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Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson

Reporter · Chicago, IL

Mark Thompson has spent over a decade highlighting community stories across Chicago. He graduated from Northwestern University and has contributed to various local outlets, including Chicago Reader, focusing on grassroots initiatives and neighborhood developments.

25 stories from Mark Thompson in Downers Grove

New study estimates about 3 in 4 former NFL players had CTE — ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV)
NewCommunity•35m

New study estimates about 3 in 4 former NFL players had CTE

Nearly 3 in 4 former NFL players had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the time of their death, according to a new study published Wednesday.

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Fresh fish display at a bustling Chicago market with diverse shoppers
NewCommunity•1h

Fish sold in 3 states recalled due to botulism risk

In a bustling Chicago market, families gathered just recently, as they always do, to purchase their favorite fish for weekend feasts and cherished family meals. Unbeknownst to many, a silent, looming health threat was already making its way through supply chains. A sudden recall of fish sold across...

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Crystal Lake man charged with repeated sexual abuse of minor ordered to remain in custody pending trial, authorities announce — WGN 9 (Chicago)
Community•2h

Crystal Lake man charged with repeated sexual abuse of minor ordered to remain in custody pending trial, authorities announce

A Crystal Lake man accused of repeated sexual abuse of a minor will remain in custody pending trial, McHenry County officials announced this week.

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Family gathered on a sofa watching a movie on a large screen, cozy and engaged.
Community•3h

Streaming Now: Dexter, Nocturne, Minimum Wage and more

In a world where stories come alive on our screens, families gather each week to share laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments over their favorite shows. This week, the warmth of community shines through as viewers dive into new adventures and cherished classics together, transforming living...

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At least 64 killed in train collision on high-speed line in Spain — ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV)
Community•3h

At least 64 killed in train collision on high-speed line in Spain

At least 64 people were killed after two trains collided on Spain's Madrid-Andalucía high-speed line, a spokeswoman for the Castilla-La Mancha region said.

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CTA Red Line train arriving at a station platform in Chicago
Community•3h

Man charged with attack of woman at CTA Red Line station

On a seemingly ordinary day at the CTA Red Line station, a moment of violence shattered the peace, leaving a young woman grappling with fear and uncertainty. This unsettling incident, which occurred on October 13 at a CTA station on Chicago's Far South Side, has led to serious charges against...

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Chicago skyline at sunrise, symbolizing hope and new beginnings for the city.
Community•4h

Johnson says there will be 'peaceful transfer of power' on Jan 3

As the sun rises over Chicago, a sense of anticipation fills the air, echoing the promise of a new chapter for the community. In a world often fraught with uncertainty, the words of local leader Johnson resonate with hope and reassurance, painting a picture of continuity and shared purpose. This...

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Cruise ship docked at sunset in Cambodia, with passengers disembarking
Community•4h

US cruise ship suspends voyage in Asia due to fuel costs, stranding 200 passengers

As the sun dipped below the horizon in Cambodia, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, the dreams of 200 passengers aboard a U.S. cruise ship came to an abrupt halt. What was meant to be a journey of a lifetime, a three-year odyssey across the world's oceans, turned into an unexpected...

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Community members gather for a vigil in Roseland, Chicago, after a fatal shooting.
Community•5h

Investigation underway after man fatally shot in Roseland

On a warm Tuesday afternoon, the quiet streets of Roseland were shattered by the sound of gunfire, leaving a community in shock. A 59-year-old man, whose life was intertwined with the fabric of this neighborhood, fell victim to violence, prompting an urgent investigation. Chicago police confirmed...

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Rescue workers at the scene of a train crash in central Spain, with twisted metal and emergency vehicles.
Community•5h

At least 30 dead in crash between 2 trains in central Spain

In the heart of central Spain, a tragic collision between two trains has shattered lives and communities, leaving a profound sense of loss in its wake. As the sun rose on that fateful Wednesday, families were blissfully unaware that their lives would be forever altered in an instant. This...

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Car crashes into tree, partially closes Dundee Road, Palatine police say — ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV)
Community•5h

Car crashes into tree, partially closes Dundee Road, Palatine police say

A car crashed into a tree in Palatine on Wednesday morning. Police said Dundee Road was partially closed.

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Emergency crews respond to a two-vehicle crash on Dundee Road in Palatine, Illinois.
Community•5h

Early-morning crash shuts down road in suburban Palatine

As dawn broke over Palatine, the sound of sirens pierced the stillness, drawing a community together in concern and curiosity. An early-morning crash on Dundee Road not only disrupted traffic but also stirred the hearts of locals who know the roads all too well, reminding us of the fragility of...

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Aerial view of Dundee Road traffic in Palatine, Illinois, after a morning crash
Community•10h

Dundee Road in NW suburbs shut down due to crash; traffic expected

In the early hours of a Wednesday morning, the stillness of Dundee Road was shattered by the aftermath of a crash, leaving commuters grappling with unexpected delays. As the sun began to rise, the road became a scene of confusion and concern for local drivers navigating their daily routines. This...

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Bob Iger, former Disney CEO, honored as PAC NYC Icon of Culture
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Bob Iger, former Disney CEO, honored as 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture

In a city that thrives on creativity and innovation, Bob Iger's recognition as the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture shines a light on the power of visionary leadership. His journey from a young storyteller to the helm of one of the world's most beloved entertainment companies is a testament to the...

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Instagram logo with a long video timeline stretching into the distance, symbolizing new possibilities for creators.
Community•15h

Instagram now testing videos up to 90 minutes long in major shift

In a world where creativity knows no bounds, Instagram is stepping up its game, testing videos that can stretch up to a remarkable 90 minutes. This change opens the door for creators to share their stories in deeper, more meaningful ways, offering a canvas for narratives previously confined to...

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4 in 10 say personal finances worsening: Survey — WGN 9 (Chicago)
Community•16h

4 in 10 say personal finances worsening: Survey

Cost of energy, gas and electricity rose from August to September, according to the consumer price index (CPI).

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Southerly winds, abundant sunshine to deliver mildest temperatures of coming week — WGN 9 (Chicago)
Community•16h

Southerly winds, abundant sunshine to deliver mildest temperatures of coming week

Following a rare cloudy day on Tuesday when only 24% of the potential sunshine was reached, sunshine is back in a big way on Wednesday as a warm front pushes far to the north and southerly winds take hold.

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With one week until election day, some campaigns are focusing on the negative — WGN 9 (Chicago)
Community•17h

With one week until election day, some campaigns are focusing on the negative

‘The Point’ airs on WGN and streams on WGN+ each weeknight at 6:45 p.m. CT.

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Over 100 dachshunds in Halloween costumes parade through a park in Chicago.
Community•17h

Over 100 dachshunds have Halloweenie party in Chicago

Imagine a crisp autumn day in Chicago, where laughter and barks fill the air as over 100 dachshunds don their most creative costumes. From pint-sized hot dogs to caped superheroes, these furry friends parade through a vibrant park, bringing unbridled joy not just to their devoted owners but to...

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Families enjoying a warm autumn day in a Chicago park with fall foliage
Community•17h

Chicago weather: Warm Wednesday ahead before Halloween rain chances

As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Chicagoland, families across our vibrant community are preparing for a truly remarkable Wednesday. Children, eyes bright with anticipation, are already dreaming of costumes and candy, while parents savor what promises to be one of the last truly warm...

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Cook County Sheriff's deputies investigating a warehouse with recovered stolen goods.
Community•19h

More than 23,000 stolen Red Bull cans worth roughly $107,000 recovered by police

In a surprising twist that underscores the tireless dedication of our local law enforcement, a massive shipment of over 23,000 stolen Red Bull cans, valued at approximately $107,000, was recovered by sheriff's police this week. This incident serves as a potent reminder of the hidden stories behind...

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Jack's Pumpkin Pop Up on Goose Island — ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV)
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Jack's Pumpkin Pop Up on Goose Island

24/7 LiveChicago & Suburban Cook Co.North SuburbsWest SuburbsSouth SuburbsNW Indiana COMMUNITY & EVENTSJack's Pumpkin Pop Up on Goose IslandByABC7 Chicago Digital Team Tuesday, October 27, 2026 9:47PMExpert pumpkin carver Ethan Anderson shows off his Stitch design.CHICAGO (WLS) -- Halloween is...

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FBI searches California home tied to Eric Swalwell probe — WGN 9 (Chicago)
Community•20h

FBI searches California home tied to Eric Swalwell probe

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly searched a California home tied to its current investigation into former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.).

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Weather-obsessed 3-year-old girl goes as NBC Chicago meteorologist for Halloween — NBC5 Chicago (WMAQ)
Community•21h

Weather-obsessed 3-year-old girl goes as NBC Chicago meteorologist for Halloween

While thunder isn t on the forecast for Halloween week this year, it sure is on the mind of a Chicago toddler whose costume this year takes inspiration from one of NBC Chicago s very own. Thunder or, funder, as almost-4-year-old Hazel calls it is just one of the many different weather phenomena...

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Illinois voter registration card with a ballot box in the background
Community•22h

Are you registered to vote? How Chicago area residents can check

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming Illinois general election, a sense of urgency fills the air across our communities. Residents are taking proactive steps to ensure their voices are heard, marking off voter registration from their to-do lists with a renewed sense of civic duty. This vital...

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Downers Grove Current

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Downers Grove: Walkable downtown, family suburb. Hyper-local community news covering 40 Illinois cities.

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La Salle library offers puzzle race and shark movie screening in NovemberSingle-family home sells in Elburn for $655,000Schaumburg man killed when car crashes into pole, tree in PalatineFish sold in 3 states recalled due to botulism riskChicago police issue community alert regarding recent string of armed robberies in same block of Roseland neighborhood

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