Long-time Chicago meteorologist Jerry Taft, age 77, has died, the station where he spent the bulk of his professional life announced this week. A trusted voice in the storm Taft became a familiar figure for viewers of WLS‑TV (ABC7) in Chicago, where he served as a meteorologist for 33 years before his retirement in January 2018. Known for his calm delivery and affable personality, he bridged the gap between weather science and everyday impact for millions of viewers. One colleague, anchor Alan Krashesky, noted that Taft “mixes the credibility that he has as a meteorologist with a personality that’s just unmatched.”…

Chicago’s artistic and wellness circles are mourning the passing of Natalya Chytry, a creative consultant and community leader celebrated for her radiant energy and deep compassion. Her death was confirmed this week by close friend Natalie Rae Amrany, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, describing Chytry as “a beautiful best friend who radiated light, laughter, and love to everyone who knew her.” An intimate service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, October 21, at 10:30 a.m. CST, at St. Joseph the Betrothed Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chicago. The ceremony will be open to family and close…

Chicago, IL – The Chicago police officer who fatally shot his partner, Officer Krystal Rivera, during a foot chase earlier this summer has been formally stripped of his police powers, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) confirmed this week. While CPD did not provide a detailed explanation for the move, the department stated the action was taken in accordance with internal procedures. The incident that claimed Rivera’s life in June has been described by officials as “accidental,” though her family has called for an independent review. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), which investigates allegations of police misconduct, last updated…

Ryne Sandberg, the Hall of Fame second baseman whose smooth fielding and unexpected power at the plate made him one of baseball’s most admired players of the 1980s and ’90s, died Monday at age 65. The Chicago Cubs announced Sandberg’s passing in a statement on social media but did not specify a cause or location of death. Sandberg, who had been living in Lake Bluff, Illinois, had battled metastatic prostate cancer, which he first disclosed in January 2024. Known affectionately to Cubs fans as “Ryno,” Sandberg was a cornerstone of Chicago’s beloved 1984 and 1989 teams and remains a franchise…