
Here's why Glenview Road and Thomas Street were closed in Glenview this morning. A traffic crash struck a ComEd utility pole and a house on Glenview Road. Suspects who fled the scene are still at large. The incident began at 2:34 a.m. this morning.
Vehicle Crash Closes Roads, Knocks Out Power in Glenview - Journal & Topics Media Group
A vehicle crash early Tuesday morning closed parts of Glenview Road and Lincoln Street after a driver first struck a ComEd utility pole and then a home in the 2000 block of Glenview Road. The accident...
www.journal-topics.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Here's why Glenview Road and Thomas Street were closed in Glenview this morning. A traffic crash struck a ComEd utility pole and a house on Glenview Road. Suspects who fled the scene are still at large. The incident began at 2:34 a.m. this morning.
Three charged with attempted murder for the November shooting on Dogwood in Elk Grove Village.
3 Charged With Attempted Murder In November Elk Grove Village Shooting - Journal & Topics Media Group
Two men and a juvenile were charged with attempted first-degree murder for a shooting that occurred on Nov. 10, 2024, in the 500 block of Dogwood Trail, Elk Grove Village police announced Monday, Oct....
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October 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Three charged with attempted murder for the November shooting on Dogwood in Elk Grove Village.
ICE is not just in Broadview and Chicago. We have reports, along with some video, of ICE agents operating in Niles, Glenview, and Park Ridge.
‘I Lost My Right-Hand Man’: Pizzeria Worker Taken Into Custody By ICE - Journal & Topics Media Group
A restaurant worker was taking the trash out in the alley behind a restaurant on Golf Road in Niles when federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents took him into custody two weekends ago...
www.journal-topics.com
October 6, 2025 at 10:11 PM
ICE is not just in Broadview and Chicago. We have reports, along with some video, of ICE agents operating in Niles, Glenview, and Park Ridge.
Elk Grove Village saw a new side to their mayor at Rotary Fest, the wrestler.
Mayor Drops ‘Rock Bottom’ On Xavier To Win First Ever 8-Man Tag Match At Rotary Fest - Journal & Topics Media Group
A crowd of 800 to 900 gathered around the ring at Elk Grove Rotary Fest for the event’s first-ever professional wrestling meet Saturday -- including an eight-man tag team match featuring Mayor Craig J...
www.journal-topics.com
July 23, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Elk Grove Village saw a new side to their mayor at Rotary Fest, the wrestler.
State Rep. Mike Simmons (D-7th) of Chicago announces run for 9th Congressional District seat.
Simmons Joins Crowded Field Of Dems Looking To Fill 9th District Seat In Congress - Journal & Topics Media Group
After U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-9th) announced she would not seek reelection in 2026, the field of those seeking her seat in Congress has become increasingly full. The latest to announce his candida...
www.journal-topics.com
July 15, 2025 at 8:46 PM
State Rep. Mike Simmons (D-7th) of Chicago announces run for 9th Congressional District seat.
Can we be Frank, Niles has a new K9 cop on the beat,
Frank Joins Niles Police Dept. As Second K9 - Journal & Topics Media Group
Niles' new K9 cop Frank, a black German Shepherd, took to the streets with his handler, officer Jesse Bloomberg, earlier this month after the two completed eight weeks of training.
www.journal-topics.com
June 20, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Can we be Frank, Niles has a new K9 cop on the beat,
Do you ride e-bikes, electric, or motorized scooters or skateboards? New rules take effect on all of those in Elk Grove Village starting on July 1.
Elk Grove Village Trustees Adopt E-Bike, Motorized Scooter, Skateboard Restrictions - Journal & Topics Media Group
Elk Grove Village trustees adopted an ordinance Tuesday (June 17) setting restrictions on e-bicycles and motorized or electric scooters, or skateboards.
www.journal-topics.com
June 18, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Do you ride e-bikes, electric, or motorized scooters or skateboards? New rules take effect on all of those in Elk Grove Village starting on July 1.
Just a few months ago, Glenview Dist. 34 and Glenbrook Dist. 225 felt alone in wanting to leave the TrueNorth Educational Cooperative. That is no longer the case.
More School Districts Look To Exit TrueNorth Special Ed Coop - Journal & Topics Media Group
Just a few months ago, Glenview School Dist. 34 and Glenbrook High School Dist. 225 felt alone in their desire to exit the TrueNorth special education collective, but at a TrueNorth board meeting last Wednesday, 13 of 18 districts brought forward a resolution to dissolve the local group.
www.journal-topics.com
June 18, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Just a few months ago, Glenview Dist. 34 and Glenbrook Dist. 225 felt alone in wanting to leave the TrueNorth Educational Cooperative. That is no longer the case.
Firefightrs battle blaze at residential Niles Leaning Tower building.
Firefighters From 6 Communities Battle Elevator Shaft Fire In Vacant Leaning Tower YMCA - Journal & Topics Media Group
About 45 firefighters responded to the former Leaning Tower YMCA residential building in Niles for a fire in an elevator shaft on the second floor of the building Saturday afternoon (June 14).
www.journal-topics.com
June 16, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Firefightrs battle blaze at residential Niles Leaning Tower building.
Last night, Glenview village trustees approved plans for the exterior of what was known in the late 1870s, and will again be called the "Glen View House" by Foxtail.
Demo has begun inside. Developers did not have an opening date.
Demo has begun inside. Developers did not have an opening date.
‘Foxtail At Glen View House’ Gets Thumbs Up From Village Board - Journal & Topics Media Group
Glenview trustees this week tentatively approved an ordinance outlining final site, zoning, preliminary architecture, landscaping, lighting, and signage plans for The Foxtail at the Glen View House re...
www.journal-topics.com
June 4, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Last night, Glenview village trustees approved plans for the exterior of what was known in the late 1870s, and will again be called the "Glen View House" by Foxtail.
Demo has begun inside. Developers did not have an opening date.
Demo has begun inside. Developers did not have an opening date.
Yes, an out-of-control car struck 4 cars and the Home Depot in Niles. The store was evacuated, but the propane tanks did not explode.
Elderly Driver Careens Out Of Car Wash, Strikes Vehicles, Propane Tanks At Home Depot - Journal & Topics Media Group
The Home Depot on Niles' Civic Center Drive was evacuated after two cars struck the wall of the store -- including a caged area holding propane tanks -- on Monday afternoon.
www.journal-topics.com
June 3, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Yes, an out-of-control car struck 4 cars and the Home Depot in Niles. The store was evacuated, but the propane tanks did not explode.
When lives are saved, there are many links in that chain. Last week, Niles honored all of them.
Life Savers Honored By Village Board - Journal & Topics Media Group
Acting Fire Chief Rich Scipione detailed two separate incidents, both involving cardiac incidents, at two different Niles Park District facilities in April and May, in which residents, park staff, 911...
www.journal-topics.com
June 2, 2025 at 7:02 PM
When lives are saved, there are many links in that chain. Last week, Niles honored all of them.
Lots of talk last week about Noah Properties' plans for redeveloping White Eagle Banquets for residential use.
Developers Discuss Plans For White Eagle Site; Residents Concerned About Traffic - Journal & Topics Media Group
Developers from Noah Properties stood at the podium during an early informal consideration meeting by Niles trustees, attended by about 80 residents, discussing plans for luxury apartments and townhom...
www.journal-topics.com
June 2, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Lots of talk last week about Noah Properties' plans for redeveloping White Eagle Banquets for residential use.
The Journal spoke with officials at the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, who identified the woman who died at the self-storage on Old Willow Road last week as Caroline More, of the 1200 block of Lake Avenue, Wilmette.
63-Year-Old Woman Dies At Glenview Self-Storage - Journal & Topics Media Group
Although the cause of death has still not been officially determined, it was learned that the woman who died at a self-storage facility in Glenview last week was a resident of Wilmette.
www.journal-topics.com
May 28, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The Journal spoke with officials at the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, who identified the woman who died at the self-storage on Old Willow Road last week as Caroline More, of the 1200 block of Lake Avenue, Wilmette.
Noah Properties has big plans to transform White Eagle Banquets into apartments and townhomes. Village trustees are expected to learn about preliminary plans at an informal consideration meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Apartments, Townhomes, Retail Proposed For White Eagle Site - Journal & Topics Media Group
Plans for a major redevelopment of the White Eagle banquet property on Milwaukee Avenue in Niles call for multiple apartment buildings, townhomes, retail space, and green space.
www.journal-topics.com
May 23, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Noah Properties has big plans to transform White Eagle Banquets into apartments and townhomes. Village trustees are expected to learn about preliminary plans at an informal consideration meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Colby Basham will stay on through the end of May as Public Works chief, but when he retires, Bryan Grippo will become the new director.
Grippo Named New Elk Grove Village PW Director - Journal & Topics Media Group
With Elk Grove Village Public Works Director Colby Basham retiring at the end of May, Mayor Craig Johnson named his replacement last week in Deputy Public Works Director Bryan Grippo.
www.journal-topics.com
May 21, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Colby Basham will stay on through the end of May as Public Works chief, but when he retires, Bryan Grippo will become the new director.
A good outcome, it could have tuerned out much worse.
Man With Knife Surrenders After Several Hours In Parking Lot - Journal & Topics Media Group
Elk Grove Village Police A 911 call from a concerned ex-girlfriend sent Elk Grove Village police and other law enforcement to a parking lot in the 2200 block of Pratt Avenue, just east of Nicholas Bou...
www.journal-topics.com
May 21, 2025 at 5:33 PM
A good outcome, it could have tuerned out much worse.
Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison (D-15th) announces his run for Congress,
Cook County Commissioner To Run For Congress - Journal & Topics Media Group
Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison (D-15th) announced his run for Congress in the 8th Congressional District on Monday.
www.journal-topics.com
May 16, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison (D-15th) announces his run for Congress,
Ted Mason announces his run for the 15th Cook County Commissioner's seat as his boss Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison (D-15th) mounts a run for Congress in the 8th
Mason Announces For 15th District Cook County Commissioner Seat - Journal & Topics Media Group
Chief of staff for Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison (D-15th) and Elk Grove Township Democratic Committeeman Ted Mason. (photo submitted) Elk Grove Village resident Ted Mason, Elk Grove Township...
www.journal-topics.com
May 16, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Ted Mason announces his run for the 15th Cook County Commissioner's seat as his boss Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison (D-15th) mounts a run for Congress in the 8th
What impact do tariffs have on Elk Grove Village? We're not really sure yet.
Tariff Impacts In Elk Grove Village: An Exercise In Wait And See Without Complaint - Journal & Topics Media Group
Inside Clingan Steel's processing plant floor in Elk Grove Village. (Tom Robb/Journal photo) The impacts of the announced Trump administration’s tariffs remain unclear on the Elk Grove Business Park a...
www.journal-topics.com
May 12, 2025 at 2:33 PM
What impact do tariffs have on Elk Grove Village? We're not really sure yet.
Another, Patrick Hanley, tosses his hat in the ring running for the 9th State Senate seat, with Jan Schkowsky;s endorsement, now that Laura Fine is running for Schakowsky's seat
New Trier Democrat Patrick Hanley In Running For 9th State Senate — With Schakowsky’s Endorsement - Journal & Topics Media Group
Another name dropped in the race for the 9th State Senate seat, that of Patrick Hanley, who runs day-to-day operations for the New Trier Democrats under Committeeman Dean Margolis.
www.journal-topics.com
May 9, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Another, Patrick Hanley, tosses his hat in the ring running for the 9th State Senate seat, with Jan Schkowsky;s endorsement, now that Laura Fine is running for Schakowsky's seat