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Illinois Ranks Low Among US State with Military Veterans per 100k
Some of the reasons why Illinois' number is so low: large population, a higher cost of living and taxes compared to other states. Some of the reasons why Illinois' number is so low: large population, a higher cost of living and taxes compared to other states. Measuring Wildfire Burn Probabilities in Illinois, US
States that produced the largest and deadliest wildfires in American history now rank at the bottom of the national burn probability index. Essay: How Is Generative AI Contributing to Journalism Job Loss?
Fact: Generative AI tools can make journalists more efficient. But is it really eliminating jobs or giving management a way to eliminate positions? Addiction: AI and Its Rising Impact on Sports Betting
Studies show that online sports betting increases the risk of addiction, especially among young adults. Experts warn that AI can shape user behavior in ways that are not fully understood. Essay: Rethinking AI as a Supplement, not a Substitution for Human Connection
Artificial intelligence is shifting from practical tools to emotional companions, with platforms like Character.AI attracting millions of users. Essay: Artificial Intelligence in Local Newsrooms. Helpful or Harmful?
Artificial intelligence is becoming more common in local newsrooms as journalists look for ways to work more efficiently with limited staff. Essay: Does AI Hurt Youth? Self-Harm Encouragement and AI Relationships
AI chatbots can present risks for young users, particularly when they provide harmful guidance such as content related to self-harm. They can also form emotional attachments. AI, Answer-Driven Search and the Decline of News Traffic
With this shift to AI summaries, search pages now show an AI-generated answer right at the top before any of the links are shown. How is it impacting news site traffic? How is AI-Driven Content Production Transforming Journalism’s Public-Service Mission?
AI is transforming journalism by increasing efficiency and lowering costs, but it risks undermining its public-service mission. Essay: A Maze for Readers: Is It Human Text or is it Written by Artificial Intelligence?
While newsrooms rely on AI to meet economic and production pressures, studies show readers strongly prefer human-written content and often distrust AI involvement — especially when disclosed. Which Lollapalooza Performers Are Being Searched the Most on Google?
An analysis of Google search trends provides insight to the biggest Lollapalooza headliners coming to Chicago and the upcoming, nationwide “No Kings” protest. Gun Violence in Chicago Is Decreasing — But Data Tell a More Complicated Story
Since spiking during the pandemc, Chicago homicide numbers have dropped steadily over the past five years. But the data show a disturbing trend. Breaking Down 2024-25 Chicago Crime: What the Data Show
While Chicago crime was down in 2025, including a record-low 416 homicides, the city still saw its usual summer spike in reported crime overall. Data: Inmate Deaths are on the Rise in U.S Federal Prisons
There have been 8,242 inmate deaths in US federal prisons from 2005 to 2024. Data suggest that there may be a lack of adequate healthcare access for incarcerated people. Data: Inflation Rate Has Slowed in Chicago Over the Past Year
Although it's hard to believe, data from the Bureau of Labor statistics show inflation has actually slowed in the Windy City. Data Show Rent Is Rising Faster Than Pay in Chicago
Chicago’s cost of living has become noticeable between 2023 and 2025, and skyrocketing rental costs are one big reason why. Ongoing Crisis: Dogs Overflowing Adoption Centers in Chicago
Throughout the last five years, there has been an 85% spike in stray dogs being captured or surrendered to adoption centers in the Chicagoland area, mostly due to lack of economic resources. In Quotes: What Are Chicagoans Saying About Key Issues?
Our digital reporters hit the streets to inteview people about CTA safety, property taxes and the Bears stadium issues. Hear what they had to say ... Sports: Breaking Down NBA Scoring and Chicago Stars Attendance
From professional soccer to the NBA, our data reporters break down and visualize the numbers that drive sports on and off the court and pitch. Chicago Cubs Extend Attendance Rebound with Another Jump in 2025
Total attendance at Wrigley Field has been slowly climbing for four consecutive seasons since the pandemic. Expectations are high for 2026. 
