Good afternoon, Chicago.
Following a hotly contested Democratic primary campaign for Cook County state’s attorney that took 10 days to resolve because it was so close, the general election race this fall to replace Kim Foxx as county prosecutor has been relatively sleepy. But it still has intrigue and ironies.
The Democratic nominee, Eileen O’Neill Burke, prevailed in the primary while pushing back against claims she’s a de facto Republican, while the Republican nominee, Bob Fioretti, was until recently a longtime Democrat who is being backed in the general election by progressive icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson. And after running a robust campaign to defeat the Cook County Democratic Party’s favored candidate in March, O’Neill Burke has made a concerted effort since to largely lay low while Fioretti is trying — and mostly failing — to raise enough money to make the race competitive.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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Illinois school report cards show graduation and literacy rates at record highs, but math woes prompt state plan
The graduation rate among Illinois students hit a historic high, of nearly 88%, last school year, as did student performance on literacy exams, state officials announced today upon the release of the 2024 Illinois Report Card. Read more here.
More top news stories:
- Mayor Brandon Johnson seeks $300 million property tax hike in 2025 budget
- Former Madigan lieutenant gives jurors in corruption case insider look at speaker’s power
Chicago’s summer real estate market was plagued by inventory, affordability challenges, with lower mortgage rates offering relief for some
In September, Redfin data shows home prices in the Chicago area were up 9.4% over the same time last year, versus a 3.9% increase nationwide. Read more here.
More top business stories:
- Group that oversees Wilmette’s Baha’i House of Worship buys nearby Sheridan Road home for $1.5M
- Blue Island considers plan to bring a Cook County Fair to former landfill site
Chicago Bears Q&A: Will Tyrique Stevenson be benched after the Hail Mary debacle? Why won’t Matt Eberflus admit to poor decisions?
The fallout continues from the Bears’ stunning 18-15 loss to the Washington Commanders on a 52-yard Hail Mary on Sunday’s final play. Read more here.
More top sports stories:
- Chicago basketball report: Shaquille O’Neal faces backlash for Angel Reese comments — and which locals made the Windy City Bulls camp roster
- Lonzo Ball to be sidelined at least 10 days for the Chicago Bulls with a sprained right wrist
Review: Stripped down ‘3.0’ tour at the Auditorium shows a Sting in top condition
Appearing at the historic venue on the second of a four-night run on his “Sting 3.0” tour, the 73-year-old icon played with a rousing blend of energy, finesse and muscularity that mirrored his athletic physique. Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
- In appreciation: Teri Garr was an original who fought typecasting to the end
- Column: Heeere’s Johnny Carson, brought to you in a book by Bill Zehme and Mike Thomas
Dozens die in devastating flash floods in eastern Spain
Rainstorms on Tuesday caused flooding in a wide swath of southern and eastern Spain, stretching from Malaga to Valencia. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
