The Hardest-Working Paper in America | 
Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Catherine Odom

Chonkosaurus was spotted again Wednesday, June 8, 2023, around 4 p.m. near the Division St. Bridge on the east side of Goose Island.
News
Return of Chonkosaurus: notorious turtle spotted on Chicago River
The massive snapping turtle, estimated to weigh about 35 pounds, went viral after being spotted sunbathing on a rusted metal chain in the Chicago River last month.
By Catherine Odom
 
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Theater
Roman Banks to star as Michael Jackson in ‘MJ’ musical in Chicago
‘Dear Evan Hansen’ alum cast as King of Pop in stage musical playing the Nederlander Theatre Aug. 1-Sept. 2.
By Catherine Odom and Miriam Di Nunzio
 
This March 31, 2021 file photo shows a EVgo electric vehicle charging station at Willow Festival shopping plaza parking lot in Northbrook, Ill.
Business
Cannabis farm among recipients of $12.6 million in Illinois grants for EV chargers
The Illinois EPA expects to build nearly 350 new direct-current fast-charger ports through this program, funded with proceeds from a 2016 Volkswagen settlement.
By Catherine Odom
 
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Entertainment and Culture
Swifties without tickets settle for the next best thing: listening from outside
Hundreds crowd the grassy lawns on the north and south sides of Soldier Field.
By Catherine Odom
 
Ava Preziosi, 12, wears matching crew neck Taylor Swift ‘The Eras Tour’ sweatshirts with her mom Jaime Preziosi, 45, a day before Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour outside Soldier Field, Thursday, June 1, 2023
Music
Swifties, Chicago prepare for Taylor Swift’s Soldier Field dates
Taylor Swift performs three sold-out shows at Soldier Field this weekend. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
By Catherine Odom and Katie Anthony
 
Police officers run after a group of teenagers got into a fight and shots were fired at North Avenue Beach, Friday, May 26, 2023.
City Hall
North Avenue Beach closed after shots fired amid large fight; no injuries reported
About 80 to 100 teens were gathered at the beach Friday afternoon when the fight erupted and one person fired a gun, police said.
By Kaitlin Washburn and Catherine Odom
 
A lifeguard patrols the beach ahead of Memorial Day weekend at North Avenue Beach, Friday, May 26, 2023.
Chicago
Beaches open for holiday weekend; Park District ‘optimistic’ about filling lifeguard staff
All 22 of Chicago’s beaches opened Friday. Beachgoers can now swim from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Labor Day.
By Catherine Odom
 
Bernie Powell charges is Tesla Model Y at the Target, 2656 N. Elston Ave.
Transportation
Half of Chicago neighborhoods lack electric vehicle chargers for public use
Building a robust network of chargers to make EV ownership feasible, whether you live in a rural town or a big city like Chicago, is proving difficult.
By Catherine Odom
 
Travelers arrive for flights at O’Hare Airport on May 25, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. AAA projects about 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Memorial Day weekend, 3.4 million by air. This represents a 7% increase in the number of travelers from 2022. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775979136
News
2 million Illinoisans expected to travel Memorial Day weekend
Most of those getting away will be hitting the road, with travel likely to peak Friday, AAA said.
By Catherine Odom