🩸 Why Chicago needs your blood

Brace for Higher Property Taxes

Most Cook County property owners will see higher bills, especially in the north and northwest suburbs largely driven by school districts that rely on property taxes, the treasurer’s office says. Bills are due Dec. 1. [WBEZ]

Illinois Report Card Out

Public school students continue to recover from pandemic disruption: High school graduation rates are up in the last decade, more students are taking advanced classes, and English language arts and math test scores are closer to pre-pandemic levels, according to state data released Monday. But chronic absenteeism remains high. [Chalkbeat]

How Chicagoans Can Help With Blood Shortage

Blood donations dropped by 25%, leading to a national shortage, the American Red Cross announced last month. But Chicagoans can donate blood — we did. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

North Lawndale Fall Fest 🎃 Tuesday | 3–5 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with costumes and candy at the North Lawndale Employment Network. [Free]

Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade 👻 Tuesday | 6:30–10 p.m.

Head to Northalsted for the annual parade. Enter the costume contest — categories include character, creative, scary, youth, and group. [Free]

West Town Day of the Dead 💀 Wednesday | 5–9 p.m.

Go to Diego for face painting and to see the community ofrenda. [Free]

Marquette Park Día de los Muertos 🌺 Friday | 5–7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Day of the Dead with performances from Mexican Folkloric Dance, an art workshop, food, and games. [Free]

Everything Chicagoans Need to Know to Give Blood

What happens when there's a blood shortage? What are the requirements for giving blood? And what if you're afraid of needles? We head to the University of Chicago hospital's blood donation center to get those answers and more.