How Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas grew into rivals for mayor of Chicago
Despite following very different paths, both now have their sights trained on Chicago’s City Hall.
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Spring is peak art season in Chicago. Here are 12 don’t-miss events.
The city’s blockbuster international EXPO anchors a stellar list of art events, from major names to fringe. Here are 12 to check out.
Chicago State University faculty inch closer to a strike
Professors at the state’s only majority-Black public university are some of Illinois’ lowest paid.
An elusive former top aide offers an inside look at how Michael Madigan wielded power
Will Cousineau took the witness stand after securing letters from the feds granting him immunity and making clear he’s not a target of an investigation.
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Illinois Democrats spending big to combat ‘extremist conservatives’ in school board races
As outside conservative support grows in school board races, the Democratic Party of Illinois for the first time is investing in these local races.
‘We nearly broke the system’: Hospitals face staff exodus, violence three years into pandemic
Three years after COVID struck, Chicago area hospitals struggle with staff exodus and patient violence in a brave new medical world.
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I want those three years back!
Mae Whitman tells us about starring in Hulu’s new musical series ‘Up Here.’ Plus, has it really been three years of COVID?!
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What’s That Building? Lake County Courthouse in Crown Point, Indiana
Indiana in the 1920s and ’30s was a hotspot for impromptu weddings, with a courthouse near the state line seeing about 6,000 Chicago couples every year.
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The Board of Education says now is the time to avoid a $600 million CPS deficit
Federal pandemic relief funding has papered over long-standing issues, but that money is set to run out in two years.
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Chicago businesses adapt to outlast ‘agonizingly slow’ COVID-19 recovery three years after shutdown
Amid changes in hours and strategies, many still wonder about the future of urban life three years into the pandemic.
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Edward G. Gardner, co-founder of Soft Sheen Products and beloved philanthropist, dead at 98
Mr. Gardner donated tens of thousands of dollars to causes that sought to end gun violence and helped create the nonprofit Black On Black Love.
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During Ramadan, Chicago Muslims step up efforts to help earthquake victims
The holy month of Ramadan began Wednesday evening, and observant Muslims will fast for 30 days from sunrise to sunset, seeking a deeper consciousness.
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Cooperating ex-guard gets six years in Illinois inmate’s death
Willie Hedden pleaded guilty to civil rights violations and obstruction charges.
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Nicole Lee and Anthony Ciaravino face off in Chicago’s first Asian-majority ward
Chicago Chinatown leaders fought for representation in City Council but two candidates face off in the 11th Ward runoff — one Asian and one white.
Rising rents pushed these first-time Latino homebuyers to take the plunge
Despite high mortgage rates and a dearth of affordable starter houses, these families saw the upside of making the investment now.
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Vallas and Johnson ‘lecture’ one another on the CTU, Donald Trump and ‘working class’ roots
During their first televised debate, Brandon Johnson was the undisputed aggressor. In Round Two, Paul Vallas took the gloves off. Round Three was pretty much a draw.
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Vallas and Johnson clash on school choice, fueling different donor bases in mayor’s race
Paul Vallas promises to expand school choice while Brandon Johnson says it deepens segregation and inequity. Donors are lining up on either side.
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Medical debt is devastating Illinois families, a new report shows
A proposed state law would mandate that hospitals screen uninsured patients for financial help.
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West African cuisine is having a moment. A local expert showed us how to make her jollof.
The iconic rice dish triggers Twitter wars over which country’s version is best. Liberia has our vote.
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Madigan ruled ‘through fear and intimidation,’ ComEd bribery trial jurors told
When asked what Madigan valued most in other legislators, state Rep. Robert “Bob” Rita answered, “loyalty.”
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Spring is here. Did winter even happen in Chicago this year?
A warmer and wetter than usual winter is complete. As spring gets underway, keep your umbrella handy, Chicago.
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Pitchfork Music Festival announces 2023 lineup
The Smile, Big Thief and Bon Iver headline; plus, we share some of Vocalo’s most anticipated performances
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Kennedy Expressway construction begins, expect major delays
Stretches of the inbound Kennedy will be blocked between the Edens Expressway and Ohio Street as part of a three-year construction project that’s sure to cause misery.
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How to vote in the Chicago area’s April 4 municipal election
Chicago voters are picking a new mayor. Suburban residents could be selecting new office holders for everything from school to library boards.
