The city’s annual winter overnight parking ban goes into effect early Sunday and continues through April 1, 2020. Here’s what you need to know.
Stories by Reuben Unrau
New Report Reveals Low Morale Among Police Officers Nationwide
A majority of police officers say their jobs have become more difficult and dangerous in the wake of high-profile deaths of black citizens during police encounters, a new survey by the Pew Research Center reveals.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 12-15
Free gym access, a grilled cheese competition and Cardinal Blase Cupich usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.
Chicago Sets New Tourism Record in 2016
An estimated 54.1 million visitors came to the city in 2016, getting totals closer to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s goal of annually attracting 55 million out-of-towners to Chicago by 2020.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 5-8
Sketch comedy, Syrian music and a how-to on fact-checking usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Christmas Tree Recycling Program Begins Tuesday in Chicago
As the holiday season winds down, it’s about time to take care of that Christmas tree that has begun to decay in your living room.
10 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago
Ring in the New Year with live music, comedy, DJ beats, burlesque and bubbly this weekend. Here are 10 parties in and around Chicago.
‘Star Wars’ Actress Carrie Fisher Dies at 60
The actress, famous for her role as Princess Leia, died Tuesday morning at the age of 60.
$12 Million Donation Will Fund Lakefront Trail Separation
Thanks to a major donation from Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin, the 18-mile Lakefront Trail is getting a makeover that will ease congestion.
Illinois’ Black Unemployment Rate Highest in the Nation
While U.S. unemployment is at its lowest point in years, a new report shines a light on a racial disparity that’s especially prominent in Illinois.
Aldermen Propose Plan to Divest From Fossil Fuel Companies
Local lawmakers and activists are pushing for Chicago to join a rapidly growing list of cities worldwide that have committed to the fossil fuel divestment movement.
Study: Crime Victims in Illinois Prefer Shorter Sentences for Offenders
Seven in 10 crime victims surveyed in Illinois prefer a “more balanced approach to public safety,” including shorter sentences and a greater focus on prevention, rehabilitation and trauma recovery.
As Temperatures Drop, City Reminds Residents of Cold-Weather Services
With temperatures plunging into single digits this week, the city is reminding residents that they can seek refuge in designated warming centers.
Chi-Town Rising Announces Lineup, Hosts for 2016
Bronzeville rapper Sir the Baptist and L.A. indie pop band Saint Motel will headline this year's Chi-Town Rising celebration on New Year's Eve.
Chicago Indie Bookstores Launch Campaign Ahead of Amazon’s Arrival
“We know Amazon is going to open and we’re not thinking that we can stop it,” said Lynn Mooney, who co-owns a Chicago bookstore. Find out how local shops are uniting to promote literary events.
Jimmy John’s Agrees to Pay $100K in Noncompete Lawsuit
Jimmy John’s has agreed to settle a lawsuit with the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan over its use of noncompete agreements, Madigan’s office announced Wednesday.
Documentary Project Turns the Camera on Girls in Public Housing
A new project aims to fill a void in a news cycle that has primarily centered on the issues young men face in the city.
New Hotline Deals Solely with Reports of Discrimination, Hate Crimes
In response to a recent surge in the number of hate crimes reported nationwide, Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart has launched a hotline for reporting incidents of discrimination.
Sean McKeough, Co-Founder of Riot Fest, Dies at 42
“His drive and passion really laid the groundwork for an environment for this culture to thrive,” said Louie Mendicino, Sean McKeough’s friend of 10 years. “He created a space for people to cultivate their art.”
City Extends Deadline for Property Tax Rebate Program
The deadline for Chicago homeowners to apply for a property tax rebate has been extended to the end of the year, city officials announced Monday.
Fake Retail Apps Targeting Holiday Shoppers
The Better Business Bureau has reported hundreds of incidents of fraudulent smartphone apps designed to look like the real thing. Learn how to protect yourself against these holiday scammers.
As Immigration Debate Heats Up, Students Push to Expand Financial Aid
In Illinois, immigrants living in the country illegally are ineligible to receive federal or state financial aid to four-year public universities. But student advocates across the state have been pushing lawmakers for change.
‘The Ships Gallery’ at MSI Explores the Evolution of Boat Design
A new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry invites visitors to sail though time and explore the evolution of ship design.
‘Hamilton’ Inspires New Courses at Northwestern University
The influence of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking musical has extended beyond the stage: New courses at Northwestern University delve into the true history of Alexander Hamilton and the cultural phenomenon that is the hit musical.
November Supermoon Will Be Biggest, Brightest Moon In Nearly 70 Years
November’s full moon will be no ordinary sight. From Sunday evening through early morning on Tuesday, stargazers will be treated to a radiant lunar spectacle that hasn’t occurred to this degree since 1948.
