Good morning, Chicago.
The dozen incumbent Democrats who represent Chicago and its suburbs in Congress head into the Nov. 5 election with a sizable advantage over their Republican challengers.
Running in districts drawn by Democrats in Springfield to maintain their party’s edge after the state lost a congressional seat following the 2020 census, the 12 incumbents in the Chicago region collectively have outraised their opponents by a more than 16-to-1 ratio, according to federal campaign data.
But the GOP is hoping to make inroads by focusing on the high prices consumers are still finding in stores, despite declining inflation, and the number of migrants who have arrived in Illinois from the southern border that has resulted in strained city and state budgets.
Take a look at the races in the Chicago region from the Tribune’s Dan Petrella, Olivia Olander and Robert McCoppin.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
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Madigan co-defendant’s lawyer tells jury legal lobbying is not bribery, says feds’ view ‘just wrong’
A lawyer for ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan’s longtime confidant told a federal jury Tuesday that the allegations of bribery and corruption against the pair were simply a misguided attempt to criminalize legal lobbying and the relationship-building at the heart of the state’s politics.
Family mourns death of 18-year-old from Elgin killed in shooting before Lil Durk concert
The shooting death of an Elgin teen while walking to Chicago’s United Center to see a Lil Durk concert has left his family devastated, his mother said.
According to Chicago police, the shooting occurred in the 100 block of North Wolcott Avenue minutes before the concert was to start. No one was in custody as of Tuesday afternoon. Police provided no details on what led to the shootings but said the investigation is ongoing.
Chicago gun violence prevention groups hold march to the polls
For Edwin Galletti, voting is not just about a voter’s personal political feelings. It’s very much about contributing to the collective voice of the people, he said at a rally in North Lawndale Tuesday morning.
And, “today, North Lawndale is speaking,” said Galletti, a vice president of UCAN, a social service agency that has served residents on the South and West sides for over 150 years, before leading a march of around 75 people to an early voting location in the 24th Ward.
Nine similar marches, all organized by Communities Partnering 4 Peace — a coalition of gun violence prevention groups — took place on Chicago’s South, West and North sides on Tuesday, the day after early voting began in the city’s wards.
Seventh member named to the Board of Education by Mayor Johnson, board meeting scheduled
All new Chicago school board members are expected to be sworn in at an agenda review meeting Thursday morning, including Mayor Brandon Johnson’s seventh board appointee, Rafael Yañez, a hate crimes officer in the Chicago Police Department.
Landlord tells court she’s been unable to serve eviction papers to Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard
The owner of a Dolton home leased to Mayor Tiffany Henyard is seeking a special process server to deliver an eviction notice on a home Henyard apparently shares with a Thornton Township employee.
Deadly E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders sickens 49 people in 10 states
E. coli food poisoning linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states, including one person who died and 10 who were hospitalized, federal health officials said.
More frozen waffles and pancakes recalled over possible listeria contamination
A recall of hundreds of frozen waffle products and other toaster foods sold in many U.S. grocery stores has expanded because they may be contaminated with dangerous listeria bacteria, the manufacturer said Tuesday.
Chicago Bears Q&A: Is there evidence Caleb Williams has improved vs. pressure? Could Ryan Poles be a seller at the trade deadline?
The Chicago Bears are back at Halas Hall, preparing for Sunday’s road game against the Washington Commanders after taking a three-game winning streak into their bye week.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense appeared to make major strides during that stretch — but do the numbers back that up? The Tribune’s Brad Biggs looks deeper to begin his weekly Bears mailbag.
Chicago Bulls enter a new NBA season balancing expectations: ‘We’re trying to build that identity’
The Chicago Bulls are expected to spend another year mired in mediocrity. Predictions for the season swing wildly in either direction. Some betting sites have over/under on their win total at 27.5, which would easily be the worst season under coach Billy Donovan. Predictions from outlets such as Bleacher Report and ESPN creep closer to 39 wins, which would match last season.
In memoriam: Celebrating the life of ‘Lost Chicago’ author David Garrard Lowe and his love affair with Chicago
Its pages well-thumbed and portions underlined in ink, the book “Lost Chicago” sits on bookshelves across Chicago and continues to amaze and inspire.
Tribune columnist Rick Kogan picked up his copy again after hearing the news that its author, David Garrard Lowe, had died in New York City on Sept. 21.
30 restaurant and bar specials for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos
Chicago restaurants and bars are ramping up for the holiday season, and have plenty of specials on tap for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos.
To really see Peru, hop on (and off) the bus instead of flying between cities
Mya Guarnieri discovered Peru Hop, a roughly decade-old hop-on, hop-off bus service that offers flexible itineraries and dates, giving travelers the freedom to stay longer at any stop they want to explore further. It seemed perfect.
