News from Illinois
From places in Illinois
Chicago Council Approves Sale of Parking Meter Lease to Investment Firm
The Chicago City Council approved the sale of the city's parking meters lease to Stonepeak Partners. The deal provides an upfront payment of $75 million and a 5% share of future profits for the city. These funds are expected to benefit the city’s pension funds.
Rain Expected in Chicago Area with Remnants of Hurricane Polo
The Chicago area anticipates significant rain over the next two days, potentially including remnants of Hurricane Polo. Showers and thunderstorms could impact the region late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with possible heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding.
Chicago Mariachi Group Performs National Anthem at Bears Game
El Mariachi Herencia de México performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" in a mariachi style before the Chicago Bears game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The performance took place at Soldier Field as part of the team's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, which was broadcast nationally.
OpenAI Alerted Chicago It Accessed City Database Amid Reports Of Its Agents Going Rogue
OpenAI alerted the city of Chicago that its technology probed an online city database. A city spokesperson stated the accessed information was from a public-facing dashboard and that the city is unaware of any sensitive data being obtained or unauthorized use.
Chicago renter rights overhaul stalls again
A fight in City Hall has caused two ordinances meant to overhaul Chicago renters' rights to stall once more as sides seek compromise.
Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Questions for the 2026-27 Season
The Chicago Blackhawks begin the 2026-27 season facing many questions, including what a Patrick Kane-Connor Bedard pairing might look like.
'Goonie Gang' boss receives life in prison after South Side terror
U.S. District Judge John Blakey stated that the debt Romeo Blackman owes to society is significant following his involvement in a series of killings and the corruption of young people. The judge made these remarks regarding Blackman's sentencing.
Chuck E. Cheese's New All-Day Play Concept Coming to Chicago Suburbs
Chuck E. Cheese is bringing its newest concept, Adventure World, to the Chicago suburbs next year. The multilevel indoor playground will feature active play space and themed areas. The chain operates multiple locations across the Chicago area.
Chicago Officials Rally Against Peoples Gas Rate Hike Request
Dozens of elected officials penned a letter urging state regulators to reject Peoples Gas’ $144 million rate hike request. Lawmakers decried the 10.1% shareholder profit sought as "outrageous," especially amid rising costs for Chicago residents. The proposed increase would raise average monthly bills by $7-8 starting in January.
Chicago Physicist Vincenzo Vitelli Receives MacArthur Foundation Fellowship
Physicist Vincenzo Vitelli, a tenured professor at the University of Chicago, has been selected as one of 20 recipients for the MacArthur Foundation's "genius grant." His research focuses on building theoretical frameworks to describe unusual systems and how various agents interact.
Four Chicago-Area High Schools Ranked Among Nation's Best for 2027
A new report from Niche placed four Chicago-area high schools among the nation's best public options for 2027. Additionally, multiple suburban school districts were recognized in the top rankings across the country. The report considered factors like diversity and teacher salaries.
Chicago Cubs Set Wild Card Series Roster Against San Diego Padres
The Chicago Cubs have finalized their 26-man roster for the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. Matthew Boyd is slated to start Game 1, with Kevin Gausman expected for Game 2. The team opted to keep Aaron Civale on its pitching staff.
University of Chicago theoretical physicist honored as MacArthur Fellow
Vincenzo Vitelli's work centers on a novel approach to considering collections of "agents," such as robots, as a form of material. The article mentions this focus in relation to the University of Chicago.
Chicago cop charged with punching teenage girl during confrontation
Prosecutors allege that Sgt. Jeremy Sikorski attacked a 17-year-old girl after confronting teenagers involved in an altercation with his child. The girl reportedly suffered a concussion and identified Sikorski, along with five others, as the assailant.
Federal Authorities Tapped Local Surveillance Networks in Botched Chicago Prosecutions
Federal authorities accessed local surveillance networks, including ALPRs and cameras, while attempting to prosecute Marimar Martinez and Anthony Ruiz. The use of this data has raised concerns among advocates about the lack of oversight when private information moves between agencies. This case highlights ongoing worries regarding law enforcement surveillance.
Heavy Rain Expected Across Chicago Area This Week
Multiple rounds of heavy rain are expected to move into the Chicago area starting overnight into Wednesday. Dense fog was reported Tuesday, and showers will begin moving east by about 5 a.m., with heavy rain anticipated through Thursday morning.
Chicago River Bridge Lifts Begin This Week for Watercraft Access
The Chicago River bridge lifts are set to begin this week, allowing sailboats and other watercraft access from Lake Michigan. The first lift is scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., with most lifts occurring on Wednesdays and Saturdays through November. Traffic will need to detour around each lift, which takes about eight-to-12 minutes.
Fighter Jets Intercept Planes Over Chicago Area During President's Visit
At least 10 planes were intercepted by fighter jets over the Chicago area on Sunday for violating a temporary flight restriction. This occurred during President Donald Trump’s visit to Medinah Country Club for the Presidents Cup. Officials stated all situations were resolved safely after numerous civilian aircraft violated the restrictions.
Suspect Charged in Shooting of 1-Year-Old Girl in Chicago Lawn
Felony charges have been filed against Davaris Washington following a shooting that critically injured a one-year-old girl in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood. The incident occurred Saturday morning near the 6400 block of South Mozart. Authorities charged Washington with multiple felonies, including reckless discharge of a firearm.
Remnants of Hurricane Polo Could Impact Chicago Weather This Week
The remnants of Hurricane Polo could bring several days of rain to the Chicago area later this week. While Monday and Tuesday may see dry weather, showers are expected starting Wednesday morning, with a bigger wave arriving late Wednesday into Thursday.
Chicago School Board Incumbents' Votes on Key Issues Reviewed
Chalkbeat Chicago compiled how sixteen current school board incumbents voted on various key issues since January 2025. The analysis covers votes on matters like adopting a budget and setting policy for the city’s public schools. This review examines voting records, including instances of abstention or absence.
New Spinoff Series 'Neagley' Centers on Chicago
The spinoff series "Neagley" is set in Chicago and centers on Frances Neagley, a private investigator. The show premiered on Prime Video last week and features on-location shots around the city. It follows her investigation into a conspiracy after a childhood friend's death.
Man Charged with Shooting Girl in Chicago Lawn Home
Davaris Washington, 38, has been charged by Chicago police. The charges include reckless discharge of a firearm, unlawful use of a machine gun, and reckless conduct causing great bodily harm. He was also charged with possession of a firearm by a repeat offender.
Over 100 crosses honor those who died in ICE custody in Chicago
More than 100 crosses, each bearing the name of a person who died under immigration custody or during an operation, are being displayed. These crosses will be shown at the Cathedral del Santo Nombre and moved to other parishes and schools throughout the Chicago area.
Summarized from public news sources, not original Juncture reporting. Open the linked sources for the full story.