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An investigation was underway after a mass shooting in Chicago’s Princeton Park community left at least 12 people injured. Rose Schmidt reports.
At least 13 people were injured late Friday night when two gunmen opened fired from a vehicle into a crowd in the city’s Princeton Park neighborhood, Chicago police said.
Police said at around 11 p.m., officers were called about a person who had been shot along West 95th Street near South Wentworth Avenue. A preliminary investigation determined a red SUV pulled alongside a large crowd, and two suspects inside the vehicle began firing gunshots before fleeing the scene.
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When officers arrived on the scene, they found two people who had sustained gunshot injuries.
A 32-year-old woman was shot twice in the back and taken to an area hospital in good condition. The second victim, a 44-year-old man, sustained four gunshot wounds to his back, and was transported to a local hospital. He was also listed in good condition.
At least 10 other people sustained gunshot wounds, with the victims ranging between 17 and 47 years old.
The circumstances of the shooting are under investigation by Area Two detectives.

Mayor Brandon Johnson released the following statement regarding the shooting on X:
“I am heartbroken by the violence in Princeton Park last night.

What should have been a night of celebration and community reflection for Juneteenth was shattered by a horrific act of violence. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones.
I am profoundly grateful for the swift, lifesaving work of our Chicago Police Department, medical professionals, and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

To support those affected, CPD is opening an emergency assistance center in the community. Community-based CVI workers are on the ground working tirelessly alongside us, and the City’s Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program remains fully activated and will begin canvassing the neighborhood on Monday. Residents in need of mental health support can also call 211 to be connected to services.
Violence has no place in our city, and those responsible will be held accountable. As temperatures rise, please stay vigilant, check in on your neighbors, friends, and family, and remind one another of the importance of de-escalation. The City is showing up for Princeton Park; let’s reach out, support each other, and keep our community safe.

Please keep all victims of violence, their loved ones, and communities impacted by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”

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Kids swim in Alexander Park pool on Friday, June 20, 2025 in Princeton. (Scott Anderson)
Alexander Pool in Princeton will officially open Wednesday, July 1, after repairs delayed the start of the summer season.
The Princeton Park District provided an update after Alexander Pool was closed last month due to a “major mechanical failure” with their filtration pump and motor.
The delay came while the park district was awaiting the delivery of the equipment. The equipment came in this week and the park district officials announced the reopening Tuesday, thanking maintenance staff for completing the necessary repairs and preparing the pool for use.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while navigating the pool repairs,” the park district said in a statement.
With the reopening of the pool, extended open-swim hours at the Princeton Metro Center will return to normal beginning Wednesday. Because of the delayed opening, discounted pool pass pricing will also be available.
As lifeguard availability allows, the city plans to keep the pool open later into the season to help make up for lost time. Information regarding Aqua Tots and group swim lessons will be announced at a later date.
For updates and up-to-date schedules, visit the park district’s website or call (815) 872-0840.
Dozens of people cool off in Alexander Pool on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 in Princeton. (Scott Anderson)
Bill Freskos is a multimedia journalist based in the Illinois Valley. He covers hard news, local government, sports, business enterprise, and politics while contributing to Shaw Local Radio stations for Shaw Media across La Salle, Bureau, and Putnam counties.

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CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police are investigating a homicide after a man was found shot to death inside a home Saturday on the city's South Side.
The victim, a 42-year-old man, was found around 10:49 a.m. at a residence in the 300 block of West 93rd Street in Princeton Park, police said.

He had a gunshot wound to the body and was pronounced dead at the scene, CPD said. His identity was not yet known.
The exact circumstances of the shooting were also not known. Chicago police detectives are conducting a homicide investigation, officials said.
No further information was immediately available.
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No charges for officer in fatal shooting of 3-year-old boy  CIProud.com
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Princeton Public Library Director, Julie Wayland, was one of 50 directors selected throughout Illinois to participate in the three-day, state-sponsored advanced training meeting. Director’s University 2.0 was held in Springfield. (Photo provided by Julie Wayland)
Princeton Public Library Director, Julie Wayland, was one of 50 directors selected throughout Illinois to participate in the three-day, state-sponsored advanced training meeting. Director’s University 2.0 was held in Springfield.
The meeting was a joint project of the Illinois Heartland Library System, Illinois Library Association, Illinois State Library and Reaching Across Illinois Library System.
The meeting was developed to dive deeper into topics that were touched on in the first Director’s University including staffing issues, new laws, budgeting, diversity, equity and inclusion, board relationships and succession plans.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other public library directors across the state and share experiences and advice through the years as well as prepare for future trends,” Wayland said.
The program was designed to offer the next level of education and knowledge to the participants to help them continue to build efficient, strong Illinois libraries.
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IVCC’s 15 paramedic program graduates attended an evening ceremony. Ottawa Regional EMS System manager Kelly Wasilewski and graduate Roger Garrett also served as the ceremony’s featured speakers.
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Many memories are being recalled as St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrates its 175th anniversary July 14 and Sept. 15. A special organ concert by former member John Linker, music director at Christ Church Transitional Cathedral, New Zealand, is open to the public at 1:30 p.m. July 14. (Shaw Local News Network file photo)
Roots of the congregation known as The Church on the Hill began with the immigration of German Lutheran families in 1834.
Services were conducted in their cabins until the church was formally organized on March 3, 1849, in the home of Theodore Walter. At that meeting, land was donated for a church building by Carl Walter, the great-great –grandfather of Ramona Wedding of Princeton. A few years later a church was built “on top of the hill.” Norma Martin is the oldest living member of our congregation.
Generations of many families have served as church leaders, Sunday school teachers and in many other areas. These families have seen their children and grandchildren confirmed and married in the church.
Many memories are being recalled as St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrates its 175th anniversary July 14 and Sept. 15. A special organ concert by former member John Linker, music director at Christ Church Transitional Cathedral, New Zealand, is open to the public at 1:30 p.m. July 14. The church is located at 15199 2825 E Street, Princeton. A freewill offering will go to a local charity. Refreshments will follow the concert in the fellowship hall. A special anniversary homecoming service at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 15 will be led by our Bishop Stacie Fidlar.
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Princeton Park District has promoted Richard F. “Frank” Bollinger from Park Maintenance Coordinator to Superintendent of Parks, effective immediately.
Princeton Park District has promoted Richard F. “Frank” Bollinger from Park Maintenance Coordinator to Superintendent of Parks, effective immediately.
Bollinger joined the district in February 2025 as maintenance coordinator, where he streamlined operational processes and maintained park standards. He is a military veteran.
In his new role, Bollinger will oversee maintenance, development, and strategic management of the district’s parks, facilities, and open spaces.
“We are fortunate to have his leadership guiding our outdoor spaces forward,” Executive Director Tammy Lange said.
For more information, visit www.princetonparkdistrict.org.
Shaw Local News Network provides local news throughout northern Illinois

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