CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY

May 19 2026WEATHER

Storm Alert: What Chicago Can Expect Next

Chicago is bracing for more weather surprises today. A storm watch keeps running until 5 p. m. Monday for the city and nearby parts of northwest Indiana. Earlier, a warning for fast winds and small hail ended just before noon, but the warm 78-degree afternoon could spark new storms. These storms mig

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May 17 2026EDUCATION

Public colleges face tough questions about their future

Public universities were built to lift people up, not shut them out. But today, many wonder if these schools still serve the public good. Rising costs make families hesitate before signing up. Some question whether degrees still lead to good jobs. Others doubt if universities are spending money wise

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Political Jokes and Media Responsibility: A Late-Night Debate

Public figures often clash over where comedy ends and offense begins. A recent argument highlights this tension after a late-night host made a joke about Melania Trump, sparking a debate about media responsibility and political speech. A top advisor to the first lady called for the host’s removal, c

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Apr 24 2026HEALTH

Rethinking HIV Laws: Are Strict Rules Really the Best Defense?

Public health debates often clash over how to handle diseases like HIV. Russia once took a hard stance, making it a crime to spread HIV through actions like unprotected sex or needle sharing. The idea was simple: punish those who put others at risk to slow the epidemic. But over time, experts began

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Apr 20 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Celebrities who faced unfair media storms

Public figures often face intense scrutiny, but some get caught in media crosshairs unfairly. Reports like these highlight how power dynamics shape public perception. Mental health struggles are rarely treated with care in celebrity narratives. Amanda Bynes, for example, was ridiculed as she battled

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Apr 15 2026RELIGION

When Leaders Disagree: A Closer Look at Religion and Politics

Public figures often clash when their views don’t align, and the recent disagreement between a U. S. president and the head of the Catholic Church is no exception. The president took to social media to question the pope’s stance on a major conflict, calling his approach weak and suggesting the pope

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