Chicago Tribune

Joliet mayor calls for donations to pay funeral costs for survivors of 7 relatives killed during shooting rampage

Caroline Kubzansky — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 02:20:56 +0000

Joliet's mayor asked the public to contribute to the grieving families of those killed during a deadly rampage that left seven people dead.

Concerned about climate change, more Chicagoans are buying all-electric home heating systems

Nara Schoenberg — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 02:18:40 +0000

Residential energy use accounts for about 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, according to a 2020 research article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

‘I love this community’: Black-owned running store on South Side in race to open new shop

Kate Armanini — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 01:51:14 +0000

Ian Gonzalez, owner of Last Lap Cornerstore, hopes to raise $200,000 to open a brick-and-mortar shop in Hyde Park.

With new farm bill in the works, Illinois farmers go to Washington to urge investments in environmental justice

Adriana Pérez — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:59:13 +0000

New law could provide protections that reduce economic inequality and build crop and human resilience to climate change

CPS student killed, two others wounded near Edgewater high school

Caroline Kubzansky, Rebecca Johnson — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:49:27 +0000

A witness saw what appeared to be a car of teens open fire on other teens, but police could not immediately confirm the claim.

Robbins and Chicago leaders split on how to stop water main leaking ‘thousands of gallons an hour’

Hank Sanders — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:59:16 +0000

A water main serving Robbins has been "leaking thousands of gallons of water an hour" for nearly a month, with Chicago and Robbins disputing who is responsible.

Shots fired outside Dolton business on Sibley Boulevard, several ambulances involved

Mike Nolan — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:33:56 +0000

At least four people were taken by ambulance from the scene of a shooting Wednesday morning on the 1100 block of Sibley Boulevard in Dolton.

University of Illinois police knew details about Terrence Shannon Jr. investigation but didn’t share with school officials, records show

Jonathan Bullington — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:20:38 +0000

Shannon faces one count of rape or an alternative count of misdemeanor sexual battery in a case that stems from a September trip he took to the University of Kansas.

Johnson allies delay vote on arbitration for cops accused of misconduct

A.D. Quig — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:10:00 +0000

Wednesday's maneuver was the latest chapter in a dispute over a decision granting Chicago FOP members the ability to have the most serious disciplinary cases heard privately by a third party.

Afternoon Briefing: City Council takes up Gaza cease-fire resolution

Chicago Tribune staff — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:09:16 +0000

Good afternoon, Chicago. Here's what is happening today.

Group objecting to Donald Trump’s place on Illinois primary ballot takes its case to court

Rick Pearson — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:31:58 +0000

A group seeking to have former President Donald Trump disqualified from Illinois’ March 19 GOP primary ballot based on the “insurrection clause” of the U.S. Constitution is seeking an expedited appeal of the board’s ruling in court.

Man fatally wounded, another man left in critical condition in shooting in East Garfield Park neighborhood, police say

Deanese Williams-Harris — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:23:17 +0000

A 40-year-old man was fatally wounded, and another man was left in critical condition in a shooting Tuesday morning in the East Garfield Park neighborhood on the West Side, police said.

Ex-city official gets 18 months in prison for role concealing multimillion-dollar embezzlement scheme that led to Bridgeport bank collapse

Jason Meisner — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:45:50 +0000

A former high-ranking city official was sentenced to 18 months in prison Wednesday for helping to conceal a multiyear embezzlement scheme that led to the failure of Washington Federal Bank for Savings

Teenage boy, 16, charged in separate armed robberies of 2 men on Southwest Side

Deanese Williams-Harris — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:58:37 +0000

The boy was charged as a juvenile in two robberies that happened on Dec. 28, 2023, in the 2700 block of South Kedzie Avenue and the 4400 block of South Archer Avenue.

Mundelein mulling options for redevelopment of ‘Bank Triangle’; ‘To show the rest of us what’s possible in the heart of downtown’

Chloe Hilles — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:32:22 +0000

The Mundelein Board of Trustees plans to hire an architect for the next step, so private developers can begin to visualize the business potential of the area.

Man, 40, shot while trying to stop thieves from stealing his vehicle overnight on South Side, cops say

Deanese Williams-Harris — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:52:48 +0000

A 40-year-old man was wounded overnight after he was alerted to thieves attempting to break into his parked vehicle and he tried to intervene he was shot in the Bronzeville neighborhood, Chicago police said.

3 young teens charged in Tuesday armed-robberies on Near North Side, Chicago police said

Deanese Williams-Harris — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:08:39 +0000

Three young teens, all 15-years-old, were charged as juveniles with armed robbery after being caught by police 40 minutes after holding up one of their victims on the Near North Side, Chicago police said.

Chicago City Council votes to support Gaza cease-fire, as Mayor Johnson casts tiebreaker

Jake Sheridan — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:43:12 +0000

Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the tiebreaking vote as the Chicago City Council narrowly passed a resolution calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza Wednesday, bringing a monthslong battle over the symbolic declaration to an end.

Charges pending against 3 who robbed man Tuesday night on Red Line platform, cops say

Deanese Williams-Harris — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:06:45 +0000

Charges are pending against three people who robbed a man on a CTA Red Line platform on the Near North Side but were caught by officers waiting at the Cermak station, Chicago police said.

Elon Musk cannot keep Tesla pay package worth more than $55 billion, judge rules

Randall Chase — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:20:37 +0000

Elon Musk is not entitled to landmark compensation package awarded by Tesla’s board of directors that is potentially worth more than $55 billion, a Delaware judge ruled Tuesday.

Changes coming for Metra riders, including new fares, low-income program and bike policy

Sarah Freishtat — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

The changes are coming as the commuter rail agency faces ridership that has continued to lag since the pandemic upended traditional commuting patterns.

Daywatch: Police arbitration scheduled for a vote again

Chicago Tribune staff — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:39:01 +0000

Good morning, Chicago. Here are some of the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Video shows educators at University of Chicago charter school mock special education student, call him ‘dumb’

Stacy St. Clair — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

A University of Chicago charter school is being sued after a video emerged showing a teacher mocking a special education student for crying and a classroom aide was convicted of misdemeanor battery for her role in the episode.

Oral history project by Chicago Theological Seminary shows how it served as incubator for area’s civil rights leaders

Darcel Rockett — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Project documents the trajectory of the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. and others who were involved with Operation Breadbasket.

National Public Housing Museum opens exhibit on eviction: ‘Housing insecurity is weighing heavy on so many of us’

Darcel Rockett — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

The museum's "Evicted" exhibit explores the struggles of low-income renters and ignites a call to address evictions locally and nationally.

‘Trash is just a failure of imagination.’ Artists and environmentalists seek creative ways to keep plastics out of landfills.

Adriana Pérez — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Between 150 million and 190 million tons of single-use plastic products were produced globally in 2021, according to international research. That number is expected to triple by 2060, with half ending up in landfills.

What to know about the Chicago Bears’ possible move from Soldier Field — and which other suburbs are vying for the stadium

Chicago Tribune staff — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:08:56 +0000

Here’s what to know about the Chicago Bears' possible move from Soldier Field.

Chicago Bears and schools are $100M apart on tax value of former Arlington Park, complicating stadium proposal

Robert McCoppin — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:31:42 +0000

The Chicago Bears and local schools are $100 million apart on the property tax valuations of the former Arlington International Racecourse, where the team wants to build an enclosed stadium.

Activists call on Chicago to reverse permit denial for march before Democratic National Convention

Rebecca Johnson — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:11:18 +0000

A group of abortion and LGBTQ+ activists appealed the city’s decision to reject their permit application for a march just before the Democratic National Convention.

Illinois elections board keeps Donald Trump on primary ballot. ‘I love Illinois,’ former president responds.

Rick Pearson, Olivia Stevens — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 23:57:10 +0000

Over objections based on the 14th Amendment, Illinois State Board of Elections unanimously votes to put Donald Trump on the state's March 19 primary ballot.

Notable celebrity and newsmaker deaths of 2024

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 23:07:00 +0000

A look at the notable celebrities and newsmakers who died in 2024.

Chita Rivera, revered and pioneering Tony-winning dancer and singer, dies at 91

Mark Kennedy — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 23:02:43 +0000

Chita Rivera, the dynamic dancer, singer and actress who garnered 10 Tony nominations, winning twice, in a long Broadway career that forged a path for Latina artists and shrugged off a near-fatal car accident, died Tuesday. She was 91.

City Council to vote on police arbitration again after committee opposes private disciplinary hearings

Jake Sheridan — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 22:43:56 +0000

The committee’s vote tees up another chapter in the back and forth between City Hall and the Fraternal Order of Police over the contract provision.

Could Ohio be the next state to use nitrogen gas in executions? A new method would end a 5-year halt

Julie Carr Smyth — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 22:16:33 +0000

Attorney General Dave Yost said adding nitrogen gas as an execution alternative in Ohio could end an unofficial death penalty moratorium that Republican Gov. Mike DeWine declared in 2020.

Judge orders Wisconsin elections officials to move quickly on changing absentee ballot rules

Scott Bauer — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 22:14:07 +0000

A Wisconsin judge on Tuesday ordered the state elections commission to implement his ruling allowing election clerks to accept absentee ballots that have partial witness addresses, a decision that is expected to expand the number of ballots that will be counted in the battleground state.

Chicago aldermen focus on migrant work authorizations rather than shelter conditions

A.D. Quig, Olivia Stevens — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:57:24 +0000

The bureaucratic focus of aldermen’s testimony belied the heated rhetoric and protests that have characterized discussions of the migrant crisis for months across Chicago

3 dead in single-vehicle crash near Palos Heights, 4th person hurt

Mike Nolan — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:34:17 +0000

A pickup truck crashed late Monday night into a ravine off Harlem Avenue near Palos Heights, leaving three men dead and a fourth injured, according to Cook County sheriff's police.

Students walk out at several CPS schools to demand City Council support cease-fire in Gaza

Sarah Macaraeg, Zareen Syed, Kate Armanini, Jake Sheridan — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 20:33:56 +0000

At about a dozen high schools across Chicago Tuesday, students are holding walkouts to demand aldermen vote in favor of a cease-fire resolution.

Afternoon Briefing: CPS students walk out across the city

Chicago Tribune staff — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:53:26 +0000

Good afternoon, Chicago. Here's what is happening today.

Former NBA star Rajon Rondo, who played for the Chicago Bulls, is arrested on gun and marijuana charges in Indiana

Chuck Schilken — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:31:14 +0000

Two-time NBA champion Rajon Rondo was arrested in Indiana over the weekend on charges related to firearm and drug possession.

Niles, Lincolnwood, Norridge pass ordinances to curb unscheduled bus drop-offs of migrants

Richard Requena — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:01:20 +0000

The Village Boards of Niles, Lincolnwood and Norridge passed ordinances meant to curb unscheduled bus stops, like other suburbs who made bussing ordinances to prevent migrants from being dropped off.

Valentine’s Day in Chicago: The warmest, coldest, snowiest and wettest weather since 1871

Kori Rumore — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:25:48 +0000

A look back at the warmest, coldest, wettest and snowiest weather for Feb. 14 in Chicago since 1871.

3 injured in overnight fire in Old Town neighborhood, officials said

Deanese Williams-Harris — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:10:08 +0000

An extra-alarm fire broke out about 1 a.m. at a 4-story building at 1446 N. Wells Street. A 2-11 alarm was called at the scene, Chicago Fire Department officials said.

Man charged with attempt murder in Saturday shooting in Woodlawn neighborhood, police say

Deanese Williams-Harris — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 14:23:14 +0000

Michael Ross of the 6400 block of West Lavergne Avenue was arrested Saturday night in the 6600 block of South Drexel Avenue after being identified as the gunman who shot a woman minutes earlier in the 6500 block of South Langley Avenue, police said.

Daywatch: Donald Trump and the Illinois ballot

Chicago Tribune staff — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:35:56 +0000

Good morning, Chicago. Here are some of the top stories you need to know to start your day.

Prosecutors want up to 5 years in prison for former Madigan aide Tim Mapes, while defense asks for community service

Jason Meisner, Ray Long — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:33:02 +0000

Prosecutors argued in a court filing that Tim Mapes lied to a federal grand jury in a cynical attempt to protect House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Support staff at Crystal Lake D47 file unfair labor practice charge after district hires staffing firm

Zareen Syed — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Contract workers from a staffing firm make more than four times what some permanent paraprofessionals make, the union representing paraprofessionals across 12 schools argues.

Chicago man arrested in massive $400 million ‘SIM swap’ scheme allegedly targeting company’s cryptocurrency accounts

Jason Meisner — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

A Chicago man has been arrested in a sophisticated $400 million ‘SIM swap’ scheme that allegedly siphoned cryptocurrency