Sophia Tareen, The Associated Press

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Chicago teachers reach contract deal for the first time in more than a decade without a strike

CHICAGO (AP) -- For the first time in over a decade, Chicago's public school teachers have a new contract without a strike or threat of a walkout. The four-year agreement includes pay hikes, hiring more teachers and class size limits.

Trump administration sues Chicago in latest crackdown on 'sanctuary' cities

Trump administration sues Chicago in latest crackdown on 'sanctuary' cities

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Trump administration sued Chicago on Thursday alleging that 'sanctuary' laws in the nation's third-largest city "thwart" federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Trump administration sues Chicago in latest crackdown on `sanctuary' cities

Trump administration sues Chicago in latest crackdown on `sanctuary' cities

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Trump administration sued Chicago on Thursday alleging that 'sanctuary' laws in the nation's third-largest city "thwart" federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.

Immigrants in Chicago and other US cities brace for expected Trump deportation arrests

Immigrants in Chicago and other US cities brace for expected Trump deportation arrests

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Rev. Homero Sanchez said he didn't realize the depth of fear in the Chicago immigrant community he serves until someone asked him to handle the sale of their family's home and other finances if they are picked up this week when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

In surprising move, former longtime Illinois House speaker takes stand at his own corruption trial

In surprising move, former longtime Illinois House speaker takes stand at his own corruption trial

CHICAGO (AP) -- Once the longest-serving legislative leader in U.S. history, Michael Madigan took the stand Tuesday at his own corruption trial, a shocking move for a man once considered the most powerful politician in Illinois.

Secretly recorded videos are backbone of corruption trial for longest-serving legislative leader

Secretly recorded videos are backbone of corruption trial for longest-serving legislative leader

CHICAGO (AP) -- Hours of secretly recorded videos and phone calls have offered a rare glimpse into how the longest-serving legislative leader in American history operated behind closed doors.

Illinois Democrats defend US House seats from GOP challengers across the state

Illinois Democrats defend US House seats from GOP challengers across the state

CHICAGO (AP) -- Two first-term Illinois Democrats locked into competitive congressional contests held onto their seats as control of the U.S. House remained up for grabs.

Illinois Democrats defend US House seats across the state with 1 race too early to call

Illinois Democrats defend US House seats across the state with 1 race too early to call

CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois Democrats in congressional races across the state worked to fend off challenges from Republicans, but one of the state's most competitive races remained too early to call Wednesday.

Illinois Democrats work to defend US House seats across the state with 2 races too early to call

Illinois Democrats work to defend US House seats across the state with 2 races too early to call

CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois Democrats in congressional races across the state worked to fend off challenges from Republicans, but the state's two most competitive races remained too early to call early Wednesday.

Illinois Democrats look to defend congressional seats across the state

Illinois Democrats look to defend congressional seats across the state

CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois Democrats in congressional races across the state hope to fend off challenges from Republicans fighting to keep their party's control of the U.S. House.

Michael Madigan once controlled much of Illinois politics. Now the ex-House speaker heads to trial

Michael Madigan once controlled much of Illinois politics. Now the ex-House speaker heads to trial

CHICAGO (AP) -- Once lauded as thelongest-serving legislative leader in American history, Michael Madigan will enter a federal courtroom this week on charges he used his vast influence to run a "criminal enterprise" to amass even more wealth and power.

Protesters plan large marches and rallies as Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago

Protesters plan large marches and rallies as Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) -- Crowds of activists are expected to gather in Chicago for protests outside the Democratic National Convention this week, hoping to call attention to such issues as economic injustice, reproductive rights and the war in Gaza.

Thousands of activists expected in Chicago for Democratic convention to call for Gaza cease-fire

Thousands of activists expected in Chicago for Democratic convention to call for Gaza cease-fire

CHICAGO (AP) -- Thousands of activists are expected to converge on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza.

Thousands of activists expected in Chicago for Democratic convention to call for Gaza ceasefire

Thousands of activists expected in Chicago for Democratic convention to call for Gaza ceasefire

CHICAGO (AP) -- Thousands of activists are expected to converge on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza.

As political convention comes to Chicago, residents, leaders and activists vie for the spotlight

As political convention comes to Chicago, residents, leaders and activists vie for the spotlight

CHICAGO (AP) -- As the American city that has hosted more political conventions than any other, Chicago has pretty much seen it all.

Chicago police chief says out-of-town police won't be posted in city neighborhoods during DNC

Chicago police chief says out-of-town police won't be posted in city neighborhoods during DNC

CHICAGO (AP) -- Outside police agencies that'll help secure the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month will not be posted in city neighborhoods, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said Thursday as federal authorities released maps of convention security perimeters.

GOP convention sets the stage for the Democratic convention in Chicago, activists and police say

GOP convention sets the stage for the Democratic convention in Chicago, activists and police say

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Activists who marched outside the Republican National Convention are trumpeting their efforts, despite crowd estimates falling short. Milwaukee police are praising their cooperation with other agencies in convention security, even as Ohio officers face scrutiny for shooting and killing a man while in the city.

Heavily armed security boats patrol winding Milwaukee River during GOP convention

Heavily armed security boats patrol winding Milwaukee River during GOP convention

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Instead of kayakers and tour boats, the summertime scene on the Milwaukee River has taken on a solemn tone this week during the Republican National Convention: Around-the-clock patrol boats, some with heavily armed officers.

GOP convention protests are on despite shooting at Trump rally

GOP convention protests are on despite shooting at Trump rally

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Activists gathering in Milwaukee for the start of the Republican National Convention say the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump won't affect their long-standing plans to demonstrate outside the convention site this week.

Secret Service head says RNC security plans not final as protesters allege free speech restrictions

Secret Service head says RNC security plans not final as protesters allege free speech restrictions

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The head of the U.S. Secret Service said Thursday that security plans for the Republican National Convention are still being determined as protesters blasted restrictions they claimed will violate free speech with just weeks until the event.

Chicago police tweak mass arrests policy ahead of Democratic National Convention

CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling on Tuesday touted the the nation's second-largest police department as fully prepared to handle crowds of protesters expected during the Democratic National Convention, including new ways to handle possible mass arrests.

Unusual mix of possible candidates line up for Chicago's first school board elections this fall

Unusual mix of possible candidates line up for Chicago's first school board elections this fall

CHICAGO (AP) -- A Grammy-winning rapper, progressive activists and a leader of an afterschool squash program are part of the eclectic mix of possible candidates lining up for Chicago's first school board elections this fall.