Good morning, Chicago.
Juveniles who participated in a Cook County court program that defers prosecution while offering social services were charged with new criminal offenses at lower rates than their peers, according to an independent study released today.
The findings of the evaluation, conducted by research group Chapin Hall, were embraced by stakeholders during a time when city, county and state officials are grappling with crime and violence, even as it has lessened in recent years.
The program was launched as a pilot in 2020 by the Cook County state’s attorney’s office, Office of the Chief Judge and other partners during the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when the court system was looking for ways to address turmoil and delays. It seeks to treat the root causes of crime for a population that the system is meant to reform rather than punish.
Instead of traditional prosecution, eligible youth are connected to services such as counseling and education. If they successfully complete the program, prosecutors dismiss the case.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Madeline Buckley.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including why Charlie Kirk’s suburban high school is divided, what to know after Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was suspended and why the Cubs like their chances after clinching their first playoff berth in five seasons.
Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
Charlie Kirk’s suburban high school divided on holding ‘Day of Honor’ for slain activist
Students, parents and community members have begun signing dueling petitions on how to best memorialize Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed at a Utah college event last week. One proposal requests a “day of honor” and a “notable alumnus” designation for Kirk, while the other tries to block the accolades and says people can pay tribute to him at one of the many public memorials.
ABC suspends Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show indefinitely over his remarks about Charlie Kirk’s death
During his monologue on Monday, Jimmy Kimmel said: “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it.
“In between the fingerpointing, there was, uh, grieving — on Friday, the White House flew the flags at half-staff, which got some criticism, but on a human level you can see how hard the president is taking this,” Kimmel said, before cutting to a clip where Trump responded to reporters asking about how he was doing by pointing to construction at the White House.
Local immigration advocates outraged after video of a U.S. citizen briefly detained during an Elgin raid is posted online by DHS Secretary Noem
Ismael Cordová-Clough, an Elgin immigration activist who witnessed the raid, said he was outraged that the operation was recorded and publicized online by the federal government, especially when one of the individuals captured on the footage was an American citizen.
Assistant principal among three dead in ‘domestic-related’ shooting outside Berwyn middle school
An assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn was one of three people killed, including the suspected gunman, in what appeared to be a “domestic-related” shooting outside the school Tuesday, according to police and school officials.
After decades of dangerous crashes along 167th street, Tinley Park residents demand action
Every time Tinley Park resident Donna LePinske hears a screeching sound she jumps up and runs to her window to see if her mailbox is still there.
She said she has replaced at least 40 mailboxes in her over 40 years living along the 7600 block of West 167th Street, which is known for having a high rate of car crashes due to the curve of the road and speeding motorists, an issue LePinske said only continues to increase ever since her house was hit almost 40 years ago.
Aurora seeking partial census recount, mayor says
The city of Aurora is in the process of submitting for a partial census recount that would look just at new construction, Mayor John Laesch said.
Aurora previously sought a recount after the 2020 decennial census showed the city had a population of around 180,000, down from 197,000 in 2010 — numbers that city officials have disputed, arguing that the city’s population is actually closer to the levels found in the 2010 census.
After clinching 1st playoff berth in 5 seasons, Chicago Cubs like their chances: ‘Let’s make some noise’
The last out fittingly found Ian Happ in left field. The Cubs’ longest-tenured player became emotional as he caught the fly ball that sealed an 8-4 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates to clinch a playoff spot. It’s the Cubs’ first postseason berth since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and first in a full season since 2018.
Happ, the lone player remaining from the 2018 team, homered and drove in three runs. He pumped his fist after he recorded the final out.
‘Plenty of work needed to be done’: Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz reflects on 2025 and looks to offseason
Chris Getz has been asked how he’d measure success in 2025, adding the caveat, “knowing that wins and losses might be a difficult measure.”
The White Sox general manager pointed to contributions from catchers Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel, infielders Colson Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, Lenyn Sosa and Miguel Vargas, and pitchers such as Shane Smith and Mike Vasil.
Will the Chicago Sky’s new training facility in Bedford Park open for the 2026 season?
The Chicago Sky were in a celebratory mood yesterday. Members of the front office and basketball staff gathered in Bedford Park alongside members of the village government to sign one of the final beams used in the construction of the team’s new training facility. It marked the first time that many members of the Sky — including coach Tyler Marsh — had seen any of the construction on the project.
But while the Sky were eager to celebrate progress, the team faces a crucial question of timing: Will the training facility be ready for the 2026 season?
Starbucks workers sue over company’s new dress code
Starbucks workers in three states took legal action against the coffee giant, saying it violated the law when it changed its dress code but refused to reimburse employees who had to buy new clothes.
Chicago Architecture Biennial opens this weekend, bringing a world of architectural ideas to town
Chicago architect and urban planner Daniel Burnham’s exhortation to “make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood” continues to motivate the cultural, educational and commercial communities of Chicago. It also inspires the city’s contributions to architecture and design and drives the direction of the sixth edition of the Chicago Architecture Biennial.
