The Rundown | Chicago News

Chicago’s top watchdog says the city’s police department has no consistent playbook for sidelining officers during misconduct investigations. People who buy 30-day CTA and Pace passes can get Divvy discounts starting later this month. A group of Black art collectors are attending the art fair EXPO Chicago this weekend with a mission to place more works by Black creatives in museums.
 
 Plus, we’ll learn how some Illinois arts groups are planning on celebrating America’s 250th birthday later this year.

Registered nurses at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election. Some Democratic lawmakers in Illinois want more oversight over hospitals to be better prepared in case they close. After seemingly turning a corner in their first home series of the season, the White Sox are back to their losing ways.
 
 Plus, WBEZ’s Michael Puente sits down with Cardinal Blase Cupich, head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, about President Trump’s rhetoric in his war with Iran.

Terms are still unclear for a two-week ceasefire deal between the U.S., Iran, and Israel. Illinois Republicans hope to combat rising gas prices by pausing a state sales tax on fuel. The Chicago Park District is unveiling two temporary art installations Wednesday as part of its Monument Response Project.
 
 Plus, it’s been one blow after another for many migrants in Chicago in the last year. The Trump administration ended programs that allowed them to work and live in the United States legally, and without a steady income, finding affordable housing has become even harder. On top of that, these challenges make them particularly vulnerable to scams, and a new state housing law is only making a difficult situation worse.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has joined a growing list of elected officials calling for President Trump’s removal via the 25th Amendment. Fifteen affordable housing projects around Chicago have been approved to receive millions of dollars in local funding and federal tax credits. The Chicago Bulls are embracing change after years of mediocrity – starting with the firing of executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley.
 
 Plus, Chicago-based influencer Helena “Yoonie” Kim carefully restores vintage Coach bags in social media videos that rack up millions of views. The passion for finding and restoring vintage Coach bags is now an Internet-wide trend, with dozens of Facebook groups and hundreds of Depop shops bringing together hobbyists who curate their own vintage Coach collections.

The Chicago Bulls have fired their top decision-makers – executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. The Chicago Sky have traded star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The fervor around the University of Illinois’ first Final Four run in 21 years could create a major economic boost. “Ted Lasso” co-creator and star Brendan Hunt’s new one man show debuts at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre on April 17. 
 
 Plus, anyone who has spent time around Chicago's DIY music scene has likely encountered Charles Joseph Smith. He’s the guy breaking it down on the dance floor and selling his homemade cassettes. But in the background, Smith is also a piano prodigy and prolific composer who’s finally getting his due.

Illinois lawmakers are trying to shut down the sale and manufacture of certain pistols they say can be too easily modified. Chicagoans can circulate their dollars tomorrow at the Spend in the Black marketplace. Several players from Southeast Europe have played a critical role in helping the fighting Illini punch its ticket to the Final Four. Plus, Chicago is known for deep dish pizza, Italian beef, and classic dogs. But where in town can you grab the best burger? WBEZ food contributor Maggie Hennessy has a new book called “The Burger Bible”. She writes about 80 of the world’s best burgers, including a few in Chicago.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is set to speak at a public hearing tonight about his officers’ interactions with ICE agents during federal immigration raids. Chicago Bears owner George McCaskey says his family is waiting for a deal on a new stadium, whether in Illinois or Indiana, to come to them. A new COVID-19 variant has popped up in Illinois. Plus, a Northwestern University psychology professor is recruiting transgender youth and their parents for a study on “how gender dysphoric youth live their lives.” But some parents and advocates are calling out the professor behind the study who they say has a history of harming the trans community.

Leaders from Chicago’s Chinese and Latino immigrant communities say they feel anxious about today’s Supreme Court hearing on President Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. The Chicago alderperson behind a much-debated proposal for a stricter teen curfew is back at the bargaining table after a wave of warm weather prompted so-called teen takeovers. A new supportive living community for adults with disabilities is now open in south suburban Alsip.
 
 Plus, Macquline King has gone from being an elementary school principal in Chicago Public Schools to interim CEO in just a couple years. Now in the permanent position, King talks about some of the big challenges she'll have to confront, and how her experience at Chicago Public Schools will inform that work.

The Supreme Court today ruled against Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy. Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility, which celebrates trans and gender nonconforming people and their right to self determination. The finalists for this year’s James Beard Awards were announced today, and three Chicago chefs are on the short list.
 
 Plus, a Chicago man convicted of laundering cocaine funds remains a major player in Illinois’ state regulated cannabis industry. David Berger was found guilty late last year for aiding a Mexican cocaine trafficking ring back in 2021, but he’s still closely associated with a network of weed dispensaries operating in Chicago and Illinois under the name Ivy Hall.

Property taxes in Cook County have grown at more than double the rate of inflation during the past three decades, according to a new report. Most voters in Chicago opposed last September’s federal deportation campaign known as Operation Midway Blitz, according to a new survey. This weekend’s No Kings protest drew thousands to the streets of Chicago; we hear from a few people about what issues were top of mind as they were protesting.
 
 Plus, Navy Pier has unveiled a new symbolic sign marking the start of Route 66. WBEZ’s Somer Van Benton explores the history of the highway and why it still means so much 100 years later.

No Kings protests and rallies are planned in Chicago and nationwide this weekend. A new Northwestern study finds premature menopause raises long-term heart risk by 40%. The season just started for the White Sox, and they were bullied mercilessly in their first game of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers, falling 14-2.
 
 Plus, one of the most anticipated albums of the year is the new one from Chicago’s own Ratboys. The band formed at Notre Dame about 15 years ago and their sixth album came out last month.

Chicago Public Schools will soon have a new permanent CEO with board members set to vote Monday on a three-year contract for interim CEO Macquline King. A measure to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois continues to sit in Springfield. It would allow the Bears to negotiate their payments, instead of paying property taxes, for a new stadium in suburban Arlington Heights. The Goodman Theater’s new, immersive production “Theater Of The Mind” has debuted and could play on its unconventional stage indefinitely. 
 
 Plus, alt-rock band “The Academy Is..” is back with new music after nearly 20 years. The Barrington natives returned to the scene with an ode to Chicago with a single titled “L Train.”

Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson is making the case for a bill that would make it illegal for detention centers to be within 1,500 feet from schools, day cares, houses and other places. Chicago’s Human Relations Commissioner Nancy Andrade announced her resignation from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cabinet. As the war in Iran rages on, priceless artifacts, ancient landmarks and entire cultural institutions are at risk of being damaged or lost forever.
 
 Plus, Emma Gerstein is second flutist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and she filed an audio diary from the road on tour to fill us in on what it’s like to perform at classical music’s highest level with her 10-month-old baby in tow.

The clock is ticking for state lawmakers to pass a deal to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois, and Democrats in Springfield are pushing a bill that would allow the Bears to negotiate payments in lieu of paying property taxes to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. A bill proposed in Springfield would designate the Dan Ryan Expressway between 47th Street and 95th Street the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Memorial Highway. It’s officially spring and the region’s pollinators are busy bringing our plants to bloom. 
 
 Plus, a Chicago charter school network found itself in such bad financial straits that it’s being forced to close the doors of its two high schools, for good. That sent some 570 students searching for a new school with less than three months in the year.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been spotted today at O’Hare airport, one of 14 U.S. airports where extra ICE officials are being deployed. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says that about 75 ICE agents have been deployed to O'Hare. There have been no signs of additional federal immigration agents at Midway airport so far. A Cook County jury ruled in favor of Chance the Rapper in a suit brought by his former manager, Pat Corcoran.
 
 Plus, one of the more unusual pieces of theater on stage so far this year is White Rooster, by Lookingglass ensemble member Matthew Yee.

Leaders at a Chicago public school named for César Chavez have started a process that could change the school’s name after a New York Times investigation released this week reported on allegations that Chavez groomed and sexually abused young girls when he was working in the Farm Workers Movement. Affordability was top of mind for many Illinoisans on Election Day earlier this week, and a new report shows about half of the state’s residents lack what they need to thrive. The 20th edition of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema annual film festival kicks off today and features pan-Asian films, some premiering for the first time in North America. 
 
 Plus, a growing number of food delivery robots are driving around Chicago’s north and west sides. Can Chicagoans and bots share the sidewalk?

People staying in hotels in downtown Chicago and areas on the South Side will soon be subject to the highest hotel tax in the nation. It’s been over a month since the start of the partial government shutdown specifically targeting the Department of Homeland Security following concerns over the way it has handled immigration enforcement. Some passenger rail advocates do not support a plan to sell a rail yard in the South Loop area to the future owner of the White Sox.
 
 Plus, a Chicago dancer is summoning a witchy force in her original solo performance, which she will soon take international.

There is still no winner in the contest for the Democratic nominee for Illinois State Comptroller. State Representative Margaret Croke and State Senator Karina Villa are separated by a thin margin, with Croke ahead by about two percentage points. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is now the state’s Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. A Chicago Public Schools teacher says her first graders are still showing signs of anxiety and depression after last fall's deportation campaign in the city.
 
 Plus, after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, Chicago briefly came under martial law. What did that look like, and how did it come to an end?

Today is the Illinois primary election. The ballot is lengthy, packed with hopefuls who want to replace longtime retiring incumbents. The Chicago Board of Elections says voter turnout is skewing close to the 2022 primary when 22 percent of city voters cast ballots. We'll hear from some voters. Some members of the Irish community in Chicago are working to keep the Irish language alive. Plus, there’s a new space for Latinos Muslims to pray and worship while still keeping true to their culture.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is co-leading a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Chicago area will continue to see scattered flurries and strong winds into Monday evening, which could cause blowing snow and reduced visibility. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says Midwest Generation's plan to clean up a coal ash dump does not meet state standards. 
 
 Plus, Toni Preckwinkle is running in the Democratic primary for a fifth term as Cook County Board president. Preckwinkle has had the job for 16 years and also is head of the powerful Cook County Democratic Party, but she’s getting some stiff competition from Chicago Alderman Brendan Reilly.

Charges were dismissed against two members of the Broadview Six today. Illinois lawmakers are working on a measure to make the ads you see on streaming services quieter. Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet will kick off its annual “Winning Works” showcase this weekend.
 
 Plus, we wrap up our week-long look at some hot primary contests ahead of Tuesday’s primary election with Illinois’ 2nd congressional district.

Nearly 60,000 people in suburban Cook County have already voted in Tuesday’s primary election, and another 52,000 have mailed in their ballots. Six Republicans are making their final cases to replace the seat currently held by Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, a seat that’s open for the first time in nearly three decades. Offering community college students extra support like tutoring and stipends can help them stay in school, but a new study by the University of Chicago finds that kind of help can also boost a student’s chance of getting a degree and earning a higher salary.
 
 Plus, we’re continuing our week-long look at some hot primary contests ahead of Tuesday’s primary election. Congressman Danny Davis is retiring, and 13 Democrats are competing to replace him.

Illinois voters who wish to cast their ballot by mail for the Illinois primary election must have their application submitted by Thursday. The National Weather Service says one supercell on Tuesday night was responsible for at least four tornadoes across Indiana and Illinois. Classic rocker and poet Patti Smith is promoting her latest memoir, which explores Smith’s personal life from a working class childhood to her later years.
 
 Plus, for most of the last 80 years, two people have represented a large chunk of Illinois’ 9th congressional district. Sidney Yates served nearly a half century. Then, Jan Schakowsky took office in 1999 and she’s been there since, but this is her last term. It’s now the first time in generations that so many people have fought for this seat.

The Justice Department’s settlement of an anti-trust lawsuit against the corporate parent of Ticketmaster is drawing criticism from Illinois and other states. The city of Chicago’s youth jobs program has a new name and motto as officials open this year’s application window. Chicago theater season is gearing up for a new host of shows, including a run of “Hamilton” at the CIBC Theatre through April 26. 
 
 Plus, four Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to challenge two-term Governor JB Pritzker in November. They face an uphill battle against a billionaire Democrat in a state that has shifted more and more blue over the past decade.

Illinois abolished the death penalty 15 years ago today, when former Governor Pat Quinn signed a bill into law banning the punishment. We’ve got record warmth around Chicago today with highs in the low 70s. The Chicago White Sox have named Shane Smith their starting pitcher for Opening Day.
 
 Plus, Illinois residents soon have a big choice to make: who should represent them in the U.S. Senate for the next six years? All eyes are on the Democratic primary in the race to replace longtime retiring U.S. Senator Dick Durbin.

Memorial services for Rev. Jesse Jackson conclude today. Jackson died in his Chicago home on February 17 at the age of 84.
 
 He was known as being one of the most visible civil rights leaders of the last half century and a protege of Martin Luther King Jr. 
 
 But Jackson also was a divisive figure, remembered for his larger than life personality and sometimes controversial opinions. 
 
 In this special episode of The Rundown, WBEZ reporter Somer Van Benton sits down with Lisa Labuz to parse through some of the more complicated aspects of Jackson's career and legacy – including the integration of the media into his work, his views on women's rights and his relationship with those in the Jewish community.