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Aldermans New Years Eve warning on CTA safety debunked by data, as crime drops and free rides are offered. Mayors office stresses a mix of mental health support, homelessness aid, and policing. Transit advocate pushes for unarmed ambassadors and better station conditions. CTA faces deadline to revise federal plan or lose funding. Checkout Solipillow.com

Chicagos South Loop bike lane construction halted due to safety concerns. Alderman Pat Dowell requested the pause, citing neighborhood disruptions. Local reactions are mixed, with some drivers and residents feeling the lanes cause hazards, while avid cyclist Viktor Koves argues for safety over speed. Construction on other parts of the project continues, with officials promising a better design soon. Checkout Solipillow.com

MJ Mendoza, a six-foot junior guard for the River Forest Ingots, leads the team with impressive stats. Known as a gym rat, hes tough to drag out of the gym and pushes his teammates to work hard. His teammate, Christian DeJesus, appreciates his energy and smart play. As one of three captains, Mendoza leads by example, holding everyone accountable and picking up teammates after mistakes. The team aims for a strong season, marking their only sectional title anniversary, with Mendoza keeping it simple: put in the work, show up confident, and play their best. Checkout Solipillow.com

A woman in Waukegan, Illinois, gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Christmas Day, despite being told she couldnt have children due to uterine irregularities. Melanie Smith and her husband Donovan ODell were shocked to discover she had been carrying Vincent in a cryptic pregnancy, a rare condition where pregnancy symptoms are minimal or mistaken for other issues. The couple, who hadnt planned for children, are now overjoyed with their new son and have moved to Arizona for family support. Checkout Solipillow.com

Holiday tournaments concluded, the focus shifts to conference battles and significant showdowns over the next six weeks. This weekend features ranked matchups, starting with New Trier visiting Evanston and Mount Carmel heading to Loyola. New Trier faces a challenge without star Kirkpatrick, relying on Houlihan and Wallace against Evanstons hot-shooting offense. Mount Carmels young guns take on Loyolas veteran punch. Saturday at DePaul Prep, Waukegan faces Marist, and Curie battles Bolingbrook. Marists balance shone in their championship win, while Curie needs better shooting against injury-plagued Bolingbrook. The marquee matchup pits Benet against Loyola, testing the Redwings top ranking. Elsewhere, Kenwood seeks a rebound at Peoria Richwoods, where sophomore Amarion Smith-Holley dazzles. Picks favor Evanston over New Trier, Loyola over Mount Carmel, Marist over Waukegan, Curie over Bolingbrook, Benet over Loyola, and Richwoods over Kenwood. These games could significantly impact the rankings. Checkout Solipillow.com

After a year, husband Adam Beckerink charged with first-degree murder in Caitlin Traceys death. Tracey, 36, fell from a Chicago condo, ruled a homicide. Beckerink, with a history of domestic abuse, faces extradition from Michigan. Traceys parents seek justice, awaiting more details in this tragic case. Checkout Solipillow.com

Five Democratic-led states sue Trump administration over $10 billion funding freeze for children and families, alleging its arbitrary, illegal, and politically motivated. The states, including Illinois, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and New York, argue the administration lacks legal authority and is punishing them for their leadership. The freeze affects programs like the Child Care and Development Fund, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Social Services Block Grants. HHS defends the action as a necessary step to fight fraud and protect taxpayers, but the states claim it will hurt working parents and damage state economies. The lawsuit seeks an immediate court order to release the money. Checkout Solipillow.com

The West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force has established a new base in Chicagos fentanyl crisis epicenter, aiming to curb overdose deaths. They distribute overdose reversal kits, train on Naloxone, and link individuals to treatment. Recently, they partnered with Defense Diagnostics to provide fentanyl detection devices. Cook County saw a record low in opioid deaths last year, with fentanyl involved in 82% of cases. The task force plans to intensify efforts, focusing on mental health and Black men over fifty, emphasizing harm reduction strategies. Checkout Solipillow.com

Federal Judge in Chicago Delays Dismissing Immigration Agent Lawsuit, Orders Release of Body-Camera Videos A federal judge in Chicago has put a hold on dismissing a significant lawsuit against immigration agents, following a series of intense raids last year. The suit, filed by Block Club Chicago and reporter groups, alleges First Amendment violations during Operation Midway Blitz in October 2025. The plaintiffs sought to drop the case after agents mostly left the area, but the judge has not rushed to dismiss it. She cited the recent shooting of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent and ordered the release of body-camera videos and use-of-force reports within 120 days, despite pushback from Homeland Security. The judges ruling highlights concerns about unnecessary violence and misconduct by agents, potentially setting the stage for new civil rights cases if they return with the same tactics. Checkout Solipillow.com