chicago

Today in Chicago History: The city’s now iconic flag adopted by City Council

2026-04-04 09:10:00 UTC

Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on April 4, according to the Tribune’s archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us.

City owed millions from its own employees, who aren’t being forced to pay up

2026-04-04 09:10:00 UTC

Chicago city workers, mostly Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago Public Schools employees, owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet more than half of them have never been enrolled in a payment plan or had their wages garnished.

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

2026-04-04 09:10:00 UTC

(The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet more than half the workers have never been enrolled

Chicago is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. Located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, it is the third-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.74 million at the 2020 census. The Chicago metropolitan area has 9.41 million residents and is the third-largest metropolitan area in the country. Chicago is the seat of Cook County, the second-most populous county in the U.S.

Chicago was incorporated as a city in 1837 near a portage between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River watershed. It grew rapidly in the mid-19th century. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed several square miles and left more than 100,000 homeless, but Chicago's population continued to grow. Chicago made noted contributions to urban planning and architecture, such as the Chicago School, the development of the City Beautiful movement, and the steel-framed skyscraper.