LND topic: ottawa-illinois page 1

ottawa illinois

Connecting Local Schools to Global Science with a Local Teacher’s Big Opportunity

April 8, 2026

A science teacher from Ottawa, Illinois, will spend part of his summer rubbing shoulders with some of the brightest minds in physics. Dan Fitzpatrick, who teaches at St. Bede Academy, has earned a spot in an elite program run by CERN, the famous research center in Switzerland. Out of thousands of ap

sports

Morez Johnson Jr. : The Young Star Shaping Basketball Beyond the Scoreboard

April 7, 2026

Morez Johnson Jr. isn’t just another 20-year-old basketball player. At 6’9”, he dominates the court with rebounding skills that feel like they belong to a seasoned pro. But what makes him stand out isn’t just his height or his stats—it’s the story behind his rise. Born in Illinois, he grew up in a t

politics

Science Talk: How Words Got Tricky in Trump’s Climate Work

April 6, 2026

In a federal research office, one word was banned from conversations. “Climate” and its cousins were off limits after a memo from top USDA officials told staff to steer clear of over 100 phrases that could hint at climate science. The order came in March, and it forced scientists to rewrite their pr

politics

A Quiet New Home for LGBTQ+ People

April 5, 2026

People who feel unsafe in their own states are moving to a small city in Illinois that offers support and low cost living. A couple, both transgender men, met at an art show in Peoria last fall. Their artwork was beside each other and they talked about how they both had left their previous homes

sports

A Night of Cheers and Lessons at the Final Four

April 5, 2026

In a bustling Chicago bar, fans gathered to watch Illinois face Connecticut in the Final Four. The crowd’s energy rose with every dunk and missed shot, turning the venue into a lively arena for supporters. Some patrons celebrated the team’s long‑time run, while others simply enjoyed the shared excit

sports

Final Four Showdown: Who Will Beat the Big Dogs?

April 5, 2026

The 2026 NCAA Tournament is ending in Indianapolis, where four top teams will play for the championship. Two of them are powerhouses that have won many games this season, and two others have made strong runs too. No surprise teams are in the mix; each squad has believed it can win for months, and th

weather

Storm aftermath: crews check Michigan neighborhoods for hidden damage

April 5, 2026

Southeast Michigan woke up Sunday to broken branches and scattered debris after a storm line rolled through late Saturday. The National Weather Service sent a crew to walk the affected neighborhoods and record what happened. So far, no injuries have been reported, but the damage is clear: roofs peel

weather

Storm Alert: Big Hail and Strong Winds Near Chicago

April 4, 2026

A warm front is moving across north central and northeast Illinois, bringing a mix of thunderstorm danger, powerful winds, and large hail. Officials say the risk isn’t limited to a single county; it spreads over many areas including Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, Ogle, Lee, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage

weather

Storms Leave Tornado‑Like Damage Across Northern Illinois

April 4, 2026

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a weak tornado, rated EF‑1, struck parts of Lee County last Thursday night. A survey team was dispatched to inspect the damage and is still checking sites in nearby Ogle County. Meteorologist Lee Carlaw reported that crews were on the move early Frid

sports

David Mirkovic: From Niksic to Illinois Court

April 4, 2026

David Mirkovic is a 6‑foot‑9 freshman who quickly became the star of Illinois’ basketball team. He joined the squad in the 2025‑26 season and helped his club reach the Final Four, setting records along the way. Fans are curious about where he comes from and what shaped him. Mirkovic was born on Jan