Stories by Associated Press
Drunk Baggage Handler Falls Asleep in Hold, Flies to Chicago
| Associated Press
Police say a baggage handler told them he was drunk when he fell asleep in a cargo hold and flew from Kansas City to Chicago.
Obama Center Gets Unanimous City Council Approval to Land in Chicago
| Amanda Vinicky
Former President Barack Obama on Wednesday thanked Chicago aldermen for their approval of a 99-year land agreement to allow his presidential center to make its home in Jackson Park. But other hurdles remain.
Local Museums Embrace Rich History of Design in Chicago
| Marc Vitali
A look at Chicago’s historical influence on an enduring design style. Plus, overlooked graphic art made by African-American designers.
Michael Beschloss Sheds Light on ‘Presidents of War’ in New Book
| Eddie Arruza
Presidential historian Michael Beschloss on how U.S. presidents have increasingly usurped the power to go to war.
New System Designates School Performance on Annual Illinois Report Card
| Brandis Friedman
Under a new component of the annual Illinois Report Card, 20 percent of schools are eligible for additional federal funding to make improvements.
Fall Colors Are on Full Display at Chicago Botanic Garden
| Alex Ruppenthal
Sunny days and cool nights have helped produce a vivid display of fall colors this season. At the Chicago Botanic Garden, thousands of trees are at their peak.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Nov. 1-4
| Kristen Thometz
Monster trucks, improv comedy, global artists and Greek eats usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
A Chicago Homecoming for Daniel Barenboim
| Hedy Weiss
At an intimate press conference celebrating his return visit to the city, conductor Daniel Barenboim expressed his delight at what will be a two-part homecoming at Symphony Center.
Suburban Police Chief Found Not Guilty, Other Charges Dropped
| Matt Masterson
Christian Daigre was found not guilty in this case following a bench trial that ended May 15, 2023. Additional charges against him were later dropped by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office.
3 Bar Associations Rank Cook County Circuit Court Judge Candidates
| Kristen Thometz
Next month, voters will be tasked with electing Cook County Circuit Court judges. To help navigate the options, three local bar associations screened and ranked each candidate. Here are their recommendations.
Illinois State Board of Elections Warns of Online Voting Scam
| Kristen Thometz
Online voting is not permitted anywhere in the United States, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. The agency is raising awareness of fraudulent online voting schemes ahead of the Nov. 6 election.
The Race for Illinois Governor 2018: J.B. Pritzker
| Paris Schutz
From a childhood marked by privilege and tragedy to a life of business success and philanthropy, we bring you an original, in-depth look at the life of Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker.
Jason Van Dyke Makes First Court Appearance Since Murder Conviction
| Matt Masterson
Defense attorneys for the Chicago cop convicted of second-decree murder in the fatal shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald are asking a judge to toss out the convictions or grant a new trial.
Son Says He Killed Parents, Bodies Found in Illinois River
| Associated Press
The bodies of a college professor and her husband have been recovered from a river in central Illinois and their 21-year-old son has been charged with first-degree murder.
Judge Delays Ruling on Request to Toss Charges in McDonald Conspiracy Case
| Matt Masterson
A Cook County judge will decide next week whether she’ll grant a request to dismiss charges against three Chicago police officers accused of working to cover up the shooting death of black teen Laquan McDonald, less than a month before they are set to face trial.
Charter School Teachers Vote to Authorize Strike
| Brandis Friedman
Several hundred Chicago charter school teachers say they’re willing to walk off the job if they can’t reach a contract agreement with their charter operator, Acero.
Illinois Races Heat Up One Week Ahead of Elections
| Nicole Cardos
Lisa Desjardins of the “PBS NewsHour” joins us to discuss how things are looking for candidates in Illinois and other key states, and whether some districts are still expecting a so-called blue wave on Nov. 6.
In ‘Lady in Denmark,’ One Woman’s Life in Copenhagen and Chicago, Set to Echoes of Billie Holiday
| Hedy Weiss
As it happens, there are two “ladies” in Dael Orlandersmith’s play, “Lady in Denmark,” now in its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre. But only one is fully seen or heard on stage.
Chicago Plans to Expand Bike Sharing to ‘100 Percent of City’
| Alex Ruppenthal
A $2.5 million award to address climate change will help Chicago expand bike-share programs to all parts of the city, according to the mayor’s office.
‘This Book is Not for Everyone’: Camille Paglia Talks ‘Provocations’
| Alexandra Silets
Sex, politics and religion are widely considered taboo topics for polite conversation. Yet that's exactly what Camille Paglia tackles in her latest book, “Provocations: Collected Essays.”
The Race for Illinois Governor 2018: Bruce Rauner
| Amanda Vinicky
Those who know Gov. Bruce Rauner best describe him as stubborn – and smart. An intimate look at what shaped Rauner, and what that’s meant for Illinois as he tries for a second term.
Winfrey, Witherspoon Among Guests On Michelle Obama Tour
| Associated Press
Michelle Obama’s memoir “Becoming” comes out Nov. 13 and her tour begins that night at Chicago’s United Center, with Oprah Winfrey serving as moderator.
UIC Medical Students Seek to ‘Fill a Void’ in Health Care
| Kristen Thometz
Caring for patients is a vital part of the medical school experience. Armed with knowledge and backpacks full of supplies, a group of students is taking its skills to the streets of Chicago.
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