Politics
Illinois Voters Prepare for 2026 Primary Election
Key information on registration, voting options, and what's on the ballot
Chicago City Council Debates Subminimum Wage for Tipped Workers
Proposed pause on eliminating subminimum wage could lead to another mayoral veto
Chicago City Council Committee Blocks Ward-Level Video Gambling Bans
Ordinances to ban video gambling machines in six wards were decisively defeated, breaking with tradition of aldermanic prerogative.
Weather
High Wind Watch Issued for Chicago Area After Intense Tornadoes
Damaging winds, power outages, and difficult travel conditions expected as storm cleanup continues in Illinois and Indiana.
Massive Hailstone from Tuesday's Storms Could Set Illinois Record
National Weather Service investigating a 6-inch hailstone that fell in Kankakee as a potential new state record.
Experts Warn of Scams, Advise Renters' Rights After Tornado Damage
Officials urge caution with contractors and highlight Illinois renters' legal protections following severe storms in northwest Indiana and south of Chicago.
Lifestyle
Chicago students protest book ban on Persepolis
Librarian Jarrett Dapier's graphic novel tells a fictionalized account of real-life events in 2013 that restricted access to Marjane Satrapi's memoir in Chicago Public Schools.
Chicago Students Compete in Citywide Spelling Bee
Winner to advance to Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
Chicago Guinness Brewery Shares Fish and Chips Recipe Ahead of St. Patrick's Day
The brewery is gearing up for a busy St. Patrick's Day weekend with a Cooking up a Storm segment.
Crime
Cook County Creates Specialized Unit to Prosecute Domestic Violence Homicides
Domestic violence killings in Chicago surged 15% in 2025 despite overall crime decline
Family Demands Answers After Chicago Police Fatally Shoot Man in Humboldt Park
Relatives dispute police account of incident, question use of deadly force and lack of de-escalation
Chicago Man Arrested Over Year After Fatal South Side Hit-and-Run
Rayshad Harris, 29, faces felony charges in 2024 crash that killed 77-year-old pedestrian.
Sports
Bears Threaten to Leave Illinois if Stadium Deal Not Reached by March
Arlington Heights mayor warns team may move to Indiana if state legislature doesn't approve tax breaks and incentives soon
Big Ten Tournament Heats Up in Chicago
Northwestern advances, Illinois awaits matchup
Cubs' Matt Shaw Adds First Base to Versatile Repertoire
The utility player gets early work at first base in spring training games.
