Chicago Seniors Find Joy In Normalcy As COVID Restrictions Are Lifted

“Those residents were also among the first in the country to be fully vaccinated and begin to emerge cautiously toward pre-pandemic normalcy …”

A Look Back At 2020, In 52 Photos

“The big stories of 2020 stand out: the global pandemic, sweeping civil unrest and a tumultuous presidential election. But the moments in between have been just as memorable …”

Chicago Celebrates Joe Biden’s Victory

“In Chicago, which voted overwhelmingly Democratic in this year’s presidential race, the reaction to Joe Biden’s victory was swift and loud: horns honking, cheering and hollering and, of course, the clanking of cow bells …”

FOIA for beginners: A state law guarantees access to public records. But it isn’t always that easy.

“A state law called the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, usually just dubbed FOIA, gives private citizens the ability to request records from most public bodies in the state …”

The flip side of FOIA: Mountains of paper, small government staffs and — for some — an attitude problem

“Citizens who exercise their lawful right to obtain public documents through FOIA requests frequently complain that the government is failing to uphold its end of the statute. However, the people on the other end of the process say responding to FOIA requests can be challenging, especially for small staffs …”

7 things people would like to change about FOIA in Illinois

“The statute — and the ways in which the statute is sometimes interpreted — is far from perfect. Here are seven changes that some people familiar with FOIA would like to see in Illinois, in no particular order …”

Kirkwood newcomers pitch in to help longtime residents facing displacement

“Kirkwood, which sits on the city’s east side, is quickly gentrifying, like many in-town neighborhoods. Displacement, whether from rising taxes or the need for expensive home repairs, is an issue facing aging homeowners throughout Atlanta, especially elderly Black residents …”

Caretakers of MLK’s legacy: Rangers help visitors absorb importance of key King sites

“Smith is one of about 10 rangers who work full time at the national historical park. When guests walk into the visitor center, a ranger is there to greet them, offer a brochure and give a brief orientation …”

2021 Atlanta Press Club Awards of Excellence winner

Despite not qualifying for debate, Julián Castro appears in Atlanta

“When 10 Democratic candidates for president take the debate stage Wednesday night, Julián Castro will not be among them. However, not qualifying for the fifth primary debate did not stop Castro from traveling to Atlanta …”

The West End Is A ‘Front Porch Community’

“The West End MARTA station is more than just a stop for commuters. It’s a hub of sorts. Located at the bustling intersection of Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard and Lee Street …”

Beyond The Hustle: The Transformation of T.I.

“It’s been nearly two decades since T.I. released his first album and emerged on the national scene. He’s been lauded as the “the king of the South” and one of the godfathers of trap music. But before he was T.I., the rapper, actor, activist, father and urban developer, he was Tip Harris, a native son of Bankhead …”

A Look Inside The Highly Anticipated ‘Infinity Mirrors’ Exhibit At The High

“Even though artist Yayoi Kusama was born in 1929 — long before the internet or social media  — her work seems made for Instagram. The bright pumpkins, polka dots, twinkling lights and mirrors that have made her work a sensation are also irresistible photo ops …”