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Chicago Plan Commission Unanimously Approves Lincoln Yards Development
| Amanda Vinicky
The massive plan for a “city within the city” moves one step closer to reality – but residents worry about what the transformation will mean for their communities.
Tips for Managing Icy Sidewalks Without Harming the Environment
| Alex Ruppenthal
Although ice melt products can help clear slick walkways, they can also harm pets and cause damage to lawns, gardens and waterways. What you need to know.
Chicago Museums Offer Free Admission to Federal Workers During Shutdown
| Alex Ruppenthal
A handful of museums and cultural institutions in and around Chicago are offering free admission to workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Kim Foxx Plans to Expunge Misdemeanor Marijuana Convictions
| Matt Masterson
In announcing the plan, the Cook County state’s attorney said her office must avoid “needlessly bringing people into the criminal justice system” and instead focus on prosecuting violent crime cases.
Attorney General, Special Prosecutors Reviewing Van Dyke Sentence
| Matt Masterson
Last week, a Cook County judge handed down an 81-month prison sentence to former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke. But was a different sentence required? The state attorney general’s office says it’s now taking a look at that decision to see if it fits with state sentencing requirements.
Doomsday Clock Remains 2 Minutes to Midnight
| Kristen Thometz
The clock hands didn’t move this year, but that’s no “sign of stability,” says Rachel Bronson, president and CEO of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Instead, she calls it a “stark warning.”
Art Institute Exhibit Brings ‘Floating World’ to Life
| Marc Vitali
History, beauty and pleasure are on display in the first public showing of a standout collection of Japanese art.
Released Documents Detail What Feds Sought in Burke Raid
| Paris Schutz
Newly released documents shed light on recent FBI raids of Ald. Ed Burke’s City Hall office and the broader investigation surrounding the longtime 14th Ward alderman.
Bold Mix of Classics, Rarities and New Work Planned for Lyric Opera
| Hedy Weiss
Productions of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades” and the Chicago debut of “Dead Man Walking” are among the highlights of Lyric Opera’s 2019-2020 season.
Suspect Wanted in Fatal Orland Park Mall Shooting Arrested
| Associated Press
Orland Park Police say Jakharr Williams of University Park was arrested Wednesday without incident. He was wanted in connection with Monday's fatal shooting of Javon Britten of Richton Park.
Spotlight Politics: Solis, Burke Shock Waves Reverberate in Mayor’s Race
| Paris Schutz
How do stunning new developments in an FBI corruption case impact the race for mayor? Political reporters Carol Marin and Paris Schutz dive into that story and more in this week’s roundtable.
Ald. Ed Burke Faces Challenges in First 14th Ward Forum
| Amanda Vinicky
Embattled Ald. Ed Burke faces lawyer Jaime Guzman and civil engineer Tanya Patiño in the first public forum of their contest for the 14th Ward seat Burke first won in 1969.
Former Federal Prosecutors Expect More Charges in Burke Probe
| Paul Caine
A bombshell report about secret recordings of embattled Ald. Ed Burke. We discuss the latest developments in the corruption probe.
Snow Much Fun: Cool Activities for Cold Weather
| Erica Gunderson
Why should summer get all the love? We explore the wonderland of winter adventure to be had in Chicago – both indoors and out.
Bringing Hope to Chicago Neighborhoods Through Financial Empowerment
| Nick Blumberg
The city treasurer teams up with a national nonprofit to expand financial empowerment centers in Chicago neighborhoods.
Some Aldermen Angered by Report Solis Wore Wire
| Paris Schutz
City Council reacts to a stunning report that longtime Ald. Danny Solis secretly recorded Ald. Ed Burke as part of a federal corruption investigation.
Judge Approves Settlement for 50-Year-Old Housing Discrimination Case
| Nicole Cardos
A decadeslong public housing lawsuit has nearly come to an end, marking “a seminal moment in Chicago’s history,” according to a joint statement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CHA CEO Eugene Jones Jr.
CPS Watchdog: 33 Adults Pulled from Schools Over Sex Abuse Allegations
| Matt Masterson
Nearly three dozen Chicago Public Schools staffers, including 12 teachers, have been removed from schools due to sexual abuse allegations in recent months, according to the district’s watchdog.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 24-27
| Kristen Thometz
Special menus, an icy plunge in the lake, winter brews and Mexican sweet bread usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in Chicago.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Pact Committing Illinois to Paris Climate Goals
| Alex Ruppenthal
The move by Illinois’ new governor marks a sharp departure from his predecessor, former Gov. Bruce Rauner, who made little to no mention of the state’s role in curbing carbon emissions that most scientists agree contribute to global warming.
Surfers on Lake Michigan Battle High Waves, Heavy Winds
| Evan Garcia
Cold and snow sends many of us indoors this time of year, but some adventurous souls welcome nasty weather so they can hit the waves.
In ‘The Realistic Joneses,’ 2 Couples Try Desperately to Connect
| Hedy Weiss
In a joint production by Shattered Globe Theatre and Theater Wit, director Jeremy Wechsler and his cast have tapped into the deftly conjured, fragmented, offbeat rhythms of Will Eno’s characters with impressive skill.
Survey: 10 Percent of Chicago Parents Refuse Flu Vaccine for Kids
| Kristen Thometz
The flu can keep kids out of school and parents out of work. So why do some parents chose not to get their children vaccinated against it? A new citywide survey offers some insight.
Report: Ald. Danny Solis Secretly Recorded Ald. Ed Burke
| Paris Schutz
The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that 25th Ward Ald. Danny Solis secretly recorded Ald. Ed Burke on multiple occasions to assist an FBI investigation.
Chicago Mayor’s Race Set at 14 Candidates
| Amanda Vinicky
The field of candidates running for Chicago mayor is narrowed again. A look at who’s out and who’s in for the Feb. 26 election.
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