Stories by Associated Press

An invasive mussel is destroying shipwrecks deep in the depths of the Great Lakes, forcing archeologists and amateur historians into a race against time to find as many sites as they can before the region loses any physical trace of its centuries-long maritime history.

If you need a nudge to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer, here’s a starter list of more than 20 shows to know running across the Chicago area this fall. 

“We’re very excited about it,” Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis said in an interview. “It tells the story about the Illinois court system from 1818 to today.”

According to Chicago Police Department data, 30 people were shot in 28 separate shooting incidents between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

The American flamingos spotted Friday in Port Washington, about 25 miles north of Milwaukee, marked the first sighting of the species in Wisconsin state history.

The singer was shown cheering on the Chiefs during the FOX Sports broadcast, dressed in a red and white team jacket during an otherwise rough outing for the Chicago Bears. 

Perfectionism might sound like a good thing, but in practice, it can perform more like procrastination – and waiting for perfect scenarios can prevent us from getting the credit and success we deserve. 

Chicago gets closer to having a new top cop. Helping communities find healthy food options. And how to stop waiting for perfect with the author of this week’s book club pick. 

With inflation on the rise, and federal pandemic assistance expiring, food pantries and distributors say food insecurity across the city is spiking. 

The event brings out hundreds of University of Chicago scientists who will take over the campus offering panels, experiments and demonstrations to fascinate the whole family.

Is DACA in danger? A new research initiative on Latino communities. And a cumbia celebration for Hispanic Heritage month. 

The goal of the Latino Research Initiative is to become a data hub for community groups, policy-makers and others.

It is expected the final decision on DACA’s future will lie in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court – that would be the third time DACA has come before the high court since it was instituted by executive order during the Obama administration in 2012.

Chicago inks a $29 million contract to build six winterized shelter camps with the same company hired by Florida to bus those people here. Meanwhile, the Biden administration approves work permits only for some Venezuelan migrants.

It’s the second week of Hispanic Heritage Month, so it’s time to kick the party into high gear with some truly celebratory music. Music journalist Sandra Treviño says one of the best ways she knows to get people on the dance floor is with the sounds of cumbia.

Snelling is one vote away from becoming the 64th superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, with final approval expected Wednesday.

The front lawn of the Museum of Science and Industry nearly erupted as 90 volcanoes shot off in celebration of the Chicago institution’s 90th birthday. 

During the fall and spring equinoxes, the sun rises due east and sets due west, creating an effect dubbed “Chicagohenge.”

Featuring 18 artists of diverse mediums, the goal of the exhibition is to address the social and political issues that the Puerto Rican community faces — from housing discrimination and migration to bilingual education and health care issues.

The Illinois Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a pair of class action suits brought by two suburban nurses who allege their employers violated the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act, a landmark 2008 law that gives Illinois residents the ability to sue companies that misuse biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial scans.

Charles Cui filed a renewed motion to sever Friday in which he claimed that jurors could become “confused” and consider Cui to have been part of a conspiracy that is only alleged to have involved Burke and co-defendant Peter Andrews.

A search of the couple’s home turned up $100,000 in gold bars and $480,000 in hidden cash, said prosecutors, who announced the charges against the 69-year-old Democrat nearly six years after an earlier criminal case against him ended with a deadlocked jury.

The vice president has faced renewed calls from some pundits and columnists to be dropped from the ticket amid heightened concerns about the president’s age and doubts over her ability to lead if Biden were no longer able.

Created back in 1994, the day is meant to celebrate the connection between people and the green space in their community. 

The president of the United Auto Workers said Friday the union will expand its strike against major automakers by walking out of 38 General Motors and Stellantis plants in 20 states.

Lin-Manuel Miranda made a stop in Chicago to commemorate the official return of “Hamilton” to the city. Arts Correspondent Angel Idowu sat down with Miranda to get his take on why the show’s return to Chicago is so special.