News
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 15, 2026 A 17‑year‑old male juvenile and Cristian De Jesus Mazza Maita, 19, of the 8200 block of South South Shore Drive, were taken into custody on January 11, 2026, in connection with an armed vehicular hijacking that occurred on the North Side earlier that evening. The juvenile faces…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 14, 2026 A Bloomingdale man remains behind bars today after authorities alleged he brutally beat his son’s emotional support dog to death last summer. Judge Joshua Dieden granted a motion to deny pre-trial release for 47-year-old Sandeep Dhillon during a court appearance Wednesday morning, following a grim investigation into the…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 14, 2026 A registered nurse is facing federal charges for allegedly distributing counterfeit Ozempic to several individuals in Chicago, federal authorities announced Tuesday. Sharon Christine Sackman, 52, has been charged in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois with one count of distributing misbranded drugs and three…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 13, 2026 The Metra Police Department announced the arrest of two Chicago men on Thursday in connection with a string of burglaries targeting ticket vending machines at Metra Electric and South Shore stations. Torrence Bradley, 35, and Jujuan Fells, 34, were taken into custody following a focused investigation into…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 8, 2026 A federal grand jury has indicted a Mexican national on firearm charges following an incident in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood late last year, federal authorities announced Wednesday. Hector Gomez, 45, faces one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and one count of…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 1, 2026 US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced a series of coordinated actions Tuesday aimed at tightening oversight of foreign involvement in American agriculture and ensuring federal programs prioritize U.S. farmers and manufacturers. The measures, framed as part of the USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan, are…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 24, 2025 A 70-year-old Chicago woman was sentenced Thursday to nearly three years in federal prison for a hate crime targeting her Venezuelan neighbors, federal officials announced. U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins ordered Ana M. Hernandez to serve two years and nine months in prison after Hernandez admitted…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 24, 2025 The State Department announced Thursday, December 23, that it has taken targeted action against five foreign individuals it says led organized efforts to pressure American technology platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress viewpoints originating in the United States. In a statement, officials characterized the people and affiliated…
chicago style
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 21, 2026 With a blast of arctic air forecasted to grip the Chicago region later this week, Metra officials announced Wednesday that the commuter rail agency will transition to reduced service schedules on all lines for Friday, Jan. 23. The decision to scale back operations is a preemptive measure to…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 14, 2026 The long-dormant corridor of Madison Street is poised for a massive transformation. Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Commissioner Ciere Boatright announced today that the city has officially selected a winning proposal for a $42.2 million athletic and cultural campus designed to serve as a cornerstone for community…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 8, 2026 The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) announced a significant investment in the city’s architectural heritage Thursday, awarding more than $800,000 in Adopt-A-Landmark grants to four historic preservation projects. The funding will support the restoration of a diverse array of Chicago landmarks, including two historic churches, a former…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 7, 2026 Mayor Brandon Johnson, in a joint declaration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Chicago Public Library, and the Poetry Foundation, today presented Mayda Alexandra del Valle as the second Poet Laureate of the City of Chicago. The appointment of Miss Del Valle, a…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 1, 2026 Residents and business owners are waking up to a new fiscal landscape this morning as the City’s 2026 Revenue Ordinance officially takes effect. Passed by the City Council on December 20, the sweeping package introduces a variety of new taxes and rate hikes targeting everything from social…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 24, 2025 Mayor Brandon Johnson yesterday signed an executive order aimed at restraining the rising cost of police overtime and imposing a new regime of oversight upon the Chicago Police Department. Under Executive Order 2025‑11 the Police Department is forbidden to exceed the overtime spending cap set in the…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 22, 2025 Chicago’s new budget is a cautionary tale: it leans on short‑term fixes and higher levies instead of durable spending restraint; the better path for long‑term growth is lower taxes and tighter spending. Chicago’s year‑end budget fight exposed a fundamental choice about the city’s economic future. The City…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – November 4, 2025 The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an advisory on Tuesday finding that City officials interfered with unannounced inspections of City premises and that the Mayor’s Office declined recommended steps to ensure lawful OIG access. The advisory states that on two separate occasions over…
ILLINOIS AFFAIRS
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 14, 2026 Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced a significant investment in the state’s outdoor infrastructure today, awarding $36 million in grant funding to 67 local park projects across Illinois. The funds, distributed through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, are…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 24, 2025 On December 23, Kristi Jones was appointed acting Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture by Governor JB Pritzker, a move that will require confirmation by the Illinois Senate. The department announced the appointment, noting it comes as 2026 begins recognition of women in agriculture both…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – September 18, 2025 Chicago residents now have a new, convenient option for vehicle emissions testing with the launch of a permanent self-service kiosk at the Chicago South DMV. The initiative, led by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in partnership with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA), follows a…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – August 22, 2025 With the main legislative session having concluded in May, a new legislative proposal filed on August 20, 2025, has ignited a debate across Illinois. House Bill 4102, introduced by Republican Representative Tom Weber, seeks to repeal the Illinois TRUST Act, a law that has defined the relationship…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 10, 2025 Once a sprawling hub of wartime production, the former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant is now a testament to thoughtful economic transformation. Central to this ongoing revitalization is the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority (JADA), a body specifically created by the State of Illinois to spearhead the repurposing of…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 6, 2025 In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, even our most critical public services must evolve. Illinois House Bill 1866, recently passed by the General Assembly and sent to the Governor, stands as a testament to this reality, ushering in significant changes to the state’s Emergency Telephone…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – February 07, 2025 Governor JB Pritzker joined Freedman Seating Company and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today to announce a $4 million investment in the company’s Chicago manufacturing facility. The investment will create 50 new full-time jobs and retain 676 existing positions. Freedman Seating Company, a…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – February 05, 2025 Governor JB Pritzker has signed House Bill 4781, the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act, into law, marking a significant shift in how Illinois supports children in the care of relatives. The new law empowers the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to create more flexible…
foreign policy
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By E.W. Colby, Chicago Times Magazine – November 12, 2025 In the calm moments between crises, the business of statecraft is best understood as the steady cataloguing of capability and intent. Today those pages are filled with a partnership that, if left unaddressed, could quietly alter the strategic map of the Western Hemisphere: an expanding…
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By R. M. Vargas, Chicago Times Magazine – August 30, 2024 The strategic importance of Panama to the United States cannot be overstated. It is one brick in the foundation of our maritime dominance in the Western Hemisphere, a vital artery for trade and commerce, and a bulwark against hostile foreign influence. Panama’s strategic location,…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – August 1, 2024 Libya, a nation once under the iron fist of a paranoid despot, remains a volatile cauldron of competing interests and factions. The removal of Qaddafi in 2011, while initially hailed as a victory for democratic aspirations, has instead ushered in an era of protracted instability. A fractured…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 20, 2024 The recent rise in Russian and Communist Chinese activity in South America necessitates a reevaluation of U.S. strategy in the region. Historically, South America has served as a stage for external powers to exert influence, a dynamic the Monroe Doctrine, with its inherent complexities, sought to navigate.…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 19, 2024 The decisive victory at the Battle of Midway stands as a testament to American courage, strategic foresight, and good fortune. Midway Island, however, served as much more than the stage for a singular triumph. It functioned as a critical strategic lynchpin, a springboard for the island-hopping campaign…
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By David I. MacArthur, Chicago Times Magazine – March 25, 2024 The international landscape of today presents unprecedented challenges to the United States. The return of bipolarity or even tripolarity similar to the Cold War demands a nuanced approach to statecraft, one that prioritizes national interest within a complex web of global relationships. Defining and…
Opinion
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By E.W. Colby, Chicago Times Magazine – November 8, 2025 After nearly a century of single‑party rule under the Chinese Communist Party, debates about meaningful political reform have become more urgent. One proposal deserving serious, non‑romantic consideration is the restoration of an emperor in a strictly constitutional, ceremonial role. A constitutional emperor could serve as…
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By Joseph B. Accardo, Chicago Times Magazine – September 21, 2024 Now, I am not one to complain about how some need to earn on the street, but this new trend of armed robbers targeting construction workers on the South Side is just downright disgraceful. It’s another slap in the face to everyone who’s ever…
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By Al Brown, Chicago Times Magazine – August 24, 2024 In a city steeped in a history of corruption and organized crime the question of naming a major thoroughfare after Al Capone should be an easy “yes” and not provocative one. Why? Because Chicago and Illinois have embraced the burgeoning legal gambling and cannabis industries,…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – August 22, 2024 A recent armed robbery incident on the Near North Side, involving two teenage suspects, is a clear reminder of the escalating crime rates in our city. Such acts of violence not only endanger the lives of our citizens but also erode the sense of security that is…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – August 11, 2024 In the relentless barrage of television commercials, one theme has become increasingly pervasive: the urgent plea to buy gold. These ads paint a picture of impending financial doom, where the only salvation lies in a gleaming, tangible asset. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with diversifying one’s investment…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 30, 2024 In a shocking display of audacity, Joaquín Guzmán López, the spawn of notorious drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’, has brazenly pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges levied against him in a Chicago federal court. This vile creature, whose father poisoned our nation with a tidal wave of…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 17, 2024 On a July night in 1918, a chapter in Russian history slammed shut with the gunshots that echoed through a basement room in Yekaterinburg. Tsar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, and their five children – Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia, and Alexei – were brutally murdered by dirty…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 13, 2024 While Illinois celebrates its billion dollar cannabis industry, some critics warn of a growing dependence on a “mafia economy” fueled by vice. Although there is no such thing as the “mafia”, critics point out that Illinois’ fiscal health is increasingly dependent on revenue from gambling and cannabis…
arts & culture
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By Chicago Times Magazine – June 27, 2025 Lalo Schifrin, the acclaimed Argentine-American composer, pianist, arranger, and conductor, passed away on June 26, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 93. Born in Buenos Aires in 1932, Schifrin was a prodigious musical talent from a young age, steeped in both classical music and…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 20, 2025 The Art Institute of Chicago will present “Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds” from March 29 to July 13, 2025. This marks the first exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s work organized by the Art Institute and focuses on her pivotal 1939 stay in Paris.…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 01, 2025 Bronzino’s 1550 portrait of Eleanora of Toledo, the Duchess of Florence, is not merely a likeness; it’s a meticulously crafted jewel, a testament to the Florentine Renaissance’s obsession with artifice and the projection of Medici power. The Duchess, resplendent in a gown of shimmering gold brocade, sits…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – August 31, 2024 The summer of 1974 in Chicago was a sweltering one, and the city’s South Side was no exception. On a humid Friday night, the Auburn Park Lagoon was bustling with activity. Young people, families, and couples strolled along the winding paths, enjoying the cool breeze that wafted…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – August 24, 2024 Paul Cézanne, a master of the post-Impressionist movement, often challenged traditional artistic conventions. One of his most iconic works, “Le pain et les œufs,” is a testament to his innovative approach. This seemingly simple still life is a revolutionary piece that laid the groundwork for modern art.…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – August 22, 2024 The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the busy streets on the Near North Side of Chicago. An old man, 75-year-old Jacob, was strolling along West Chicago Avenue, lost in thought of the times when he was young and the wife he loved that had died. Suddenly,…
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By Chicago Times Magazine August 13, 2024 Alfred Hitchcock was born on this day in 1899 and was known as one of the most influential film directors, producers, and screenwriters of the 20th century. Known as the “Master of Suspense”, Hitchcock directed over 50 feature films over six decades and hosted the famous television show…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – August 2, 2024 Gloria Swanson, a luminary of the silent film era, possessed a unique blend of beauty and talent that solidified her status as an enduring cinematic icon. Her physical allure was undeniable, characterized by a striking combination of delicate features and a commanding presence. Her large, expressive eyes…
history
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 31, 2026 Buckner Stith Morris holds a singular and somewhat tragic position in the early history of Chicago, serving as the city’s second mayor and eventually becoming a central figure in one of the most controversial legal dramas of the American Civil War. Born on August 19, 1800, in Augusta,…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 23, 2026 William Butler Ogden was not merely Chicago’s first mayor; he was the primary architect of its transition from a swampy frontier outpost to a global metropolis. His life followed the classic arc of the 19th-century American “Empire Builder,” characterized by relentless optimism, speculative grit, and a profound belief…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 9, 2025 Antonín Novotný, a name synonymous with the darkest period of Czechoslovakian history, cast a long shadow over the nation for nearly two decades. As the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia from 1953 to 1968, Novotný’s reign was marked by ruthless suppression of dissent, economic…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – November 27, 2025 In the foppish days of the Regency Era, some events stand out not for their gravity or global impact, but for their sheer ingenuity and the chaos they sowed. One such incident, the Berners Street Hoax, remains a testament to the wit and audacity of its mastermind,…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 4, 2025 This very day in 1776, a momentous occasion unfolded in Philadelphia. With trembling hands, yet unwavering resolve, the Second Continental Congress did formally declare these United Colonies free and independent states. The weight of history hung heavy even as the ink on the parchment was still damp.…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – June 6, 2025 June 6, 1944. A date etched into the annals of history, a day that marked the beginning of the end for Nazi tyranny in Western Europe. D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion ever undertaken, saw Allied forces storm the beaches of Normandy, France, in a monumental gamble for…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 6, 2024 In 1790, the United States Congress made a significant move, relocating its seat from New York City to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the early history of the United States, shaping the trajectory of the nascent nation and influencing its political and social…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – November 04, 2024 The Iranian Hostage Crisis, a defining moment in the latter half of the 20th century, unfolded in the wake of the Iranian Revolution. On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students stormed the US Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 Americans hostage. This act of defiance marked…
Business/economics
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 29, 2026 International Business Machines Corp. reported a surge in fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday, punctuated by double-digit growth in its software and infrastructure divisions and a massive expansion of its generative artificial intelligence business. The technology giant posted quarterly revenue of $19.7 billion, a 12 percent increase over the previous…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 28, 2026 Microsoft Corp. reported blockbuster financial results for its second fiscal quarter today, fueled by an aggressive expansion into artificial intelligence and a historic milestone for its cloud computing division. The technology giant posted revenue of $81.3 billion for the period ended December 31, 2025, representing a 17% increase…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 27, 2026 Ford Motor Company announced today the appointment of Lisa Drake as president of Ford Energy, effective immediately. Reporting directly to Vice Chair John Lawler, Drake is tasked with the critical launch of the company’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) business, a strategic formation first unveiled in December 2025.…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 15, 2026 Goldman Sachs reported a robust finish to 2025, delivering higher annual earnings, stronger performance across its core businesses, and a dividend increase for shareholders, even as its consumer‑focused Platform Solutions division weighed on quarterly results. The firm posted full‑year net revenues of $58.28 billion, up 9 percent…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 14, 2026 Speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum, Federal Reserve Governor Stephen I. Miran signaled a potential shift in the central bank’s approach to interest rates, arguing that sweeping deregulatory efforts in the United States are creating a “large positive shock” to productivity that justifies a more accommodative monetary…
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 8, 2026 The U.S. trade deficit narrowed significantly in October, falling to $29.4 billion as American exports climbed and a sharp drop in pharmaceutical imports curbed the nation’s appetite for foreign goods. According to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the monthly trade…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 6, 2026 General Motors announced yesterday that it solidified its position at the top of the U.S. auto industry, reporting a 6% increase in total sales for 2025. The Detroit-based automaker cited broad-based growth across its entire portfolio, spanning affordable entry-level models to high-end luxury vehicles and electric trucks.…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 24, 2025 US holiday retail spending climbed 4.2 percent year over year this season, according to Visa’s annual Retail Spend Monitor from Visa Consulting & Analytics, underscoring a return to robust in‑person shopping even as online purchases continued to expand. Preliminary data released Tuesday shows that in‑store sales accounted…
aviation
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 31, 2026 The Martin B-57 Canberra stands as a remarkable testament to the longevity of mid-century aerospace engineering, a twin-engine jet that has defied the typical lifecycle of military hardware to remain a vital asset in the twenty-first century. Originally conceived as a tactical bomber to replace the aging piston-driven…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – November 16, 2025 The Federal Aviation Administration will end its flight reduction emergency order at 6 a.m. on Monday, November 17, restoring normal operations across the National Airspace System, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced today. The FAA safety team recommended rescinding the order…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – November 2, 2025 The Ford Trimotor, nicknamed the Tin Goose, remains one of the most evocative symbols of early American air travel and its presence in Illinois is woven through hangars, airshows, and short-lived scheduled services that introduced generations of Midwesterners to passenger flight. Henry Ford’s aviation ambitions left a…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – February 12, 2025 Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been awarded two major contracts totaling $1.4 billion to enhance air and missile defense capabilities for both the U.S. Army and Poland. These awards solidify Northrop Grumman’s leadership in advanced integrated battle management solutions, leveraging artificial intelligence and model-based systems engineering…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – October 12, 2024 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted SpaceX approval to launch its Starship Super Heavy rocket from the Boca Chica Launch Site in Texas. The approval comes after an environmental review process and addresses concerns raised by environmental groups and local residents. The Starship Super Heavy is…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – September 05, 2024 Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite (IVEWS) has successfully completed US Air Force testing. The IVEWS, designed to equip F-16 aircraft with fifth-generation electronic warfare capabilities, has undergone rigorous testing over the past three years, including flight demonstrations, laboratory evaluations, and integration…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 30, 2024 A federal appeals court has temporarily halted a US Department of Transportation rule that would have required airlines to disclose all fees upfront when advertising flight prices. The decision is a victory for the airline industry, which argued the rule was burdensome and would confuse consumers. The…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – July 26, 2024 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has lifted the temporary hold on SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches, allowing the aerospace company to resume flight operations. The decision comes two weeks after an upper-stage anomaly halted launches on July 11. After a thorough investigation, the FAA determined that the…
defense
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By Chicago Times Magazine January 15, 2026 In a powerful display of American maritime reach, the Tripoli Expeditionary Strike Group has surged into the heart of the Indo-Pacific, marking a high-stakes milestone for the Navy’s newest powerhouse. For the first time, the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli is spearheading its own strike group as…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – January 15, 2026 The Navy’s newest test ship, the Mobile Ship Target, arrived in Port Hueneme on Jan. 14, marking a significant milestone for the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD). The vessel, a 260-foot ship known as MST-2 and officially designated MST 2301, was built and launched by…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 20, 2025 United States Central Command launched a major retaliatory operation in Syria on Dec. 19, striking ISIS targets across the country in response to an attack on U.S. and partner forces last Saturday. The action, known as Operation Hawkeye Strike, began at 4 p.m. ET under the direction…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 19, 2025 On December 18th, Lockheed Martin announced that its Extended‑Range GMLRS (ER GMLRS) successfully completed a live flight of 112 kilometers (70 miles) from a HIMARS at White Sands, validating the Alternative Warhead (AW) variant’s range, accuracy and lethality and marking a major step toward operational use. To…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – December 17, 2025 On December 16th, the John Lewis‑class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Lucy Stone (T‑AO 209) was delivered to the U.S. Navy, marking the official transfer of the ship from builder General Dynamics NASSCO to the Navy. The delivery follows successful sea trials that tested the ship’s readiness and…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – November 19, 2025 Joint Task Force Bravo and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit led a major humanitarian operation in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, providing lifesaving assistance from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13. Nine aircraft supported the mission, including CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks, and CH-53E Super Stallions operating from the…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – November 19, 2025 USS Wichita has officially relieved USS St. Louis in the Navy’s southern border mission, continuing the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship’s role in supporting Northcom’s homeland defense objectives. The transition ensures continuity in maritime operations designed to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection along the southern border. Under…
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By Chicago Times Magazine – November 17, 2025 US Central Command says Iranian forces boarded and seized the Marshall Islands‑flagged tanker M/V Talara in international waters of the Strait of Hormuz on November 14, then steered the vessel into Iran’s territorial waters where it remains under Iranian control. Central Command reports that operatives from Iran’s…
