Jurors in Donald Trump’s hush money trial viewed a confidential agreement Thursday requiring a porn actor to keep quiet about her claims that she had an extramarital sexual encounter with the former president. trib.al/Rlb0RCb

A new Amtrak service will soon run between Chicago and St. Paul, Minnesota, adding additional trains to the route.
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Hamas on Thursday was considering the latest proposal for a cease-fire with Israel that the United States and other mediators hope will avert an Israeli attack on the Gaza town of Rafah. trib.al/IMbjBhm

President Joe Biden defended the right to protest but insisted that “order must prevail” as college campuses across the country face unrest over the war in Gaza. trib.al/PpD4X6T

Authorities said they have recovered the body of a fifth person who was missing after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge more than a month ago. trib.al/G8cKWDY

Cannabis company owners in Illinois welcomed the news Tuesday that the federal government is expected to reclassify marijuana as a drug with a lower potential for abuse, as it may allow them greater tax benefits and make it easier to get loans.
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National Weather Service officials are expecting showers Thursday with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and temperatures in the high 60s. trib.al/bGPYlSH

From the Editorial Board:

The U.S. consumer is increasingly tapped out, and the effects are being felt in even the strongest, most resilient brands out there. Exhibit A is Starbucks.
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A crew of burglars drove off with several vehicles overnight from a dealership in the Bronzeville neighborhood, Chicago police said. trib.al/fpf7AYp

A Will County judge ruled in favor of Homer Township Supervisor Steve Balich’s request to get a ballot for his opponent tossed out, which results in a tie for the position of Republican precinct committeeperson that will be decided by lot.
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The Chicago Cubs were on the verge of wasting Shota Imanaga’s stellar seven shutout innings Wednesday night at Citi Field. trib.al/ySbuinA

Prairie State College’s use of Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson resulted in payments of $8,850 in 2022, $9,930 in 2023 and college officials predict $9,930 in 2024 to host graduation ceremonies. trib.al/tKSVXSI

Dozens of dams have been removed across Illinois amid environmental and safety concerns. But it took more than a decade for the Salt Creek dam to be removed. trib.al/5KDh7ZK

Police removed barricades and began dismantling a pro-Palestinian demonstrators’ fortified encampment at the UCLA campus after hundreds of protesters defied police orders to leave, about 24 hours after counter-protesters attacked a tent encampment. trib.al/sWZlxhl

After weeks of area college students protesting the Israel-Hamas war as part of a nationwide movement, leaders of Chicago’s Jewish community responded Wednesday by demanding action against hate speech.
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Donald Trump faces the prospect of additional sanctions in his hush money trial as he returns to court for another contempt hearing followed by testimony from a lawyer who represented two women who have said they had sexual encounters with Trump. trib.al/0G1rbzO

Calumet City’s municipal credit card statement showing charges from Hooters, a hotel in New Orleans and a Cadillac lease have led aldermen to question whether Mayor Thaddeus Jones or another official is attempting to charge taxpayers for personal expenses.
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A federal prosecutor on Wednesday described serial Chicago con man Joey Cipolla as a charmer with an unhealthy obsession with wealth — and he doesn’t care about hurting people to get it.
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