Highland Park City Council calls for a federal and state assault weapons ban
Senate Republicans in Congress are against assault weapons restrictions; Democrats in Springfield hold supermajorities in the state House and Senate.
Top Stories
Second day of jury selection begins in R. Kelly trial
Nearly half of the more than 60 prospective jurors screened Monday were dismissed, some because of the hardship they’d endure if called to serve and others who said they could not be fair.
Colleges ease COVID-19 restrictions as fall semester begins for millions of students
Requirements to test and mask and be vaccinated are becoming less common as colleges shift away from treating COVID-19 as an emergency.
Residents near Douglass Park want a voice in permits for big music festivals
Residents demand an end to the festivals, but local aldermen have supported the events and taken campaign cash from festival organizers.
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Things to do this summer in and around Chicago
Our 2022 picks for everything from farmers markets to free concerts to great reads and adventures, featuring the people and places that keep Illinois interesting.
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The WBEZ guide to the best free things to do this summer
Music, movies, theatre, festivals, food and more: These top-notch activities won’t cost a dime.
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Chicago aldermen embrace The Great Resignation
Nearly a fifth of Chicago aldermen elected in 2019 aren’t planning to run for reelection next year.
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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.
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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.
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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.
