CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

Apr 24 2026HEALTH

Rethinking HIV Laws: Are Strict Rules Really the Best Defense?

Public health debates often clash over how to handle diseases like HIV. Russia once took a hard stance, making it a crime to spread HIV through actions like unprotected sex or needle sharing. The idea was simple: punish those who put others at risk to slow the epidemic. But over time, experts began

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Apr 20 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrities who faced unfair media storms

Public figures often face intense scrutiny, but some get caught in media crosshairs unfairly. Reports like these highlight how power dynamics shape public perception. Mental health struggles are rarely treated with care in celebrity narratives. Amanda Bynes, for example, was ridiculed as she battled

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Apr 15 2026RELIGION

When Leaders Disagree: A Closer Look at Religion and Politics

Public figures often clash when their views don’t align, and the recent disagreement between a U. S. president and the head of the Catholic Church is no exception. The president took to social media to question the pope’s stance on a major conflict, calling his approach weak and suggesting the pope

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Apr 13 2026WEATHER

Storm Watch: Chicago Faces Multiple Weather Threats This Week

Chicago residents should prepare for a week of unpredictable weather, with several chances for strong to severe storms starting Monday afternoon. The first potential showers appear during the morning commute, as warm temperatures and humid conditions set the stage for possible rain. Morning dew poin

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Apr 07 2026ENTERTAINMENT

A New Magic Spot Is Turning Chicago’s Old Mansion into a Party Hub

Chicago’s famous McCormick Mansion, once home to Lawry’s Prime Rib and a quirky Scandinavian buffet, is getting a fresh makeover. A 66‑year‑old entrepreneur who made his money in health tech is pouring about $50 million into a 36, 000‑sq‑ft entertainment center called The Hand & The Eye. He wants th

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Apr 06 2026RELIGION

Easter Mass in Chicago Draws Crowds While Global Tensions Rise

Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral filled to overflowing on Easter Sunday as crowds gathered for a special service. The mood inside contrasted sharply with the day’s earlier events. Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, had just delivered a global message urging people to reject violence and embrac

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Mar 31 2026HEALTH

HIV Cases Rise in Chicago, Funding Cuts Threaten Latino Health Programs

Chicago is seeing a sharp increase in new HIV infections, especially among Latino residents. In the two years from 2022 to 2024, cases grew by almost a third, reaching 818 new diagnoses in 2024. Half of these were Latino, marking the first time this group has accounted for more than half of all new

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Mar 25 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrities and the pressure to discuss plastic surgery

Public figures often face expectations that don’t apply to regular people. A recent debate highlights this issue after a well-known personality called out celebrities for not being open about plastic surgery. She argued that if someone clearly looks different, they should explain why instead of stay

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Mar 23 2026WEATHER

Cold Wind Hits Chicago After Sunny Weekend

Chicago residents enjoyed warm 70‑degree days on Friday and Saturday, but a sudden shift will bring cooler temperatures by Sunday. City readings are expected to drop into the low 40s, while farther south suburbs may stay around 50 degrees. Strong winds from the north will make it feel even colder,

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Mar 20 2026WEATHER

Chicago welcomes warmer days with a spring surprise

Chicago is trading its winter coat for sunshine this week as temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s. The city’s last full day of winter started crisp, with lakefront areas stuck in the 40s while inland spots like Kankakee flirted with 60. But the real change arrives Friday, when spring officially b

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