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Illinois Way Forward Act Maps New Path for Immigrants

In August, Gov. J. B. Pritzker signed into law, the Illinois Way Forward Act. Among the changes are stronger protections for immigrants and an effective discontinuation of federal detention centers in Illinois by 2022. 

How the Sky’s Championship Win is Inspiring Chicago Athletes

The city is still celebrating the Chicago Sky’s historic win. After the Sky beat the Phoenix Mercury 80 to 74, it was an exciting and significant victory for the city, fans, and women athletes.

‘An Electrical Outrage,’ Thousands in Puerto Rico Left in the Dark

Thousands of Puerto Ricans are taking to the streets to protest massive blackouts. The island’s antiquated power grid has long been unreliable, and it was decimated by Hurricane Maria in 2017. This summer, officials hoped the privatization of the power grid by LUMA Energy would help.

New Documentary Tells the Story of Chicago’s First Black Mayor

The story of Chicago’s first Black mayor is one of several documentaries hitting the big screen at the Chicago International Film Festival. “Punch 9 for Harold Washington” explores the life and legacy of the historic mayor who, as the city’s first Black mayor, faced racism on a daily basis.

The Last Word: Naperville Central Girls Basketball Team

The Chicago Sky has won the franchise’s first WNBA title. A key part of that success was Candace Parker. She came back to her hometown and led the Sky to the top. We visited the place where Parker's ascent began: her former high school, Naperville Central.

New Twist to Piping Plover Saga: The Chick That Wouldn’t Migrate

One of Monty and Rose’s grand-chicks, which hatched this summer in Ohio, never migrated south. The plover will spend the winter being cared for at the Detroit Zoo.

Astonishing Performance of a Prokofiev Piano Concerto Just One Highlight of CSO Concert

Thursday’s Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert began as guest conductor James Conlon turned to the audience and announced the news that Bernard Haitink, the world-renowned and much beloved conductor with strong ties to the CSO, had died earlier in the day at his home in London at the age of 92.

The Week in Review: Police Union Fights City; Governor Floats Lifting Masks

The police union is in a standoff with the mayor over vaccine mandates. Remap proposals are drawing ire from all sides. Rahm Emanuel, at his confirmation hearing, apologizes for Laquan McDonald. And the city celebrates the Sky.

$16.7B Chicago Budget Poised for Approval After Lightfoot Backs Changes Demanded by Progressives

Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposal to spend $16.7 billion in 2022 is on track to be approved next week by the Chicago City Council after she agreed Friday to demands from the Progressive Caucus that the city boost spending on mental health services and affordable housing programs.

Pfizer Says COVID-19 Vaccine More Than 90% Effective in Kids

Kid-size doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine appear safe and nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in 5- to 11-year-olds, according to study details released Friday as the U.S. considers opening vaccinations to that age group.

Supreme Court Doesn’t Block Texas Abortion Law, Sets Hearing

The Supreme Court is allowing the Texas law that bans most abortions to remain in place, but has agreed to hear arguments in the case in early November.

Trick or Major Treat: 10-Pound Chocolate Bars up for Grabs in Citywide Halloween Costume Contest

Attention chocoholics: Chicago has announced a citywide Halloween costume contest, with 10-pound bars of chocolate being dangled as the top prize.

Pritzker Issues Vaccine Requirement for Licensed Day Care Centers

All licensed day care center staff in Illinois must receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 3, according to an executive order issued Friday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Staff who are not fully vaccinated by Dec. 3 must, at a minimum, undergo weekly testing until they’re fully vaccinated.

No Bail for Chicago Man, Woman Charged in ‘Torture’ Death of 2-Year-Old Girl

Milixen Ardon, 24, and Wilfredo Cruz, 43, were each held without bail following their arrests on charges of first-degree murder in the death of Ardon’s 2-year-old daughter Alison Zerais Ardon.

Lines Drawn in Coming Battle Over New Ward Map as Latino Caucus Reveals Plan

The Chicago City Council’s Latino Caucus on Friday unveiled a map that would reduce the number of wards with a majority of Black voters by two to 16 wards and add two wards where a majority of voters are Latino.