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Olivia Olander

@olivia0.bsky.social
1.9K followers 115 following 10 posts

chicago tribune reporter chicagotribune.com/author/olivia-olander

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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Michael Hawthorne @scribeguy.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
New policy pushed by @govpritzker.illinois.gov would loosen zoning restrictions that currently limit the residential density allowed on a given lot, @olivia0.bsky.social writes. "And, supporters say, open the door to new multifamily buildings across the state."
chicagotribune.com
Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules
A cornerstone initiative from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker would loosen zoning restrictions for multiunit buildings, drawing excitement from housing advocates but concerns from local officials.
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
NEW: I wrote about Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious, abundance-coded housing plan. 4 units on basically any standard size Chicago residential lot? ADUs? Looser parking minimums? potentially yes, in our backyard >> www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/12/j...
chicagotribune.com
Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules
A cornerstone initiative from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker would loosen zoning restrictions for multiunit buildings, drawing excitement from housing advocates but concerns from local officials.
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
NEW: I wrote about Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious, abundance-coded housing plan. 4 units on basically any standard size Chicago residential lot? ADUs? Looser parking minimums? potentially yes, in our backyard >> www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/12/j...
chicagotribune.com
Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules
A cornerstone initiative from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker would loosen zoning restrictions for multiunit buildings, drawing excitement from housing advocates but concerns from local officials.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Jake Sheridan @jake-sheridan.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
This is a big deal — money is playing a bigger role in who Chicago sends to Congress than ever before. And that money is in a lot of ways trying to hide itself. Read our story here (again, gift link!): www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/13/c...
chicagotribune.com
Unprecedented $62 million shapes Chicago-area congressional primaries, some decry ‘highest bidder’ politics
The four most competitive Democratic congressional primaries in Illinois has witnessed a massive influx of cash from direct campaign contributions and outside political action committee spending.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Jake Sheridan @jake-sheridan.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
And the outside spending is driven largely by groups tied to AI/crypto (around $6 million) and super PACs that are or appear to be tied to AIPAC (at least $19 million). Outside spending for and against in total (4/5):
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Jake Sheridan @jake-sheridan.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
That spending is in part driven by the huge number of candidates raising a ton in individual contributions. Some of those big individual fundraisers have gotten a large amount of money from people who contributed to AIPAC or its affiliate (as much as 67%). The top contribution recipients (3/5):
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Jake Sheridan @jake-sheridan.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
NEW: An unprecedented $62 million is pouring into Chicago's four competitive Democratic Congressional primaries. That's about $30.4 million in campaign contributions and $31.4 million in outside spending so far. With @olivia0.bsky.social (gift link, 1/5): www.chicagotribune.com/2026/03/13/c...
chicagotribune.com
Unprecedented $62 million shapes Chicago-area congressional primaries, some decry ‘highest bidder’ politics
The four most competitive Democratic congressional primaries in Illinois has witnessed a massive influx of cash from direct campaign contributions and outside political action committee spending.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Chicago Tribune Sports @chicagosports.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
As Indiana and Illinois lawmakers spar over where the Bears should build a new stadium, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker acknowledged the team’s next home is unlikely to be within Chicago’s city limits. “They gave the old college try.” @olivia0.bsky.social's story.
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Gov. JB Pritzker suggests no matter how Indiana vs. Illinois fight goes, new Bears home won’t be in Chicago
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said, “I think we’re down to the question of whether they’re going to build in Arlington Heights or they’re going to build something in the state of Indiana.&#…
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Matthew Eadie @mattheweadie.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
NEW – @olivia0.bsky.social and I spoke with State Sen. Laura Fine tonight after a candidate forum in Evanston about this Super PAC running ads supporting her She said she "didn't know about those ads until ... this morning," but said she would "love to know who's funding it."
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
Millions raised fuel fierce fights for 5 open Illinois congressional seats ahead of March primary. Story by @olivia0.bsky.social RobertMcCoppin and Jack O’Connor www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/02/i...
chicagotribune.com
Millions raised fuel fierce fights for 5 open Illinois congressional seats ahead of March primary
The five heavily blue congressional districts that span from Algonquin through parts of Chicago and down to Danville have nearly four dozen Democrats competing to replace three retiring members of …
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
‘Still imprisoned in his mind.’ Illinois exonerees struggle without support after wrongful convictions. Good story from @olivia0.bsky.social www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/04/i...
chicagotribune.com
‘Still imprisoned in his mind.’ Illinois exonerees struggle without support after wrongful convictions.
Paul Terry’s struggle is a stark example of a problem Illinois has yet to confront meaningfully: what happens to people after the state’s judicial system admits it wrongfully took their freed…
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Chicago Tonight | Week in Review: Transit Funding Package; Feds Charge Anti-ICE Protesters, with Madison Savedra, @rick-pearson.bsky.social @olivia0.bsky.social @bpopetv.bsky.social & host @ndblumberg.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/10/31/w...
news.wttw.com
Week in Review: Transit Funding Package; Feds Charge Anti-ICE Protesters
State lawmakers ride to the rescue for Chicago-area public transit. And federal prosecutors file charges against anti-immigration enforcement protesters.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Amanda Kaschube @amandakaschube.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
As Trump’s federal agents continue raiding homes and businesses and marching on city streets to crack down on illegal immigration, many members of Illinois’ legislative branch — typically confined to the guardrails of government — have shifted into rabble-rouser mode. 📝 @olivia0.bsky.social
chicagotribune.com
Illinois Democratic lawmakers take on activist role amid President Trump’s immigration crackdown
Illinois lawmakers have reaccelerated their activist origins as they find themselves unable to change things from within and have no role in broader immigration policy-making.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Illinois Democratic lawmakers take on activist role amid President Trump’s immigration crackdown. A profile of these times from @olivia0.bsky.social www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/06/i...
chicagotribune.com
Illinois Democratic lawmakers take on activist role amid President Trump’s immigration crackdown
Illinois lawmakers have reaccelerated their activist origins as they find themselves unable to change things from within and have no role in broader immigration policy-making.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Chicago Tribune Sports @chicagosports.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
The Bears' stadium efforts ran out of time in Springfield, but a suburban lawmaker said a deal was "super close and just ran out of time." 📝 @olivia0.bsky.social
chicagotribune.com
Chicago Bears’ stadium efforts run out of time in Springfield, but suburban lawmaker says deal was close
The Illinois General Assembly approached a deal on related property tax legislation, Rep. Mary Beth Canty said, widely seen as easing a potential Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights.
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
Good evening Bluesky from beautiful Springfield IL! Here’s the latest transit proposal as we await a full budget www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/29/i...
chicagotribune.com
Latest transit proposal would hike tolls, tax ride shares to avoid $771 million fiscal cliff
Illinois lawmakers consider a toll hike and other measures to address an expected $771 million financial shortfall for Chicago-area public transit.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
AmeriCorps cuts leave Chicago programs for kids facing diminished summer. @olivia0.bsky.social with a look at how Trump budget cuts are affecting real people www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/21/i...
chicagotribune.com
AmeriCorps cuts leave Chicago programs serving kids facing diminished summer
In Illinois, cuts to AmeriCorps will leave some programs for the summer shuttered or scrambling for volunteers.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
John Chase @johnchase.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
@katmabu.bsky.social is running for 9th dist in IL to replace @schakowsky.house.gov. But many with more local connections will soon join the race. A look at the burgeoning campaign and new details about Kat from @olivia0.bsky.social and @danvock.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/12/9...
chicagotribune.com
Democratic digital creator likely facing field of local politicians to succeed US Rep. Jan Schakowsky
In 9th Congressional District race, digital creator Kat Abughazaleh has an unconventional campaign but is already facing more traditional, grassroots candidates.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Lawmaker calls for study of AI-powered cameras in effort to make DuSable Lake Shore Drive safer. @olivia0.bsky.social with the details www.chicagotribune.com/2025/04/16/l...
chicagotribune.com
Lawmaker calls for study of AI-powered cameras in effort to make DuSable Lake Shore Drive safer
State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz is pushing a measure for greater safety measures on DuSable Lake Shore drive including potential research on AI powered cameras.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Gov. JB Pritzker’s $300M proposal seeks to attract developers to abandoned sites that now draw only vandals. @jeremygorner.bsky.social @olivia0.bsky.social report www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/10/s...
chicagotribune.com
Gov. JB Pritzker’s $300M proposal seeks to attract developers to abandoned sites that now draw only vandals
Gov. JB Pritzker announced a $300 million pitch in February to make an old prison site and four other vacated state properties ready for economic development.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
John Chase @johnchase.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
Citizens are ramping up their political activity in response to the early days of the new Trump admin. Republicans got a backlash at town halls. There’s also dissatisfaction over inaction from Democrats. By @danvock.bsky.social and @olivia0.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/09/s...
chicagotribune.com
‘Something should be done’: Illinois Democratic lawmakers hear from public frustrated about President Donald Trump’s initiatives
Although Democrats are out of power in D.C., anxious Illinoisans want lawmakers to step up to block Donald Trump initiatives.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Dan Vock @danvock.bsky.social · 09/03/2025
My story with @olivia0.bsky.social on the growing activism of Chicago area residents upset by Trump’s actions, and how elected Democrats are responding
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
People with developmental disabilities can wait years for community placements, state records show. An important story from @olivia0.bsky.social and @jeremygorner.bsky.social www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/03/s...
chicagotribune.com
People with developmental disabilities can wait years for community placements, state records show
Across Illinois’ seven remaining state operated facilities for people with developmental disabilities, more than 200 were seeking placement elsewhere as of last month.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
John Chase @johnchase.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
While advocates give @govpritzker.illinois.gov credit for putting more attn on moving folks from larger state-operated develop cntrs to smaller homes, the fights for placement underscore ongoing struggles. By @olivia0.bsky.social and @jeremygorner.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/03/03/s...
chicagotribune.com
People with developmental disabilities can wait years for community placements, state records show
Across Illinois’ seven remaining state operated facilities for people with developmental disabilities, more than 200 were seeking placement elsewhere as of last month.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: Donald Trump Returns to the White House; Bears Hire New Head Coach, with @dmihalopoulos.bsky.social @bpopetv.bsky.social @olivia0.bsky.social @lynnsweet.bsky.social & host @amandavinicky.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/01/24/w...
news.wttw.com
Week in Review: Donald Trump Returns to the White House; Bears Hire New Head Coach
Donald Trump returns to the White House and immediately exercises his executive powers. And the Chicago Bears name a new head coach.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
Relatives of kids in DCFS care would have better access to state assistance under proposed legislation, good story by @olivia0.bsky.social www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/26/i...
chicagotribune.com
Relatives of kids in DCFS care would have better access to state assistance under proposed legislation
A bill aimed at making it easier for relatives to get licensed as foster parents for family members is poised to pass in Springfield.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 18/12/2024
Videos shared on social media showed a crane bring down a wall, causing white granular material to spill into the river and bring protective netting down with it. As it hit the water’s surface, the debris produced a dusty cloud and then settled, floating on the river as cranes ground to a halt.
chicagotribune.com
Debris from Freedom Center demolition falls into the river at Bally’s casino site
Conservationists alarmed as winds blew debris into floating gardens of the Wild Mile; cleanup underway.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 19/12/2024
Update: Amazon delivery drivers in Skokie and six other facilities go on strike. “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can blame Amazon’s insatiable greed,” Teamsters president Sean O’Brien said in the news release.
chicagotribune.com
Amazon delivery drivers in Skokie and six other facilities go on strike Thursday
The walkout at the Skokie delivery station and six other facilities nationwide is set to begin at 5 a.m., with workers at other Amazon locations “prepared to join them,” the Teamsters said in a new…
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 19/12/2024
Hundreds of drivers at an Amazon facility in Skokie are planning to strike Thursday morning, potentially disrupting holiday deliveries in an effort to get the online retailing giant to recognize their affiliation with the Teamsters union and negotiate a labor contract.
chicagotribune.com
Amazon delivery drivers in Skokie and six other facilities set to strike Thursday
The walkout at the Skokie delivery station and six other facilities nationwide is set to begin at 5 a.m., with workers at other Amazon locations “prepared to join them,” the Teamsters said in a new…
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
Grubhub is expected to pay $25 million and stop practices including tacking on "junk fees" to orders, FTC Chair Lina Khan announced downtown yesterday. Most of that $$$$ will go back to customers, drivers and restaurants, the FTC said. @chicagotribune.com www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/17/g...
chicagotribune.com
Grubhub agrees to pay $25 million to settle claims it misled customers, restaurants and drivers
Grubhub has agreed to pay $25 million and stop alleged practices including misleading consumers on feeds under a proposed settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Chicago Tribune Sports @chicagosports.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Members of the Chicago Stars and Sky organizations testified Monday in support of a state bill amendment to ensure public stadium funding equality. 📝 @mmontemurro.bsky.social 📝 @olivia0.bsky.social
chicagotribune.com
Chicago Stars and Sky make the case for equality in a stadium public funding bill hearing
Members of the Chicago Stars and Sky organizations testified Monday in support of a bill amendment to ensure public stadium funding equality.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Brenden Moore @brendenmoore.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
.@govpritzker.illinois.gov on the state flag redesign contest: "I really like our current flag. I also like the designs that were put forward. I don't want to sound too political about that, but... I think a lot of a lot of effort was put in to that."
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
John Chase @johnchase.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
After President-elect Donald Trump’s border czar threatened mass deportations would begin in Chicago, Gov. JB Pritzker said Illinois would protect immigrants while also saying he shared a desire to deport those convicted of violent crimes. @olivia0.bsky.social www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/11/g...
chicagotribune.com
Gov. JB Pritzker promises to protect immigrants, but says those convicted of violent crimes need to go
Pritkzer says immigrants will be protected in Illinois, but those found guilty of violent crimes should be deported.
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Starting this year, public libraries in Illinois had a choice: adopt principles against book bans or give up state grants. A number of school districts appear to have taken the latter option. Latest @chicagotribune.com w/ Jeremy Gorner www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/08/i...
chicagotribune.com
State anti-book-ban law leads some school districts to forsake grants to maintain local control
Several Illinois school districts have chosen to pass on state grant funding that would require them to comply with an anti-book-banning law.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
Illinois politicians mandated that school districts adopt anti book banning principles or give up (pretty modest) state grants. A small number of districts said: Keep your money. Interesting story by @olivia0.bsky.social and @jeremygorner.bsky.social www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/08/i...
chicagotribune.com
State anti-book-ban law leads some school districts to forsake grants to maintain local control
Several Illinois school districts have chosen to pass on state grand funding that would require them to comply with an anti-book-banning law.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
John Chase @johnchase.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
Starting this year, public libraries in Illinois could adopt principles against book banning or give up state grants. A number, many in conservative areas of Illinois, appear to have chosen the latter. By @olivia0.bsky.social and Jeremy Gorner: www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/08/i...
chicagotribune.com
State anti-book-ban law leads some school districts to forsake grants to maintain local control
Several Illinois school districts have chosen to pass on state grant funding that would require them to comply with an anti-book-banning law.
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
As Illinois looks to modernize and rebuild Stateville max security prison, I talked to inmates who were transferred downstate (and their loved ones) about how that the multiyear project has already both changed and disrupted their lives. @chicagotribune.com www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/02/s...
chicagotribune.com
For ex-Stateville inmates, prison transfers mean disruption, separation from families
Stateville prison was emptied due to decrepit conditions. For some inmates, that has made family visits difficult and disrupted educational programs.
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
As Illinois looks to modernize and rebuild Stateville max security prison, I talked to inmates who were transferred downstate (and their loved ones) about how that the multiyear project has already both changed and disrupted their lives. @chicagotribune.com www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/02/s...
t.co
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/02/stateville-closing-fallout/
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Gregory Pratt @royalpratt.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
As Illinois prepares to demolish and rebuild Stateville prison, inmates were moved to other prisons around the state. @olivia0.bsky.social with a good story looking at the disruption to families. www.chicagotribune.com/2024/12/02/s...
chicagotribune.com
For ex-Stateville inmates, prison transfers mean disruption, separation from families
Stateville prison was emptied due to decrepit conditions. For some inmates, that has made family visits difficult and disrupted educational programs.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
John Chase @johnchase.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Wednesday night before Thanksgiving and Mayor Brandon Johnson responds to Ronnie Reese scandal the Tribune broke Tuesday morning. By @aliceyin.bsky.social, @jake-sheridan.bsky.social and @royalpratt.bsky.social: www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/27/m...
chicagotribune.com
Mayor Brandon Johnson says he doesn’t tolerate behavior that got his ex-spokesman terminated but offers little else
Mayor Brandon Johnson said his administration does not tolerate the behavior that got his spokesman, Ronnie Reese, terminated but offers no other details.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Colin Boyle @colinbphoto.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Chicago’s first snow of the season! #ILWX @blockclubchi.bsky.social
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Sam Charles @samjcharles.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
🚨The Chicago Tribune Guild has a contract🚨
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 14/11/2024
New today: the family of Michael Broadway, who died incarcerated at Stateville during a June heatwave, sued IDOC, Wexford Health and a dozen prison workers, alleging his death was preventable if not for their inaction www.chicagotribune.com/2024/11/14/f...
chicagotribune.com
Family of Stateville inmate who died during June heat wave sues state, prison workers
The family of a man who died in the custody of Stateville Correctional Center has filed a lawsuit alleging poor handling of Broadway’s medical emergency led to his death.
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Reposted by Olivia Olander
Adriana Pérez @adrianaperez.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
Follow my talented, dedicated colleagues at the Chicago Tribune as they join Bluesky: go.bsky.app/MzTv5L9
go.bsky.app
Chicago Tribune's Starter Pack
Join the conversation
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Olivia Olander @olivia0.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
hello chicago! 👋
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