Chicago Woman, 104, Leaps From Plane to Become World's Oldest Skydiver, Hot Air Balloon Ride for 105
104 year old leaves walker on runway jumps, from plane hoping to be certified as oldest person ever to skydive. In a remarkable display of courage and vitality, a 104-year-old Chicago woman, Dorothy Hoffner, has set her sights on becoming the oldest certified skydiver in the world. Leaving her walker firmly on the ground, she embarked on a tandem jump in northern Illinois, determined to redefine age-related limitations.
Read full storyFormer Cook County Assessor Confessed Helped Businesses Cheat on Taxes for Free Golf
Basilio Clausen faces up to five years in prison, cooperating with federal prosecutors. A former Cook County Assessor's employee, Basilio Clausen, has pleaded guilty to his involvement in a tax scheme that unlawfully reduced tax bills for specific commercial properties by over $150,000 over three years, all in exchange for two golf outings. Clausen's admission of guilt on a conspiracy charge was accompanied by his formal agreement to cooperate with federal prosecutors.
Read full storyChicago Voted Best City in U.S. for Seventh Consecutive Year
According to Condé Nast Traveler readers Chicago's a seven time champ as Best Large US City. In an annual tradition, Condé Nast Traveler readers have once again declared Chicago the best city in the United States, marking the seventh consecutive year the Windy City has claimed this prestigious title.
Read full storyUniversity of Chicago Library Expands Access to Banned Books Amid National Debate Over Censorship
In the middle of growing controversy due to nationwide efforts to ban books, University of Chicago will expand access to banned books for Chicago based researchers, residents, throughout Illinois, across the U.S.
Read full storyChicago's Migrant Tent Base Camp Contractor Was Rejected in Denver
Denver Mayor withdrew $40 million contract with GardaWorld because didn't believe company was experienced in working with people from inside. It's come to light that the firm contracted by the city of Chicago to provide tent "base camps" for migrants was rejected in Denver, Colorado, raising concerns about its suitability for the task.
Read full storySettlement Reached in Case of Chicago Woman Found Frozen to Death in Hotel Freezer
Family of 19 year old Kenneka Jenkins reach settlement in negligence case against Crown Plaza O'Hare Rosemont hotel, its security company, restaurant. The family of Kenneka Jenkins, a 19-year-old woman whose tragic death inside a hotel walk-in freezer in 2017 stirred controversy and speculation, has reached a settlement agreement with the hotel, its security company, and the hotel's restaurant.
Read full storyEvanston Committee Approves Ban on Flavored Tobacco, but Exempts Menthol
Human Services Committee votes 3-2 in favor of exempting menthol products from ordinance, feels other governmental unit better at dealing with issue. Evanston, a city known for its proactive stance against smoking, took a tentative step on Monday as the Human Services Committee voted 3-2 to exclude menthol from a proposed ban on flavored tobacco products. This decision has sparked debate about whether Evanston should maintain its leadership role in the fight against smoking.
Read full storyChicago City Council Debates 'Sanctuary City' Status as Windy City Overrun with Migrants
Pritzker hopes other cities will help but says it's voluntary. The Chicago City Council's Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights convened at City Hall to discuss the ongoing arrival of migrants in the city, prompting a debate over Chicago's "sanctuary city" status. The meeting, held on Friday morning, primarily centered on issues related to welcoming new arrivals.
Read full storyChicago Alderman Irate Over Migrant Shelter Plan at Amundsen Park Field House
29th Ward Ald. Chris Taliaferro plans a community meeting Tuesday at the field house to discuss taking resources from communities that can't spare them. Alderman Chris Taliaferro (29th) has voiced his strong objections to Mayor Brandon Johnson's plan to transform the Amundsen Park Field House into a temporary shelter for 200 migrants for a minimum of six months. This move comes amid increasing tensions between African American and Latino communities in the city due to the ongoing migrant crisis.
Read full storyChicago State University Ordered to Release Documents in Nigerian Presidential Election Dispute
Chicago State University must turn over documents related to the time Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's spent at the college in the late 1970s. In a significant development, a U.S. federal judge has ruled that Chicago State University (CSU) must provide documents related to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu's academic history at the institution during the late 1970s. This decision comes as CSU finds itself embroiled in a political dispute over the authenticity of Tinubu's diploma, which he presented before Nigeria's national election earlier this year.
Read full storyLawyers Want to Stop Inclusion of Former Alderman's Tax Work for Trump Tower During Corruption Trial
Defense lawyers for indicted former 14th Ward Ald. Edward Burke want to bar mention of his law firm winning big property tax breaks for Donald Trump’s downtown Chicago tower, saying it would be prejudicial due to Trump being “despised by a significant percentage of the population”
Read full story15 More Buses Filled With Migrants Arrive in Chicago Over Weekend
More busloads of asylum seekers arrive as Windy City struggles to support those already there along with many others in need across the city. Over the weekend, Chicago witnessed the arrival of 15 more buses carrying migrants and asylum seekers, adding to the ongoing challenge of accommodating those seeking refuge in the city. This influx of newcomers has placed a significant burden on Chicago's resources as it grapples with finding ways to support these individuals and the broader population in need.
Read full storyFormer Chicago Mayor Lightfoot's Tenure Fostered Significant Number of Independent Alders in City
City Council members embrace independence, bringing disagreements to new mayoral administration. Mayor Lori Lightfoot's term has left a lasting mark on Chicago's political landscape. A recent report by researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) reveals that Lightfoot's relationship with the City Council was one of the most contentious in decades, but it may have ushered in a major shift towards independent decision-making.
Read full storyChicago Police Department Commander Demoted Following White Sox Ballpark Shooting Incident
He did not have the written permission to work an outside job, as required by department regulations. In the aftermath of a shooting incident at Guaranteed Rate Field during a White Sox game last month, a Chicago police commander has been demoted, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Read full storyAccording to City Leader, "Innocent People are Being Hunted Like Prey" in Chicago
Chicago alderman Raymond Lopez criticizes city’s response to crime. A leader in Chicago, Alderman Raymond Lopez (15th Ward), has raised serious concerns about the city's approach to addressing crime. In a recent interview with "America Reports," Lopez described a troubling situation where he believes innocent individuals are being "hunted down like prey."
Read full storyIllinois Governor Allocates $41.5M to Chicago-Area Governments to Aid Some Migrants Sent to Chicago
Taxpayer money pays for grant opportunities provided for cities that will do that. In a significant move to provide support and resources to migrants arriving in the state, Illinois has allocated over $41.5 million in taxpayer-funded grants to six local governments in the Chicago area. These funds are aimed at assisting with the needs of the approximately 15,000 non-citizen migrant arrivals.
Read full storySouth Side Chicago Science Festival Ignites Curiosity in Science for Young Students
University of Chicago South Side Science gave new generation of potential scientists close-up view of science. The second annual South Side Science Festival, hosted by the University of Chicago, proved to be a remarkable occasion for kids and parents alike. With over 60 live demonstrations, four panels, and various engaging activities, the festival aimed to bridge the gap between young minds and the world of science.
Read full storyChicago Public Schools $3B Immediately, $14.4B Total to Renovate, Modernize All Schools in System
CPS needs $3B for immediate critical needs of school buildings which are on average 83 years old, in serious disrepair; already faces $628M structural operating deficit. A recent report has shed light on the substantial financial burden facing Chicago Public Schools (CPS), which need an estimated $14.4 billion for emergency building repairs and a comprehensive modernization effort. This revelation comes amid concerns about the deteriorating condition of CPS facilities, many of which are plagued by issues such as lead paint, leaky ceilings, and crumbling infrastructure.
Read full storyIllinois Sec of State Proposes Raising Driving Test Age to 79 Before Temporary Rule Expires on Oct 1
Change would make temporary state policy that went into effect during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent. During the pandemic, several driver's license requirements were temporarily adjusted in Springfield to alleviate pressure on the secretary of state's office, which oversees driver services facilities. This included raising the age for mandatory driving tests.
Read full storyIllinois Receives Failing Grade in New Report on Educational Freedom
Recent report assessing educational freedoms across U.S. states, District of Columbia has given Illinois a failing grade for school choice, choice of type of schooling. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) 2023 Index of State Education Freedom evaluated state edcuational systems based on various criteria, including school choice programs, charter school support, homeschooling regulations, virtual schooling, and open enrollment policies.
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