CHICAGO HEIGHTS STAR

May 11 2026HEALTH

How first-year students handle stress and why some struggle more than others

Starting university is often seen as a fresh start, but it can also bring unexpected pressure. Many students face state anxiety—stress that shows up in the moment—when dealing with new routines, academic demands, and social changes. Some handle it well, while others find it hard to adjust. Research

reading time less than a minute
May 11 2026WEATHER

Chicago’s Sunday to shine with sun and wind, warmer days ahead

Chicago wakes up to a pleasant Sunday, thanks to mostly bright skies and a gentle breeze keeping things fresh by the lake. Clouds may drift in later, but temperatures will stay mild. Most spots outside the lakeside zone should reach the mid-60s, making Mother’s Day nice for outdoor plans. Monday ke

reading time less than a minute
May 09 2026FINANCE

China now allows two more firms to audit Hong Kong-listed firms

Starting mid-May, Chinese companies trading in Hong Kong will have more options when picking auditors. The country’s finance and stock market watchdogs just greenlit RSM and Baker Tilly, two accounting firms based in China, to handle these audits. This move follows a 2025 decision to expand the list

reading time less than a minute
May 08 2026WEATHER

Cold Start, Warm Future: Chicago’s May Weather Mix

Chicago woke up to a chilly shock, with some spots dipping below 30°F. A frost warning covered almost every county except Cook. The National Weather Service said the day was unusually cold for May. Highs should climb into the low 60s, but showers may appear. A storm expert noted that not everyone w

reading time less than a minute
May 08 2026CRIME

Remembering a Chicago Officer: A Community in Mourning

Chicago came together last week at St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church to honor Officer John Bartholomew, a 10-year veteran who was killed in the line of duty. The visitation wasn’t just a gathering—it was a sea of blue ribbons tied to trees and lampposts, a sea of small flags fluttering in the wind,

reading time less than a minute
May 08 2026ENVIRONMENT

Holyoke says goodbye to rat poison on public land

Starting next month, Holyoke will stop using poison to control rats on city property. The City Council voted unanimously to ban a group of strong rodenticides called second-generation anticoagulants. The move follows concerns about how these chemicals affect more than just rats—they can harm pets, b

reading time less than a minute
May 06 2026POLITICS

New Zealand Adds Citizenship Test for New Residents

Starting in 2027, people who want to become citizens of New Zealand will have to pass a new test. The exam will be held face‑to‑face and will contain 20 multiple‑choice questions written in English. Applicants must answer at least 15 correctly to qualify. The questions will cover a range of topics.

reading time less than a minute
Apr 30 2026BUSINESS

IBM Brings New Tech Hub and 750 Jobs to Chicago’s South Side

Chicago is getting a major tech boost with IBM’s plans to open a new innovation center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. The company will add 750 full-time jobs over five years, covering fields like cybersecurity, AI, and data science. The state has already poured $500 million into

reading time less than a minute
Apr 29 2026FINANCE

New crypto rules in the UK: a tough road ahead for small players

Starting in 2027, the UK will enforce stricter rules for crypto businesses, and small firms might find it hard to meet the new standards. Any company that keeps customer money for more than a day or can change what users do must get a full license. This covers not just big exchanges but also smaller

reading time less than a minute
Apr 13 2026WEATHER

Storm Watch: Chicago Faces Multiple Weather Threats This Week

Chicago residents should prepare for a week of unpredictable weather, with several chances for strong to severe storms starting Monday afternoon. The first potential showers appear during the morning commute, as warm temperatures and humid conditions set the stage for possible rain. Morning dew poin

reading time less than a minute