The Rundown | Chicago News

Mayor Brandon Johnson shared a new violence reduction goal for next year. The Chicago Teachers Union narrows its demands as it tries to land a contract before Trump is inaugurated. Cook County’s public health system is launching free doula services for pregnant patients.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he supports a pilot program to plow the city’s sidewalks, despite not including enough money for it in his budget proposal. The Chicago Bears are looking to the future following the unprecedented firing of now-former Head Coach Matt Eberflus. Musicians Kendrick Lamar and SZA will hit the road together next year – including a stop in Chicago.

The new Cook County State’s Attorney announced a new pre-trial detention policy after taking the oath of office. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson brushes off principal support for the school district's CEO; Johnson says it is about support for students. UChicago professors and students are rallying today to demand leaders fulfill a promise to host scholars from Gaza.

Defense lawyers for former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan are now tearing into the testimony of a government mole. The top prosecutor in Springfield is vowing to keep Sean Grayson in jail while he awaits trial for the shooting death of Sonya Massey. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning potential donors to make wise contributions ahead of Giving Tuesday.

What is the top priority for Cook County’s new top prosecutor? Some City Council members want further cuts to reduce next year’s proposed city budget. Chicago advocates are training undocumented immigrants about their rights ahead of looming threats of deportation.

Federal prosecutors today ended their direct examination of a star government witness in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Homicides in Chicago have decreased by nearly 9% so far this year compared to last year. The Illinois Department of Public Health says we’re currently seeing low levels of seasonal respiratory illness, but warns that those numbers may shoot up after Thanksgiving.

A church that burned down in Chicago’s South Side broke ground for a new building. Fans of the sitcom “Parks and Rec” can hear from actor Jim O’Heir … aka Jerry Gergich .. about his new book on the show. A Thanksgiving Eve show at Chicago’s Metro will showcase an eclectic mix of local musicians.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church broke ground on its new building today. Government mole Danny Solis is laying out how he helped steer developers to Michael Madigan’s law firm in the federal corruption trial of the ex-Illinois House Speaker. A non-profit addressing housing challenges in disinvested Chicago neighborhoods is getting a $15 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

Prosecutors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial are focusing on his alleged efforts to shake down developers. Why Chicagoans’ electric bills are expected to increase by mid-next year. Record-setting travel numbers are anticipated this Thanksgiving season.

A long and muddy list of misdeeds by government mole Danny Solis was front and center today at the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. The Chicago Bears have reportedly agreed on a property tax bill with the Village of Arlington Heights that could open the door to the team building a stadium in the northwest suburb. The Thanksgiving travel rush is expected to be bigger than ever this year.

A new analysis says Chicago will spend nearly twice as much on the Police Department as much as what Mayor Brandon Johnson proposes in his 2025 budget. What's at stake for the electric vehicle industry during a Trump administration? The Chicago Bears lose their fifth consecutive game in an overtime thriller at Soldier Field.

Illinois lawmakers’ two week fall session has come and gone – with not a lot to show for it. A conservative group is taking its challenge to Illinois' law governing mail-in ballots to the Supreme Court. The Chicago Bears say they’re ready to face the Minnesota Vikings after a crushing loss to the Green Bay Packers.

The Chicago Teachers Union rallies for a contract. Government mole Danny Solis takes the stand in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. A measure to phase out Illinois’ subminimum wage has cleared the state legislature, but not everyone’s on board.

The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the felony conviction of actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly lying to police about a fake hate crime. College hopefuls can now fill out the federal application to get financial assistance paying for tuition. Winter weather has finally arrived in Chicago.

It’s been two decades since Mucca Pazza first formed. The not-your-average marching band has been leaving an impression on its audience since the beginning. There are cheerleaders, sure. But their pom poms are made out of caution tape. They have sousaphones, clarinets, and drums, but also a violinist and even an accordion player. 
 
 “We’re sort of a marching band, for, like, the nerds. Maybe the scientists. Maybe the underdog, and also the whole world,” said founding member and cheerleader Sharon Lanza. “So, I like to think of it as a sort of a marching band for the world versus, you know, the Bears.” 
 
 In this episode of The Rundown podcast, Erin Allen talks to Lanza and the band’s artistic director and guitar player, Charlie Malave, about how Mucca Pazza got started, their signature performances (loaded with chaos and spectacle) and what keeps them going. 
 
 And be sure to check out the band’s live performance in WBEZ’s Studio 10. You can watch it on YouTube -- just search for WBEZ Chicago.

Illinois lawmakers have differing ideas on how to curb drugs getting into state prisons… and, lawmakers want more time to study how carbon capture technology impacts the environment. A no-show ComEd contractor and central player in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial takes the stand for a second day.

Jurors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption trial heard how one of his top political operatives got a do-nothing ComEd consulting job. Anti-abortion advocates and some Christian employers are joining together to sue Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and other state officials. Chicago breweries and bars say they can’t afford Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed tax hike on alcohol.

Fans and artists were shocked when Pitchfork Music Festival announced this month that it wouldn’t be returning to Chicago next summer after 19 years. The festival had become a staple for the city’s music scene, and an opportunity for local artists to perform alongside big names. 
 
 In a social media post, organizers blamed the rapidly evolving music festival landscape for their exit saying, “the decision was not made lightly.”
 
 “We are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for being our Festival’s home for nearly two decades, to the artists who graced our stages with unforgettable performances, and to the fans who brought unmatched energy year after year.”
 
 Vocalo producer Morgan Ciocca talked with local musicians Jeff Parker, Sen Morimoto and Kara Jackson to find out how they’re processing the news.

Some Chicago alderpersons say they’re working on reducing Mayor Johnson’s proposed property tax hike. Federal prosecutors are moving to a new phase of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s racketeering conspiracy trial. Illinois nursing homes that are understaffed may have to pay the state hefty fines next year.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is now pitching a $150 million property tax increase – half of what he initially wanted for next year. The organization that thwarted George Lucas’ vision of a lakefront museum in Chicago is now calling for the city to slow down plans for another massive development on the city’s Far South Side. The unusual warmth for this time of year could soon come to an end as Chicago prepares for the first snowfall of the season.

Chicago’s top cop says more needs to be done to protect police and society as a whole. Prosecutors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial their first glimpse of something called the Magic Lobbyist List. Week two of lawmakers’ fall veto session in Springfield gets underway today – will we see a pension fix by the end of the week?

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is trying to keep Illinois’ ban on assault-style firearms intact while the state appeals a legal challenge to it. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was in Joliet today for the installation of the first electric vehicle charging station funded through the state Climate Equitable Jobs Act. The Chicago Sky will have the third-overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Hundreds of Chicagoans gather on the Northwest Side to discuss how Trump’s policy proposals may affect them once he takes office in January. A new study from the University of Georgia looks at the proximity of crisis pregnancy centers to abortion providers in Illinois. Local environmentalists are raising questions about a plan to develop so-called clean hydrogen in Northwest Indiana.

A Democratic Cook County commissioner wants to boost access to reproductive health services. The Cannabis Research Institute has launched in Chicago. A new play in Chicago has become a space where people can share post-election feels.

The City Council has resoundingly rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed property tax increase. So what’s next? A new lawsuit aims to hold the state accountable for the death of a man incarcerated in a dilapidated Illinois prison. A new recording shows how former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan considered turning to a ComEd lobbyist to hire the wife of a political ally.

Testimony concluded today from a key government witness in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain. A new lawsuit wants to hold the Illinois Department of Corrections accountable for the death of a man incarcerated in a dilapidated state prison. The last supermoon of the year will light up the sky tonight.

Another special Chicago city council meeting is expected this afternoon — this time in an attempt to vote down a key part of the mayor’s budget proposal. U of I’s leader is planning to step down after this year. A study out today finds a reduction in Illinois’ greenhouse gas emissions.

More than 1,000 unionized nurses at UI Health in Chicago are on strike for an indefinite period of time. Defense lawyers in the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan are attacking the credibility of a government mole. A group representing retailers is warning hiking taxes on goods to avoid a massive property tax increase is still going to hurt Chicagoans.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he is prepared to resist Immigration Enforcement agents if they attempt to operate in Chicago once Donald Trump becomes president. Prosecutors show how former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wanted to help a congressman’s son who’d been convicted of misconduct. New Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh had his introductory news conference this week.

Aldi has abruptly closed its location in Chicago's West Pullman neighborhood. The Chicago Bears have fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after just nine games. Defense lawyers in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption trial are getting their first crack at a star government witness.

Illinois state lawmakers are back in Springfield today for a truncated legislative session. Illinois lawmakers are trying to shore up protections for vulnerable populations ahead of a second Trump presidency. This Thursday students are invited to learn about a new bill that could make going to college in Illinois more affordable.

Some Chicago City Council members are questioning how a police oversight body decides what disciplinary actions to take. The Chicago City Clerk’s office plans to raise prices to bring in more revenue as the city faces a massive budget gap. The Pitchfork Music Festival is leaving Chicago.

City Civics Day draws hundreds of Chicagoans eager to get involved in their communities. A Springfield-based nonprofit is trying to change Illinois state law around compensation for exonerees. The Chicago City Clerk’s office is planning to hike prices on permits to raise more revenue.

The Associated Press has called two more Chicago School Board races. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget includes an increase for the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. A Chicago public school in the city’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood has a new name.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker isn’t ready to say what his plans are for the next election. Mayor Brandon Johnson doesn’t have the budget to re-open more mental health clinics next year. Prosecutors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial play a profanity-laced recording involving the ex-speaker’s son.

Some Chicago alderpersons want to give more resources to the Chicago agency that investigates discrimination complaints in light of Donald Trump’s election win. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says he’ll continue to push back against federal policies he says are a threat to “common Illinois values.” The Black Harvest Film Festival kicks off Friday at the Gene Siskel Film Center downtown.

Chicago is still a Democratic stronghold, but former President Donald Trump had the strongest showing for a Republican presidential candidate here in more than two decades. The man accused of killing a Chicago police officer late Monday will be in court this morning. Some Chicago council members are warning Mayor Brandon Johnson that his $17.3 billion budget plan won’t pass unless he makes some big changes.

In the wake of Donald Trump’s victory, advocates in Illinois held a press conference today – vowing to defend the rights and safety of all immigrants. Illinois Republicans are bullish on a second Trump presidency. And many Ukrainian Americans in Chicago are worried about what Trump’s return to the White House will mean for their home country.

Former President Donald Trump has been elected president again, according to a race call by the Associated Press. With nearly all precincts counted, the Chicago Teachers Union, the charter school advocates and the independents effectively split the 10 school board seats evenly. In the race for Cook County’s top prosecutor, Democrat Eileen O’Neill Burke coasted to victory over Republican Bob Fioretti.

Chicagoans took to the polls today. The Chicago Board of Elections is confirming that the wrong ballots were given to some voters in the 4th and 6th wards today. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he's "deeply heartbroken" after an on-duty police officer was shot and killed last night.

Election Day is here and polls are now open across Chicago. A Chicago police officer was killed on duty yesterday (MON). We’ll hear from police superintendent Larry Snelling next. Recordings in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption trial lay out a scheme to help a Madigan insider fired for misconduct.

Chicago residents have until 6 p.m. tonight to vote early ahead of Election Day. The Yellow Line rail operator who crashed last November is facing firing, but the CTA can’t take action yet. Workers at the Shedd Aquarium have voted to unionize.

Testimony continues in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wants more money for the city’s Dept. of Environment, and hundreds of women march in support of Kamala Harris in Chicago

The Chicago Cubs will enter into a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice. Some Illinois faith leaders and elected officials are calling for Democratic State Senator Sara Feigenholtz to step down. A project to reduce overbank flooding in south suburban Robbins is halfway done.

After the president of Chicago’s school board resigns, a week after being sworn in, some wonder how he got appointed in the first place. Officials add hate crime and terrorism charges against the man accused of shooting an Orthodox Jew on Chicago’s far-North Side. Researchers at University of Chicago’s Transplant Institute say a pilot study is functionally reversing diabetes.

The president of the Chicago Board of Education is resigning just seven days after being sworn in. Some Chicago City Council members say a proposed property tax increase will be a hard sell. Jurors in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan are hearing about a secret plan to give financial help to a political employee accused of sexual harassment.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget proposal includes cutting more than 700 vacant jobs. The new Chicago school board president says he will protect students from hate after being accused of anti-semitism The state of Illinois is launching a free, confidential way to report hate crimes.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is pitching a $17-point-3 billion dollar budget that avoids layoffs, but relies on a big property tax increase. A new report claims Illinois’ gun laws may be making communities less safe by criminalizing gun possession. The White Sox have hired Will Venable as their new manager.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will unveil his proposed 2025 budget today. A new report makes recommendations on reparations for Black Chicagoans. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin convened a panel of experts in Chicago yesterday to talk about affordable drug prices.

Defense lawyers in the federal racketeering conspiracy trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan made inroads Tuesday with a government witness. A new report from the Citizens Utility Board finds that if state regulators allow Peoples Gas to move forward with its pipe replacement program, heating bills could double over the next 15 years. SEIU Healthcare Illinois and health care workers are sounding the alarm with Illinois regulators.