The People issue is the Reader's annual celebration of everyday Chicagoans doing extraordinary things through their own words. Read the full issue out now!
chicagoreader.com/the-people-i...

Grooving across the pages of the People issue is Life of the Party Quimaya Sewell, aka Lil M.U. or Maya Unique. Lil M.U., 25, is a rapper, dancer, DJ, and choreographer who exploded onto the scene with the juke song of the summer “Top of Cars.” Read her story here: chicagoreader.com/city-life/pe...

“Immediately after [Dobbs], Illinois experienced a surge in patients from around the country seeking care. Now, one in four people traveling for abortion care comes to Illinois,” Palmer says.

Read her full story in this year’s People issue: chicagoreader.com/city-life/pe...

Launched in 2023 in response to the 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, CARLA utilizes a nurse-staffed referral line to streamline access and care coordination for those requiring hospital-based abortions due to significant medical concerns.

Today she is the program manager for the Complex Abortion Regional Line for Access (CARLA), a collaboration between Chicago Abortion Fund and four local hospitals.

the cook county sheriff's and state's attorney's offices will look to hire dozens of analysts in 2026.

new ccso and sao departments are tasked with using data to streamline internal operations, generate "predictive" analytics, and even steer the strategy for prosecuting gun crimes.

background:

In addition to creating replicas for the Field Museum, Lim also plays drums in Chicago’s DIY music scene. She’s played for bands like Civilized Man, Gula Gula and currently drums in the four-piece Shrift. Read her story in this year’s People Issue: chicagoreader.com/city-life/pe...

The People issue is the Reader's annual celebration of everyday Chicagoans doing extraordinary things through their own words. Read the full issue out now! chicagoreader.com/the-people-i...

While you can find her working on a number of projects at any time, Palmer is the first to say that “community organizing is less something you do and more who you are.” Read her story here: chicagoreader.com/city-life/pe...

Next up in our People Issue highlight is the Community Builder: Nat Palmer, 24, is a community organizer who grew up in the near west suburbs.