The Latest Breaking News from WBEZ

Higher costs are pummeling restaurants. Many have cut hours and portions and raised prices. Lou Malnati’s Pizza raised prices 8% across the board — more in a year “than ever in our history.”

The YWCA honors Nykia Wright of the Chicago Sun-Times, Natalie Moore of WBEZ and Dr. Allison Arwady of the Chicago Department of Public Health for their efforts to empower women, fight racism, build community.

Before his reelection was certain, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison said he was saddened by Democratic dominance of the County Board. “I don’t believe that either party should ever have complete control,” he said Tuesday night. “There has to be checks and balances in government.”

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

The 19-week tangle between Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey was shaped by fights over abortion, political extremism, crime and the economy. Insults flew from the onset.

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

In the first citywide singing contest, Chicago Sings Karaoke, Jason E. Jackson beat out 540 others to take the top prize of $5,000. Mayor Lori Lightfoot belts out ‘Dancing in the Street.’

In removing fees and promising access, Illinois joins a handful of states providing abortions for incarcerated people.

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth heads to the Tuesday vote leading Republican Kathy Salvi in two key metrics, polls and fundraising.

The fate of 1,500-plus artifacts, including some tied to Lincoln’s murder, is unclear as a foundation pulls items out of a state Lincoln museum.

The accusations surfaced publicly last week in Will County divorce court files unsealed at the request of WBEZ — over the repeated objections from lawyers for Hastings, a veteran Democratic lawmaker from the southwest suburbs.