Former Ald. Ed Burke entered the Dirksen United States Courthouse for the first time since June 2019 accompanied by his wife, former Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Burke, and a phalanx of attorneys.

Just as proceedings were set to begin, Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart announced that Robert Crimo Jr. had agreed to plead guilty to seven Class A misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct, rather than the seven felony charges he had faced.

A federal lawsuit awaiting a judge’s ruling says city of Aurora terms for Revv Aviation illegally disadvantage one of their competitors at the Aurora Municipal Airport. Revv’s owners have donated to Mayor Richard Irvin’s campaign fund and hosted a fundraiser for him. 

Migrants left out in the cold as Chicago officials beg Washington for more money. And previewing the historic corruption trial of former longtime alderperson Ed Burke.

Ald. Ronnie Mosley (21st Ward) said he was “highly disappointed” by the decision by the mayor’s office to open a migrant shelter in his ward, but acknowledged he could not stop the proposal.

Why property taxes are way up this year in Cook County’s north and northwest suburbs. City Council votes whether to “Bring Chicago Home.” And a concert featuring songs written in concentration camps.

The lyrics take on new life with new music and will be performed at the Salt Shed on Nov. 6 by a collection of actors, musicians and local news people, including “Chicago Tonight” co-host Paris Schutz.

Despite the enthusiasm of supporters who held a City Hall rally before the City Council meeting and packed the chambers, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) tried, but failed, to prevent the measure from heading directly to a committee hearing and vote.

The median homeowners in Cook County’s north and northwest suburbs saw their property tax bills rise 15.7% this year, according to a new study just released from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office.

The scariest thing this Halloween is the weather forecast for trick-or-treaters.

A $200 million bill to taxpayers — how the Chicago Police Department plans on cutting overtime spending. Illinois passed a law allowing the release of dying and severely disabled prisoners but most requests are denied. And WTTW News Explains on Chicago nicknames.

For the last two years, Illinois has had a law that allows people who are in prison and are dying of a terminal illness or are physically disabled the opportunity to petition for compassionate release. However, few of the releases are granted. 

Maybe it’s because the city’s actual name comes from a smelly wild onion, or maybe it’s because other cities like to drag our city through the mud, but Chicago has had a whole lot of nicknames over the years. We break down where they came from.