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City Council Green Lights Sports Betting at Chicago’s Pro-Sports Arenas

A full-court press from the owners of the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks helped the measure backed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot hit the jackpot despite the opposition of Chicago billionaire and Rivers Casino Des Plaines operator Neil Bluhm.

The $850 Million Question: Who Can Pay for Invasive Carp Defense Project?

Great Lakes governors are asking the federal government to fund costs of the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project on the Des Plaines River, designed to block the incursion of invasive carp into the lakes.

Indicted Ald. Carrie Austin Collapses During City Council Meeting

Indicted Ald. Carrie Austin (34th Ward) collapsed during Wednesday’s City Council meeting and was treated by former firefighter Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41st Ward) before reviving and being taken out of the Council Chambers on a stretcher.

Board Approves $9M Settlement for Fired Black CPS Teachers, Staff

Chicago education officials approved a settlement Wednesday that will put an end to years of litigation with the Chicago Teachers Union over a series of layoffs that disparately impacted hundreds of Black teachers and paraprofessionals.

US Faces a Double Coronavirus Surge as Omicron Advances

The White House on Wednesday insisted there is no need for a lockdown because vaccines are widely available and appear to offer protection against the worst consequences of the virus. 

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 16-19

Christmas tubas, seasonal concerts, a craft fair and a reimagined “A Christmas Carol” usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.

Special Prosecutor Asks Judge to Release Report on Jussie Smollett Investigation

“The trial of Mr. Smollett being complete, it is now appropriate for the seal on the (Office of Special Prosecutor’s) Summary Report to be lifted and for it to be publicly available,” Dan Webb wrote in a new motion Wednesday.

Omicron Variant Detected in Suburban Cook County, Officials Announce

The first case of the omicron variant in suburban Cook County was reported Tuesday, according to county health officials.

Chauvin Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Floyd’s Death

Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal charges of violating George Floyd’s civil rights, averting a trial but likely extending the time he is already spending behind bars on a state conviction.

Congress Sends Biden $2.5T Debt Limit Hike, Avoiding Default

Capping a marathon day, the House gave final approval to the legislation early Wednesday morning on a near-party-line 221-209 vote, defusing a volatile issue until after the 2022 midterm elections. 

House Votes to Hold Mark Meadows in Contempt in Jan. 6 Probe

The near-party-line 222-208 vote is the second time the special committee has sought to punish a witness for defying a subpoena.

‘8-Track’ Brilliantly Taps Into the Emotional Heat and Exuberance of Songs From a Turbulent Era

While its score may be classic retro, the songs are performed with great authenticity by artists who came of age decades after the baby boomers and Generation Xers who grew up with them.

Illinois Establishing Midwife License

Decades ago, the state of Illinois outlawed midwifery. Now the state’s in the process of changing course with a new law signed Tuesday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

Chicago Sees Overwhelming Demand for Santa This Season

Families are lining up around the city to meet with the big guy himself. In some places, there's a struggle to meet the demand.

COVID Toll Hits 800,000 to Close Out Year Filled With Death

The U.S. on Tuesday hit another depressing pandemic milestone — 800,000 deaths. It’s a sad coda to a year that held so much promise with the arrival of vaccines but is ending in heartbreak for the many grieving families trying to navigate the holiday season.