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The New Stop And Frisk? Chicago Police Make Millions Of Traffic Stops While Searching For Guns

Chicago police pulled over hundreds of thousands more drivers than they previously reported, but they found guns in fewer than one of every 150 stops, according to a new data analysis.

Citywide

After Lifeguard Shortage Of 2022, Park District Vows To Ramp Up Hiring And Teen Programs Next Year

The budget approved Wednesday will help create a benefits package to attract new employees and avoid the staff shortages that forced the district to keep some pools and beaches closed this summer.

Citywide

Music Fests Will Now Require Park District Board Approval, But Skeptics Worry City Will Choose ‘Profit Over People’

Music fests in parks have long frustrated residents who are fenced out of public spaces. The new rules give communities more power to weigh in — but it remains to be seen if the board will listen.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

No, There Is No ‘Purge Law’ In Illinois. Here Are The Facts About Ending Cash Bail

Viral TikToks and other social media posts are wrong about an Illinois law eliminating cash bail. Judges will still be able to detain people who pose a threat to the community or a flight risk.

Citywide

Douglass Park Neighbors ‘Sad’ And ‘Ignored’ As Music Fests Ruin Their Park All Summer — And Cleanup Won’t Come Until Fall

A soccer team had to move practice after a player was cut by broken glass left in the field after a festival. Residents say instead of listening to their concerns, the city added two more festivals to the park in recent years.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

West, South Side Groups Are Getting A Share Of $75 Million To Support Gun Violence Prevention

Cook County is funding 37 community groups in Chicago to scale up programs that "address the root causes of violence and crime in our communities," board President Toni Preckwinkle said.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

A Woman Is Suing A West Side Hospital, Saying It Partially Sterilized Her Without Consent

Physicians at Mount Sinai Hospital were halfway through a tubal ligation when they realized the woman, Lourdes Maldonado, never requested the procedure, according to her lawsuit.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Riot Fest Contractor Quits After ‘Disrespectful’ Meeting Fuels Tensions Between Fest Organizers, Neighbors

Riot Fest management apologized to residents after a poorly planned community meeting ruffled the feathers of Douglass Park neighbors. A new community meeting will be held.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

A West Side Smokehouse Where Teens Learn To Cook Needs Help Reopening After Someone Stole Its Generators

The restaurant, 5th Ave Smokers, offers West Side kids jobs and trains them to cook, garden and more. It's been forced to close temporarily after its generators were stolen.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Rapper Vic Mensa Is Bringing The City’s First Black Weed Brand To Chicago’s Dispensaries

Vic Mensa has launched 93 Boyz, a "premium gas" weed brand aimed at reinvesting in communities hit hardest by marijuana criminalization.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

13-Year-Old Struck By Lightning Outside Garfield Park Conservatory

The teen was hospitalized in critical condition after the freak accident Wednesday when scattered thunderstorms formed suddenly around the city.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Chicago Police Are Arresting Thousands More Black Drivers After Traffic Stops Than They Report

An analysis by Block Club Chicago and Injustice Watch found thousands of missing traffic stops that ended in gun possession arrests in data Chicago police are required to report to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Citywide

Chicago Police Stopped Black Drivers 5 Times More Often Than White Drivers In 2021, State Report Says

The number of traffic stops in Chicago has increased exponentially since 2015, following a lawsuit settlement that restricted the use of stop-and-frisk.

Citywide

Knute Rockne Stadium Won’t Be Ready For Fall Sports After Renovation Delayed By Work Stoppage At Illinois Quarries

The CPS-owned stadium in Austin is getting a new track and turf field as part of a multi-year overhaul. But the work stoppage means it won't be ready by fall.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Gunfire Erupts During Shakespeare In The Park Performance On The West Side

One mom, who had her kids lay down to shield them from the gunfire, said she is rethinking taking them to future summer events. No child should have to "experience this because of where they live," she said.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Live Near Douglass Park? You Can Sign Up Saturday For Free Tickets To Riot Fest

Neighbors of Douglass Park can stop by Saturday to sign up for free tickets to the punk rock and alternative music festival.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

As Cash Bond Is Abolished, Advocates Are Tackling Housing Insecurity To Help People Stay Out Of Jail

Lawndale Christian Legal Center and the Bail Project are helping people awaiting trial with addiction treatment, mental health help and workforce training. Now, they're adding housing to the mix.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

West Siders Petition To Boot Riot Fest, Lyrical Lemonade And Heatwave From Douglass Park

A third major event, the Heatwave Festival, debuted this weekend at Douglass Park. Some residents are frustrated they are fenced out of their neighborhood park for weeks of the summer so private companies can profit.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Pangea Real Estate Faces Lawsuit As Tenants Allege Rodent Infestations, Mold And Insufficient Heating

One of the city's largest real estate companies is being sued by a group of tenants who claim Pangea neglected serious maintenance issues to boost profits.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale

Lightfoot Appoints Former Ald. Michael Scott Jr. To Chicago Board Of Education His Father Once Ran

Michael Scott Jr.'s former aldermanic seat is staying in the family, too. Last month, Lightfoot appointed his sister, Monique Scott, to replace him.

Austin, Garfield Park, North Lawndale
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