It’s halfway through the NFL season and the Chicago Bears are off to their best start in nearly 15 years. With a 7-2 record, they’re at the top of the division and among the best records in the entire league.

Cook County is preparing to pass a $9.6 billion budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year. Board President Toni Preckwinkle said her plan closes a projected $550 million budget gap without any new taxes, fees or layoffs.

The poll also found a majority of respondents were concerned that a gunshot detection system would increase the number of unjustified arrests by Chicago police officers and waste their time by sending them to false reports of gunfire, according to the results.

What’s next for the Republican Party after a shellacking in the midterms? And an organization on a mission to save veterans and dogs.

Last Tuesday’s midterm election saw massive shifts in the balance of power between parties in Illinois and beyond. Republicans around the country are looking at what comes next.

For nearly three years, Taykeo Unger Jackson wore the U.S. Marine Corps uniform. He trained alongside fellow service members, completed boot camp and built his life around the structure and purpose of military service.

Dulcey Hunter serves as the University of Chicago’s inaugural banned books postdoctoral scholar, a role that aims to highlight the importance of intellectual freedom and bring awareness to the rise in efforts to challenge or ban books in the U.S. and abroad.

THC-infused drinks face an upcoming statewide ban — what it could mean for businesses. And the impact of book bans in classrooms.

The Illinois Hemp Act comes into effect as lawmakers cite concerns about potential health risks and marketing aimed at underage consumers. Business owners are preparing to make the change, but argue that it could mean a significant loss in revenue and force layoffs.

Getting to know some of Chicago’s newest school board members. And how one doctor is attempting to close the life expectancy gap between Chicago’s West Side and the Loop.

Chicago’s first fully elected school board is taking shape, with just a few races still too close to call. With 20 districts, and at least six new faces, the new board is sure to bring together a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

“Another hospital doesn’t solve the problem, it’s deeper than that,” Dr. David Ansell said. “It’s the conditions under which people live, work and play, and that’s what we set off to solve.”

Gov. JB Pritzker cruises to a third term amid a massive blue wave nationwide. But Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is caught in a riptide as 26 members of his caucus force him out.