Pushback on plans to close and rebuild two Illinois prisons. And documenting the reality of life along America’s famous Route 66.Pushback on plans to close and rebuild two Illinois prisons. And documenting the reality of life along America’s famous Route 66.

Ald. Matt Martin (47th Ward) said the plan, which is estimated to cost approximately $9.5 million per election, was designed to reduce the influence of “big special interest donors.”

With a budget crunch, union negotiations and other challenges ahead, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez appeared on “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the current state of CPS.

The city shelter has seen a 24% increase in the first five months of 2024. Advocates said a rise of intakes and a lack of adoption are contributing to the issue.

The leader of CPS on the district’s latest accomplishments and challenges. What’s behind an increase in animal euthanasia rates in Chicago. And looking at the city’s lofty place in the history of the skyscraper.

Migrants with schoolchildren losing shelter. Massive data breach at Cook County Health. And Chicago pays its largest-ever police misconduct settlement.

The endangered black-crowned night herons aren’t captive, they just happened to build their nests on the grounds of Lincoln Park Zoo. Why? Because they like having bodyguards.

Hundreds gathered at hearings this week to voice concerns over Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration’s plans to close and rebuild Logan and Stateville correctional centers. At a Friday meeting, one state lawmaker said, “This is really a concept and not a plan … because a plan has details.”

Juneteenth celebrations are just around the corner, and there are plenty of ways you can celebrate the holiday in Chicago. Here’s a look at some events that are worth checking out.

The proposed settlement calls for taxpayers to pay $21 million and the city’s insurance company to pay $29 million.

Prosecutors push for prison time for Chicago’s longest-serving alderperson. One on one with the founder of the animal rights group PETA. And cruising the Chicago River on a kayak conservation tour.

For more than 40 years, PETA has worked to change the way many people think about animals. Attention-grabbing media campaigns have raised the public’s awareness of practices like factory farming, fur production and animal testing — while also drawing backlash at times for the group’s tactics.

Shedd Aquarium is once again offering an opportunity to explore the Chicago River while learning about efforts to take care of it. The Kayak for Conservation program offers pay-what-you-can tours.