As thousands of people are expected downtown for New Year's Eve celebrations, Mayor Johnson, the Chicago police, and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications are trying to get out ahead of any safety concerns.

A Chicago nonprofit, in conjunction with the American Federation of Teachers, is suing the U.S. Department of Education over funding cuts to a program that has long provided wraparound services to

The marked police vehicle was southbound in the 3600 block of North Racine Avenue when it was struck by a stolen Hyundai Elantra early Monday.

Monday morning's weather, featuring snow, sideways winds, and sub-freezing temperatures, caused concerns for post-holiday travelers. More than 100 cancellations and many more delays were logged at O'Hare International Airport. By noon, Chicago led the travel website FlightAware's so-called misery map.

Information about homicides is released daily by the city of Chicago. The release of homicide victims’ names is delayed by two weeks to allow time for the victims’ families to be notified of a death by Chicago police.

Porter Hodge, who was a breakout star for the Cubs out of the bullpen last year, struggled mightily before getting injured this year, and he wasn't included on the team's playoff roster. However, the Cubs believe that with a healthy offseason, the 24-year-old can reemerge as a key weapon.

Two Chicago police officers were taken to the hospital after a crash on the city's Near West Side Monday evening. The crash happened just before 6 p.m. in the 0-100 block of South Western Avenue. Police said the marked squad, while in traffic, hit a median. Both were taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Left tackle Austen Pleasants filled in admirably for Trent Williams and may need to do it against Seattle as well.