Chicago aldermen embrace The Great Resignation
Nearly a fifth of Chicago aldermen elected in 2019 aren’t planning to run for reelection next year.
Top Stories
Some of Chicago’s best birdwatching spots might surprise you
There’s more to Chicago-area birdwatching than Montrose Point. Local birders shared their tips for birding off the beaten path.
Two ex-employees are banned from working again for the Chicago Park District
The park district’s inspector general alleges a manager failed to investigate a sexual harassment complaint against a male employee.
What to know about R. Kelly’s new Chicago trial
The former R&B star is set to go to trial in Chicago — again — on Aug. 15. Here’s a rundown of what’s happening and why.
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Enrollment in Chicago Public Schools could drop by as much as 15,000 students this fall
Researchers are predicting the drop but stress lower enrollment could benefit the remaining students by allowing CPS to spend more per child.
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A young mother with postpartum psychosis pleaded guilty to a horrific killing. Should her plea be tossed?
An appeals court is ordering a review after Kimberlynn Bolaños harmed herself in prison, showing the severity of her illness.
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Chicago’s under-5 set waited a long time for a COVID vaccine. Why is uptake so low?
Only one in 20 eligible kids under 5 in Illinois have received a first dose. That leaves pediatricians and child care providers trying to troubleshoot.
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City’s budget forecast includes 2.5% increase in property taxes
The mayor is allowed to increase property taxes automatically by 5% or the inflation rate, whichever is less. But with inflation at levels not seen in 40 years, Lightfoot had vowed to avoid seeking the full amount.
The WBEZ guide to the best free things to do this week and all summer long
Music, movies, theatre, festivals, food and more: These top-notch activities won’t cost a dime.
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Pritzker says Bailey owes apology to Holocaust survivors for ‘offensive’ comparison to abortion
The Democratic governor also called on more Republicans to speak out against the comments of his political rival Darren Bailey.
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Do-good bake sales lure an eclectic mix of adventurous home cooks
Bake sales organized by the Prison + Neighborhood Arts Project have raised money for Illinois prisoners and the formerly incarcerated — and become a culinary crossroads for cottage bakers. The next one is Aug. 13.
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Ald. Sophia King joins race to unseat Lightfoot
King declared her candidacy for mayor the same way Lightfoot launched her uphill battle for a second term: by releasing a carefully-crafted campaign video.
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Illinois workers would see boost in wages if a proposed constitutional amendment passes, study finds
Study says guaranteeing Illinois workers the “fundamental right” to collectively bargain would boost wages and improve working conditions.
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Chicago’s top prosecutor says seven convictions tied to an ex-cop have been vacated
The murder convictions were connected to a retired Chicago police detective accused of framing others who were sent to prison.
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Lightfoot assures cops: ‘I will always have your back’
The mayor’s latest attempt to reclaim the police support that has abandoned her since her landslide victory in 2019 came during a graduation ceremony Tuesday.
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Nichelle Nichols blazed a trail from Robbins, Illinois to the Starship Enterprise
Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas examines the late “Star Trek” actress’ local roots.
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After the Highland Park shooting, officials are ‘really focused’ on rooftops along Bud Billiken Parade route, top cop says
Supt. David Brown said officials have ramped up discussions about “various aspects of security,” including the police resources at the country’s largest African American parade.
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Despite differences, police unions endorse Bailey for governor, because he backs officers ‘unlike any of the politicians in this state’
Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara endorsed Bailey — but later said no candidate is “going to check every single box that you agree with.”
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Uptown is one of the highest ranked areas for rich-poor friendships, a new study finds
How common are cross-class friendships across the Chicago area? Look up your ZIP code here.
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With soaring inflation, Chicago parents are searching for back-to-school deals
To combat rising prices, the state sales tax on school materials — including clothing — has been reduced from 6.25% to 1.25% through Aug. 14.
