CHICAGO

Jun 01 2025POLITICS

What Happened This Week in Illinois and Chicago?

The month of May has flown by, and there's a lot to catch up on. Let's dive into the key events that shaped the past week. Lawmakers in Springfield have been working overtime as the spring legislative session wraps up. They're racing against time to finalize a budget without resorting to "broad-based" taxes, all while tackling a massive transit bill. This bill aims ...

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May 31 2025EDUCATION

Chicago's Charter Schools: A New Era of Renewals and Challenges

The Chicago Board of Education recently made a significant decision regarding charter schools. They renewed the contracts of 16 charter schools that were set to expire at the end of June. This decision came after a revised evaluation process that considered four key factors: academic performance, financial health, inclusive programming, and organizational compliance....

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May 29 2025SPORTS

How Bears' Coach is Shaping Caleb Williams' Attitude

The Chicago Bears are hoping for a big turnaround from quarterback Caleb Williams. They brought in Ben Johnson as their new head coach. He is not just focusing on Williams' on-field skills. Johnson is also working on Williams' off-field demeanor. Johnson has been clear about what he expects. He does not want to see any "woe is me" attitudes from his players. This in...

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May 29 2025SPORTS

Caleb Williams' First Year: A Quarterback's Journey in Chicago

The Chicago Bears quarterback, Caleb Williams, has had an eventful start to his NFL career. This past Wednesday, he faced the media to address some unexpected revelations from a forthcoming book. The book, "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback, " provided some insights into Williams' thoughts before the 2024 draft. It turns out, Williams was not thrilled...

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May 23 2025CRIME

A Chicagoan's Path to Tragedy

A man from Chicago has been accused of a shocking crime. Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old, is suspected of shooting and killing two workers from the Israeli embassy. The incident happened late on a Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. Rodriguez shouted, "Free Palestine" as he was being arrested. Rodriguez has been active in poli...

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May 23 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Chicago's Love for Sports: The Legacy of a Beloved Actor

George Wendt, a name that resonates with many, was more than just an actor. He was a true-blue Chicago sports enthusiast, much like the character he played on "Saturday Night Live, " Bob Swerski. Wendt's portrayal of Swerski, a die-hard Chicago sports fan, became iconic. This character loved beer, sausages, and cheering for "Da Coach" Mike Ditka and the Bears and Bul...

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May 14 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Chicago's Crime Saga: Stars and Directors Unite

A new crime thriller is on the horizon, and it's set to make waves in the film industry. The project, titled "Enemies, " is a collaboration between several big names in Hollywood. At the helm is Henry Dunham, who will both direct and write the script. Dunham's previous work includes the crime thriller "The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, " which follows a former cop turne...

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May 12 2025RELIGION

Chicago's Pride: A New Pope from the Heartland

The news spread quickly. A Chicago native, Robert Prevost, had become Pope Leo XIV. This was a big deal. Chicagoans felt a mix of pride and excitement. The new pope's journey from Chicago to Rome was a story of growth and faith. The first Sunday with an American pope was special. Catholics across the country filled churches, feeling a sense of pride and hope...

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May 09 2025BUSINESS

Chicago's Sweet Surprise: Nutella's New Peanut Twist

Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and towering skyscrapers, is about to add another sweet treat to its resume. Nutella, the beloved hazelnut spread, is getting a makeover with a peanut twist, and it's all happening in the Windy City. This isn't just a simple flavor change; it's a big deal. Nutella hasn't had a new flavor in over 60 years. The new spread,...

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May 03 2025BUSINESS

Chicago Casino Construction Hits a Snag

The Chicago casino project, led by Bally's, has run into trouble. The Illinois Gaming Board has halted work at the site in River West. Why? They found out that an unauthorized waste hauler, with past ties to organized crime, was being used. This company, D&P Construction, was hired by the Chicago Community Builders Collective, the main contractors for the $1. 7 billi...

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