Chloe Jenkins
Editorial byline
Chloe Jenkins is an editorial byline for Today In My City, with a focus on Neighborhoods, Community Events, Local Voices. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
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Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Starting a Community Garden in Chicago: Group First, Then the Park District's Paperwork
Starting a community garden in Chicago begins with forming a committed group before navigating the Chicago Park District's application process. This guide details how to organize your group and prepare the required documents for establishing a garden on park land.
Nov 14, 2026 · 5 min read
Chicago Transit Accessibility, Explained: CTA Buses, 'L' Trains, and Pace's ADA Paratransit
Navigate Chicago's public transit with a disability by understanding the differences between CTA's accessible buses and 'L' trains, and Pace's ADA Paratransit service. This guide details features, station accessibility, real-time status checks, and eligibility for a smoother journey.
Nov 13, 2026 · 4 min read
CTA's California Blue Line Station: Elevators, a New Entrance, and a 2027 Construction Start
The Chicago Transit Authority is set to modernize the historic California Blue Line station in Logan Square, adding elevators and a fully accessible entrance. Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2027, with the station remaining open throughout the upgrades.
Nov 12, 2026 · 4 min read
How Chicago Residents Can Influence Local Government: A Channel-by-Channel Guide
Chicago residents can influence local government through various official channels, including contacting their alderperson for neighborhood issues, participating in city-wide policy discussions, and utilizing FOIA requests for public records. This guide details how to select the most effective path for civic impact, from participatory budgeting to joining volunteer programs.
Nov 11, 2026 · 5 min read
NIMBY vs. YIMBY in Chicago: Two Philosophies Shaping the Housing Debate
This article explores the NIMBY and YIMBY philosophies shaping housing debates, contrasting their arguments on local impact versus broader housing needs. It applies this framework to understand Chicago's discussions on development, affordability, and neighborhood change.
Nov 10, 2026 · 4 min read
Woman Killed in Early-Morning Dan Ryan Expressway Crash Identified as Derricka P. Porter, 26
A fatal collision between a passenger car and a semi-truck on the northbound Dan Ryan Expressway early Sunday morning claimed the life of 26-year-old Derricka P. Porter. The incident caused a four-hour closure of all northbound lanes, leading to significant traffic disruptions, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Nov 9, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Report and Prevent Smash-and-Grab Burglaries in Chicago: A Practical Guide for Residents and Businesses
This guide provides Chicago residents and businesses with a practical framework for reporting smash-and-grab burglaries and implementing layered security measures. Learn when to call 911, 311, or report online, and discover strategies for physical security, technology, and community engagement to deter and mitigate these crimes.
Nov 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Where Chicago Riders Should Take Transit Complaints Now That NITA Oversees CTA and Metra
Chicago-area transit riders now direct policy complaints and feedback to the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), the new oversight agency for CTA, Metra, and Pace. NITA handles system-level decisions on schedules and fares, while day-to-day operational issues remain with the individual transit agencies.
Nov 8, 2026 · 5 min read
Beyond Books: Four Ways the Chicago Public Library Serves Makers, Learners and Families for Free
The Chicago Public Library offers free programs beyond book lending, including a Maker Lab for creative fabrication, digital skills training, free museum passes for families, and city-wide reading initiatives.
Nov 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Who Yields? A Chicago Guide to Bike–Car Right-of-Way, Lane Types, and the Rules That Prevent Crashes
Under Illinois law, bicycles are treated as vehicles, meaning cyclists and drivers share the same traffic safety rules. Understanding and adhering to right-of-way laws is paramount for preventing the most common cause of bike crashes in Chicago: failure to yield.
Nov 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Chicago Transit Accessibility: The Four Features That Matter Most for Riders With Disabilities
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) prioritizes accessibility with four key features: boarding ramps/lifts, accessible rail stations, audio/tactile information, and wheelchair securement. The article also guides riders on navigating these features and accessing related fare and paratransit programs.
Nov 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Three Kinds of Community-Focused Indie Bookstores in Chicago—and How to Pick the One for You
Discover three distinct types of community-focused independent bookstores in Chicago: those specializing in local history, those featuring local authors, and those serving as community hubs for specific audiences. This guide helps you choose your next literary visit based on your interests.
Oct 31, 2026 · 4 min read
How Chicago Public Schools Now Allocates Money to Schools: A Needs-Based Model, Not Per-Student Funding
Chicago Public Schools has transitioned from a per-student funding model to a needs-based system for the 2024-25 school year. This new approach prioritizes equity by guaranteeing a foundational level of resources for all schools before considering enrollment and other student needs.
Oct 28, 2026 · 5 min read
Getting Public Health Services in Chicago: City Clinics, Safety Net Partners, and First Steps for a Child in Crisis
Chicago residents can access public health services through either city-run CDPH clinics or a network of community-based safety net partners. The article outlines how to choose the right pathway based on need, including specific steps for children in mental health crisis.
Oct 27, 2026 · 5 min read
How Chicago Residents Should Choose Between Their Alderperson and 311
Chicago residents should choose between their Alderperson and 311 based on the nature of their neighborhood problem. 311 is for specific, trackable service requests, while Alderpersons address broader policy, planning, and community-wide concerns.
Oct 26, 2026 · 4 min read
How Chicago's Transit Is Funded—and How Senate Bill 2111 Averted the 2026 Fiscal Cliff
Chicago's public transit system faced a critical 2026 fiscal cliff due to dwindling federal aid and reduced ridership. Senate Bill 2111 averted this crisis by securing $1.5 billion in funding, preventing fare hikes and service cuts for CTA and Pace.
Oct 23, 2026 · 5 min read
Pace Proposes 50% More Suburban Bus Service, With Doubled Saturdays, Tripled Sundays and 15-Minute Frequencies on Key Routes
Pace has unveiled a draft ReVision plan aiming to boost suburban bus service by 50% across its six-county region, featuring doubled Saturdays, tripled Sundays, 15-minute frequencies on major routes, and new airport connections, currently open for public feedback.
Oct 22, 2026 · 5 min read
How Chicago's Community-Led Organizations Build Local Power—and How North Lawndale Cut Recidivism Below 10%
Community-led organizations in Chicago build local power by treating civic engagement as a daily practice. The North Lawndale Employment Network exemplifies this, achieving a recidivism rate below 10% through integrated support programs.
Oct 22, 2026 · 5 min read
How Wicker Park and Buckton's Rat Birth Control Program Works—and How It Compares to Chicago's Poison Baiting
Chicago's Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood is piloting a community-led rat birth control program using SenesTech's Evolve, offering an alternative to the city's traditional poison baiting methods. The article explains how this fertility control program works, its reported early success, and how it compares to the city's extermination approach, emphasizing IPM principles.
Oct 20, 2026 · 4 min read
What a Chicago Alderperson Actually Does—and Why Their Office Is Your Best First Call for Local Problems
Chicago alderpersons hold a dual role as citywide legislators and local service providers. For ward-specific issues, contacting your alderperson's office can expedite solutions due to their influence within city bureaucracy.
Oct 20, 2026 · 4 min read