Sophie Levenson – Page 2

A pedestrian shields himself from the rain during a sudden downpour in the Loop on July 24, 2025. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Afternoon thunderstorms knock out power to more than 50K customers

July 24, 2025 at 5:34 p.m.

ComEd is working to restore power after storms shut it down for thousands of Cook County residents.

Natasha McClendon, center, shops at the St. Sabina parish food pantry with help from administrative assistant Andi Earles, right, on June 30, 2025. McClendon relies on SNAP benefits to feed her family and she supplements by shopping at this local pantry once a month. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

In the wake of SNAP cuts, feeding hungry Illinoisans falls more than ever on food pantries

July 21, 2025 at 10:23 a.m.

As food prices increase and benefits diminish, nonprofits have to pick up the slack.

Volunteer Richard Mobley gathers dairy groceries for a client during a Thursday food distribution event at Nourishing Hope's Sheridan Market, 3945 N. Sheridan Road, July 10, 2025, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/baiduhai)

Snapshot of food insecurity in Illinois and the US

July 21, 2025 at 10:23 a.m.

Explaining the impact of Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" on food insecurity in Illinois

Alleged victim Michael Moss, of Chicago, listens during a news conference July 16, 2025, announcing another 107 people have filed complaints against the state alleging sexual abuse in youth detention centers. (E. Jason Wambsgans/baiduhai)

Another 107 former detainees allege sexual abuse in Illinois and Cook County youth detention centers

July 16, 2025 at 7:58 p.m.

Another 107 people filed complaints Tuesday against the state for allegedly allowing rampant sexual abuse in Illinois juvenile detention facilities.

Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon hosts a news conference to release the Clerk’s Office Transition Report and introduce a new smart ballot drop box on July 8, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/baiduhai)

Cook County clerk trying out a ‘smart’ ballot drop box for next election, expanding language access

July 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

New drop box features a surveillance camera to record who drops off ballots, an electronic screen to confirm successful deposits and a scanner to record ballot envelopes.

A red flag flies over a lifeguard station at Oak Street Beach in Chicago on July 7, 2025, after the National Weather Service issued a hazardous conditions warning, with the recommendation that swimmers avoid entering the water or use extreme caution if they do. (Terrence Antonio James/baiduhai)

High waves and strong rip currents make for dangerous conditions at Chicago beaches Monday, weather officials warn

July 7, 2025 at 5:02 p.m.

“The recommendation is for anybody going to the beach today to stay out of the water," weather official says.

A crew member of Kyle Larson (5) carries a steering wheel in pit row during the final laps of the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165 on July 6, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/baiduhai)

Behind the scenes, crew members keep NASCAR Chicago Street Race running smoothly

July 6, 2025 at 8:01 p.m.

The work isn't always glamorous, but pit crews and other support staff play an important role in pulling off successful races.

Cars stop in pit row in Grant Park during the NASCAR Xfinity Series' The Loop 110 ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series on July 5, 2025. (Audrey Richardson/baiduhai)

Fans reflect on NASCAR’s (possibly) final street race in Chicago

July 7, 2025 at 2:44 p.m.

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race held their annual loop course on July 5-6. As rumors of the race's departure to the west coast growing louder, fans reveled in the atmosphere...

Chelsea Brown, the family Fourth coordinator with Winnemac Park Advisory Council, right, talks with her book club friend, Maddie Byrne and her son, James Byrne, 1, while celebrating the Fourth of July with the second annual Winnemac Fourth for All festival at Winnemac Park on July 4, 2025, in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. (Audrey Richardson/baiduhai)

Volunteers make sure Chicago’s Winnemac Park is a blast — even without fireworks

July 5, 2025 at 1:07 p.m.

The "Fourth for All” party at Chicago's Winnemac Park was born as an alternative to the illegal firework demonstrations that had gone on for years in the park.

Amalia Alejo, left, and Ana Flores take Flores' dog, Wallii, for a walk around the neighborhood in Pilsen on July 3, 2025. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

This Independence Day, immigrants face how to celebrate a nation deeply divided over Trump’s deportation efforts

July 4, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Immigrants want to celebrate the opportunities they have found in the U.S. without forgetting about their friends and loved ones fearing deportation.

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