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John Coli once bragged, “You can cut my fingers off, I wouldn’t talk.” Two years later, Coli pleaded guilty and formally agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors.

It should be a neighborhood with more clout considering its size and its being home to the largest Hispanic population in Chicago. But adding to the confusion for residents, Belmont Cragin is divided among multiple wards and state representative districts, meaning residents living near one another…

The stolen-check scheme involves thieves stealing mail, erasing the ink with chemicals and rewriting the checks for themselves. Some experts say their suggestions to fight the crime are not being implemented.

The longtime city planner moves over from the Cook County Land Bank Authority.

Sandra Kolalou, 36, is accused of killing Frances Walker, 69. Police say some remains were found in a freezer, others are missing. Friends describe the victim as “gentle, sweet, generous, kind.”

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Ald. Scott Waguespack said he has the scars to prove a surge in off-leash dogs is sparking fights and worse.

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Rail operator CSX agreed to clean up passageways after Alejandra Frausto warned three years ago that falling paint is a threat to children.

Midge Laurin mailed a $30 check that was intercepted, rewritten and cashed to someone else for $9,475. The scheme leaves many victims struggling for months to recover their losses.

Given the changes on La Salle Street — not all of them good — the city’s new effort to rethink the historic thoroughfare makes sense. Downtown and the central area are still the economic engine and lifeblood of the city.