Metra took its board members on a train ride to a monthly meeting. It cost the agency more than $10,000.
Metra board members, executives and staff in May took an educational train trip to Joliet, where they held a board meeting. Records show it cost at least $10,836. #press
Bicyclists among victims of armed robbery crew hitting North, Northwest sides: police
Chicago police said a group of armed robbers hit the North and Northwest sides overnight, targeting several victims including at least three bicyclists. #press

Ask Anna: Finding the courage and self-worth to leave a relationship
Ending a relationship — even a relationship that’s not serving you — is one of the hardest things we ever do as humans. The pain is visceral, intense, and feels like a kind of death. #press

Tuesday forecast: Thunderstorms possible in afternoon, highs in low 80s
Weather officials said there is a slight risk of thunderstorms Tuesday in portions of north central and northeast Illinois, and northwest Indiana. #press

Comings & Goings: Steak-n-Egger reopens after fire, Fratello’s moves to Mokena
Bob Bong rounds up the latest business news in the Southland. #press
Trendy backpacks for elementary school students
Elementary school students are becoming more discerning by the year and want stylish backpacks that don't look too babyish. Try these trendy backpacks. #press

Waukegan junior Devaughn Brown makes some moves, on and off the field. ‘This is an important year for me.’
Waukegan’s Devaughn Brown, who played quarterback out of necessity in 2022, has moved to receiver, among other changes in his life. #press
Griffith’s Nolan Davenport gets to work creating ‘culture that’s serious about football’ under Phil Mason
Practices have been a constant for Griffith junior Nolan Davenport, in part because he was the one organizing them in the offseason. #press
Trendy backpacks for high school students
When it comes to backpacks for high school students, look out for those with both on-trend designs and convenient features. Here are some of the best. #press

Customers want instant gratification. Workers say it’s pushing them to the brink
That workers are overworked and underpaid is an enduring complaint across industries #press

Who is a good comparison for Yannick Ngakoue, the new Chicago Bears pass rusher? Rod Marinelli has a surprising choice.
Comparing Yannick Ngakoue to Julius Peppers? Former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has coached both and insists it makes sense. #press

Suspect in custody after 67-year-old man dies during fight in South Shore neighborhood, police say
A 67-year-old man was pronounced dead after he was discovered unresponsive following a verbal disagreement turned physical Tuesday morning in the South Shore neighborhood, Chicago police said. #press

Evanston residents, business owners react to newly instated bag ban and tax
The plastic bag ban, which began on August 1, has received mixed reactions from residents and business owners since discussion around the issue began months back. #press

Afternoon Briefing: Illinois recreational cannabis sales hit a 2023 high
Good afternoon, Chicago. Here's what is happening today. #press

Review: ‘Next to Normal’ at Paramount Theatre is on a simpler stage but still rewarding
This musical is bold in theme and rewards those who see the show in an intimate space. #press
DJ Casper, ‘Cha Cha Slide’ creator and Chicago native, dies at 58
DJ Casper, best known for creating the hugely successful dance hit “Cha Cha Slide,” has died, according to the BBC. #press

Morton Grove seeks comments on strategic plan; deadline Aug. 11
Morton Grove is asking residents to comment on its proposed Strategic Plan. #press

Gary mayor names Mark Terry as new fire chief
Division Chief and former Acting Deputy Chief Mark Terry will lead the Gary Fire Department, Mayor Jerome Prince announced in a news release on Tuesday. #press
Rapper Tory Lanez gets 10 years in prison for shooting hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion
A judge sentenced rapper Tory Lanez to 10 years in prison Tuesday for shooting and wounding hip-hop superstar Megan Thee Stallion. #press

Daniel DePetris: Don’t read too much into China’s attendance at Ukraine peace talk
Whatever concerns Beijing has with its Russian partner are outweighed by the need to balance the U.S. in Asia. #press