Waukegan D60 students show promising but slow academic growth; ‘It’s a process, and there’s no magic potion’
Both elementary and middle school students are showing greater progress in math than English language arts (ELA) amid more intense programs to strengthen reading skills for the... #press

Michael Osipoff’s football rankings and players of the week for Northwest Indiana
Blake Vanek and Highland debut on the list as Crown Point and Merrillville hold onto the top spots heading into their showdown Friday. #press
‘Unforgotten’ and ‘Van der Valk’ reviews: Masterpiece Mystery returns with new seasons of familiar procedurals
In "Unforgotten," London detectives work cold cases. In “Van der Valk," it's murder police working in Amsterdam, but starring a cast of British actors. #press
Daywatch: Why a convicted ex-Madigan aide is still collecting a big pension
Good morning, Chicago. Here are some of the top stories you need to know to start your day. #press

Where does Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles want to see improvement from Justin Fields? Start with sacks and interceptions.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles provided a checklist Wednesday afternoon of what he wants to see from quarterback Justin Fields. #press
‘Contra/Banned’ at the Siskel Center: Sex, religion, Jayne Mansfield and other movie troublemakers
"Contra/Banned" curator Rebecca Fons: "With book bans around the country right now, it felt like the Film Center could do something in response." #press

South, southwest suburban high school football begins season amid weather and security challenges
Between record temperatures and technology concerns, south and southwest suburban athletic programs have dealt with cancellations and procedure changes to keep students and staff safe. #press

Matt Dimmick: Ukraine’s counteroffensive is working. With continued support, its forces will defeat Russia.
Ukraine's strategy will prove successful against a weakened and demoralized Russian force that is under extraordinary stress. #press
Jerald McNair: School bus drivers keep our kids safe. Showing them respect could help improve the shortage.
School districts across the country are experiencing a shortage of bus drivers, whose essential role has never been more evident. #press
Ex-Madigan aide Tim Mapes found guilty but he’s still collecting a big pension
The former chief of staff for ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan receiving a nearly $150,000-a-year state government pension. #press
Editorial: The feds are about to take on Google’s alleged anticompetitive behavior. The history involves the ‘Chicago School.’
The feds are going after Google for anticompetitive behavior, they allege. It's a complicated situation with a long history. #press
Headed out to the Chicago or Calumet River this Labor Day weekend? Find out how much bacteria is in the water before you go.
'We’re still working on perfecting the science and understanding how much poop is in the river; how long does it last? Why does it matter,' says nonprofit's... #press
Lenny Bruce is back, in the form of Ronnie Marmo, and performing in Skokie
Much of Lenny Bruce’s humor retains, even after all these years, a serious and thought-provoking punch. #press
Letters: Is Brandon Johnson the mayor for all Chicagoans — including crime victims?
Is Brandon Johnson a mayor for the people who were robbed at gunpoint and for the young man who was killed? #press
Ask Amy: Grandfathering leaves little time for romance
Dear Amy: When it comes to sitting with the little ones, however, he is over the top. He babysits several days during the week, as well as staying overnight when his kids take a trip. #press

Daily horoscope for August 31, 2023
Check out your daily horoscope here, provided by Tarot astrologers. #press

Caroline Wozniacki beats Petra Kvitova at the US Open shortly after coming out of retirement
After a hiatus of 3 1/2 years, Wozniacki returned to competition this month and now is back at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2019. #press

Chicago Fire lose to Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 for their 3rd consecutive defeat
Brian White scored 19 minutes into the match and Yohei Takaoka made it stand up as the Vancouver Whitecaps edged the Chicago Fire 1-0 on Wednesday night at Soldier Field. #press

Local scores for the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County
Results and highlights of high schools and local colleges from the Southland and Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County coverage areas. #press
Nebraska volleyball event draws 92,003 to set a world record for the largest attendance at a women’s sporting event
The University of Nebraska on Wednesday laid claim to the world record for largest attendance at a women’s sporting event with 92,003 filling Memorial Stadium for the... #press
