Some of the city’s most vulnerable populations are still facing barriers of access when it comes to receiving equitable health care. The Black community faces notable obstacles when it comes to addressing mental illness.
Stories by Shelby Hawkins
The Rise of Chicago's Queer Country Music Scene: ‘Country Music is the People’s Music’
Chicago is currently at the center of a queer country renaissance with acts like Marlowe, Andrew Sa and #QueerCountry Bandwagon taking center stage.
Venetian Night Organizers Plan ‘Salute to Italy’ in Boat Parade Set for July 20
Boaters and lakefront enthusiasts alike can join in on the fun at the Venetian Night boat parade on Saturday, July 20, at Lake Michigan’s Monroe Harbor.
Chicago Public Schools CEO on Budget Crunch, CTU Negotiations and Student Assessments
With a budget crunch, union negotiations and other challenges ahead, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez appeared on “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the current state of CPS.
‘I’m Really Proud’: Chicagoans Reflect on Historic Election of Mexico’s First Female President
Claudia Sheinbaum made history earlier this month by becoming the first woman and first Jewish person elected president in Mexico. Her net is so wide-reaching that it drove thousands of Mexican nationals living outside of their home country to stand in line for hours waiting for their opportunity to cast a vote.
Carol Moseley Braun on Becoming First Black Woman Elected to US Senate, New Role at African Development Foundation
Carol Moseley Braun has had a storied career spanning more than three decades and six presidents. Most notably, she shot into the cultural zeitgeist in 1993 when she became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
Proposal for Curfew of 8 p.m. for Minors Downtown Receives Mixed Response
Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) came up with the idea following a violent attack on May 31 when a group of teenagers allegedly assaulted a couple in the Streeterville neighborhood. The man was hit in the head several times, and the woman was kicked in the stomach, which she said caused her to suffer a miscarriage.
Negro Leagues Stats Now Part of MLB Records: ‘A Wonderful, Long Overdue Acknowledgement’
More than 2,300 Negro Leagues players from 1920 to 1948 were added to the online database — a historical correction that’s four years in the making. It was announced in December 2020 that the MLB would be “correcting a longtime oversight.”
New Bill Aims to Create Statewide Public Defender Office in Illinois
Illinois is one of seven states that do not have a statewide public defender body. Currently, 60% of Illinois counties have no office of public defense and instead hire private attorneys on a part-time basis.
More Than 80,000 People in Illinois Have Guns Despite Being Banned for Legal or Mental Health Issues, Report Finds
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart is seeking $10 million from state lawmakers to tackle what he calls in a recent report “A Firearm Regulation Crisis.”
Chicago Journalists Say Pulitzer Prize-Winning Reporting on City’s Communities is a ‘Paradigm Shift’
“We are looking at issues that have been covered for a long time, but we’re looking at them at the root. We’re seeing people as complex people that control their own stories, and that’s really important,” City Bureau senior reporter Sarah Conway said.
As the 2024 WNBA Season Tips Off, What to Expect From the Chicago Sky This Year
The Chicago Sky looks different this year with brand new leadership and players on the roster including Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.
New DCFS Director Shares Vision for Troubled Agency: ‘It Requires Collaboration’
Heidi Mueller was appointed director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in February. She is the 13th director in 14 years.
Chicago’s First Chief Homelessness Officer Begins Work on Long-Term Plan, Immediate Problems
Chicago native Sendy L. Soto became the city’s first chief homelessness officer. Part of her new role will be to devise a five-year plan to end homelessness.
Chaz Ebert Encourages Universal Love, Vulnerability in New Book ‘It’s Time to Give a FECK’
In her new book, “It’s Time to Give a FECK: Elevating Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness,” Chaz Ebert shares personal anecdotes and stories of awe-inspiring individuals.
New Chicago Bears Stadium Plans Met With Mixed Reviews as Analysts Question True Cost to Taxpayers
Last week’s announcement of a proposed new domed, lakeside stadium brought with it more questions. Namely, the price tag.
Judge Approves $12.25M Settlement Over Botched Little Village Smokestack Implosion
“At the end of the day, it’s about respect for this community — the immigrant, Mexican community of Little Village, and it’s about justice,” attorney Scott Rauscher said.
Would You Swim in the Chicago River? Navigating Safety Concerns Ahead of Open Water Swim Event
The nonprofit A Long Swim is planning an open water swim event in the Chicago River this fall. Proceeds will support ALS research and Learn to Swim, a program that teaches children in underserved communities how to swim.
‘Shame of Chicago, Shame of the Nation’ Delves Into Chicago’s History of Segregated Housing
The new docuseries uses firsthand accounts, archival footage and animation to better explain complex practices like redlining and blockbusting, and how Black families were systemically barred from homeownership.
Cook County Event Aims to Provide Resources, Support to Families and Friends of Missing Persons
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office is hosting its fourth Missing Persons Day on Saturday as a way to provide support and resources for the loved ones of missing persons.
