The Rundown | Chicago News

A wide majority of parents in Chicago think their children are on track at school, but that's not the case. Chicago daytime talkshow host Jerry Springer died yesterday. The Chicago Bears selected Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright with the No. 10 overall pick in the NFL draft.

A bill sponsored by Illinois Democrats would put guardrails on Crisis Pregnancy Centers and has led anti-abortion protesters and Republican lawmakers to speak out. A West Side school serving students with autism abruptly announced it will close at the end of the school year. A physician at University of Illinois Health says men are living about six years fewer than women because they have to get dragged to the doctor’s office.

There’s a weird discrepancy in the field of particle physics: basically, it’s unclear why we all exist. All the matter and antimatter particles produced during the Big Bang should have annihilated one another, according to Sam Zeller, a physicist at Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois. But our presence on Earth – as well as the presence of Earth, and everything else – is evidence that didn’t happen. In an attempt to solve this mystery, Fermilab is conducting a new flagship experiment called the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, or DUNE. Zeller is the deputy director for part of the project, and she explains why they’re going to start blasting neutrinos from Illinois to South Dakota.

Cook County state’s attorney Kim Foxx is not running for re-election. Jury deliberations continue today in the ComEd trial. And the NFL draft kicks off tomorrow.

Cannabis production programs are popping up at Illinois’ colleges and universities. Local advocacy groups are holding a summit today to encourage landlords to rent to people who were in prison. An Illinois Senate council will meet today to discuss mandating full day kindergarten state wide.

Ọmọlará Mino is a social worker and educator from Englewood whose goal is to connect Black students with their African roots. “It’s all with the idea of us reclaiming our history, reclaiming our truths, reclaiming parts of ourselves that we’ve been taken away from,” she says. Mino is also a musician known artistically as Omo Nyame. As part of the “Chi Sounds Like” series from WBEZ’s sister station Vocalo, we hear some of Mino’s tracks, and she explains why she’s teaching Black youth to love their history in order to build up the next generation.

Illinois abortion providers say they are relieved by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that preserves widespread access to a key abortion pill — for now. Chicago's incoming mayor says developing more affordable housing will be a priority under his administration. Local clergy led a march over the weekend to show support for Chicago’s youth.

Eddie Sanders, Eric “Phero” Lopez and Pilar McQuirter founded The New Vanguard, a coalition of BIPOC creators, during the pandemic. Not long after, Chelsey Carter-Sanders entered the mix. She’s a prolific, Chicago-based fashion designer and founder of the Alex Carter brand. Plus, if you clocked that last name, she and Eddie are married. Chelsey’s debut art exhibit is part of “Creatives of Color,” a partnership between WNDR Museum and The New Vanguard. In this episode, Chelsey and Eddie talk about their own partnership and the American history that informs Chelsey’s work.

Chicago’s interim police superintendent announced he will retire the same day Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson takes office. Chicago parents hoping to prevent more downtown chaos have a new way to be notified of mass youth gatherings. A study by DePaul University makes the case for why Chicago needs to keep its downtown Greyhound Bus station from closing.

For the first time in Illinois, about 100 cannabis workers from three dispensaries under the same company umbrella went to the picket lines. Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson spent time in Springfield to start building relationships with Illinois lawmakers. Chicago Park District officials are “extremely disturbed” to learn how their employees have allegedly defrauded a federal pandemic-aid program.

Twenty years ago, Illinois developed a safety net for children from low-income families who are in a mental health crisis. It’s called Screening, Assessment and Support Services, or SASS. After a six-month investigation, WBEZ found the program isn’t working for thousands of children. WBEZ reporters Sarah Karp and Kristen Schorsch catch us up on what’s happened since their initial reporting and look to potential solutions.

The CTA’s bus and train tracking technology needs an update. Chicago’s budget gap has narrowed significantly since the start of the pandemic. A state miscalculation is casting uncertainty over funding for after school programs serving thousands of kids.

City officials weigh in on what Chicago should do to prevent violent incidents downtown. New White House emissions restrictions mean more electric vehicles and expanding public charging stations in Illinois. Arts and culture has been the leading driver in downtown’s post pandemic recovery according to a new report.

WBEZ’s Spring Culture Guide has everything you need to say goodbye to winter in style, and we’re rounding up our favorite recommendations from the guide. In this episode: Chicago for the dance-curious. Whether you’re into ballet, hip-hop, or anything in between—including the Chicago-born hybrid “hiplet”—WBEZ external editor Cassie Walker Burke has got you covered.

Despite protests, Walmart moved ahead with its plan to close four of its stores in Chicago. Hundreds of teens gathered downtown over the weekend where crowds were dancing, stomping on cars and two teens were shot. Striking faculty at Chicago State University reached a tentative agreement with the school.

First it was faculty at University of Illinois Chicago. Now professors at Chicago State and Governor’s State are on the picket lines. What’s behind these faculty strikes and how is it affecting students? WBEZ’s higher education reporter Lisa Philip explains how low pay, small budgets and politics got us here, and what we can expect next.

A key drug used in medication abortion remains available in Illinois. Scientists examining Americans' COVID behaviors have published their 100th report. Chicago residents are getting a chance to share what they want from the city’s next top cop.

Leaders with the Chicago Transit Authority say they’re making progress toward its hiring goals, but it’s still not enough to bring service back to pre-pandemic levels. Chicago is preparing to host a NASCAR street race around Grant Park in July, and the public has some questions. Officials say they will work to ensure the economic impacts of next year’s Democratic National Convention extend beyond downtown.

Through The Nap Ministry, Tricia Hersey organizes communal naps and spreads her message that rest is resistance. Her New York Times bestselling book, aptly titled “Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto,” came out last fall. In part two of her conversation with Erin, she talks about rest within the framework of Black liberation, plus what happens to the living things around us when we rest.

Hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago could elevate the profiles of some of Illinois’ top Democrats. Students from three public universities across Illinois rallied behind their striking professors Tuesday. More than 800,000 people in Illinois have had cannabis related arrest records expunged, according to newly released data.

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson joined Chicago State University faculty and staff on the picket lines. The University of Chicago is focusing on Black maternal health through new technologies. It’s going to be unseasonably beautiful the next few days in Chicago.

If you don’t know Tricia Hersey’s name, you’ve probably seen her work. Hersey founded The Nap Ministry, perhaps best known for its popular Instagram account, with the hope of teaching others how to rest in a society that glorifies grind culture. In her New York Times bestselling book “Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto,” Hersey explores the lifelong project of rest and grapples with the impact of capitalism on our ability to thrive. In the face of these systemic issues, Hersey talks about resting and community care as acts of resistance in part one of her conversation with Erin.

Pro-choice demonstrators marched in downtown Chicago Saturday to denounce a federal judge’s decision to block a commonly used abortion drug. There’s a question about what Chicago’s next mayor can do to improve the public’s understanding of policing. Downstate Carbondale elected the first out transgender person to a city council seat in Illinois.

In episodes of “When Magic Happens,” three Black women from different generations talk hair, work, representation and anything else they find cringey or life-giving. It’s WBEZ’s newest podcast, and Erin talks with two of the hosts Jennifer “Shae Love” Long and Taylor Coward about opening up to vulnerable conversations, finding magic in small moments, and how hosting a show by and for Black women has transformed them.

Brandon Johnson kicked off his transition to the mayor’s office by meeting with Lori Lightfoot. The Chicago Transit Authority estimates it will spend $6.5 million this year making improvements to 29 rail stations across its system. Via Crucis kicks off at 9 a.m. today in Pilsen.

Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson’s seat on the county board is up for grabs. Illinois’ largest teachers union called Tuesday’s local school board election results a “win for public education.” A new app by Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago aims to help identify signs of abuse in babies and young children.

A long election season in Chicago came to a close yesterday with Brandon Johnson narrowly eking out a victory over Paul Vallas in the race to become Chicago’s next mayor. Unofficial results show Johnson won by just around 15,000 votes out of over 550,000 cast. How did he do it, and what does his victory mean for Chicago? We take a look at what happened with Block Club Chicago investigative editor Mick Dumke, who breaks down the race and what we can expect after Johnson’s swearing-in on May 15.

Brandon Johnson has been elected as Chicago’s next mayor. The city’s first Asian-majority ward elects its first Asian American alderperson. Democratic Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García announced the death of his daughter.

It’s Election Day in Chicago and candidates are making their final pitches to voters. The city released its crime numbers for the year so far. Faculty at Chicago State University are on strike.

There are over 100 crisis pregnancy centers in Illinois, and they’re usually nonprofit, Christian-based facilities. Some lawmakers say many of the centers use deceptive tactics to steer patients away from abortion care. WBEZ statehouse reporter Mawa Iqbal looked into this. She talks about what crisis pregnancy centers are supposed to do versus what they actually do, plus new legislation that would hold them more accountable.

Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson were criss-crossing Chicago on Sunday as part of a final push to get in front of voters ahead of Tuesday’s election. Parts of Illinois are cleaning up after tornadoes and other extreme weather caused damage, deaths and injuries. Members of Chicago’s transgender community were celebrating International Trans Day of Visibility at a time when many are feeling growing hostility.

Ennis Martin is a Chicago-based illustrator and painter known for paintings of big whales with big feet. He’s also an afrofuturism and science fiction fanatic. As part of the “Chi Sounds Like” series from our sister station Vocalo, Martin explains his path from the b-boy and hip-hop community to graffiti and eventually to sci-fi art. He says his sci-fi paintings aim to make sense of being human.

Chicago’s mayoral candidates had some things to say about Donald Trump’s indictment. Chicago Public Schools is hoping its expensive universal curriculum is helping students overcome pandemic learning loss. Climate change is impacting allergy seasons here in Chicago.

Illinois gun owners and advocates rallied in Springfield against recent gun control legislation. A proposal extending child labor law protections to young vloggers on social media unanimously passed the Illinois Senate. Today is the deadline to get your vote-by-mail applications in for the April 4 runoff.

Chicagoans have a choice to make on April 4 about who they want to run the city. Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson have been called “polar opposites,” but who are they, really? Erin talks to WBEZ city politics and government reporters Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg about their backstories: what shapes them, trips them up and redeems them.

A former Chicago Public Schools principal reacts to the latest school shooting in Nashville. A CTA worker has been charged with felony aggravated battery after allegedly attacking a 54 year old man on a downtown train platform. A new poll shows Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas are neck in neck going into the runoff election.

Chicago’s two mayoral candidates are trying to set the record straight ahead of the runoff. A measure passed by the Illinois Senate would require state agencies to create plans to limit their use of plastic foodware. Advocates were out in earnest yesterday protesting proposed rate hikes by People’s Gas.

CCH Pounder isn’t just an Emmy nominated actress, known for her roles in Avatar, The X Files, ER, or on The Shield as Detective Claudette Wyms. She’s also a renowned art collector, and some of her pieces were recently installed at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center. The installation, “Diaspora Stories,” is focused on artwork from across the African diaspora. She talks to Erin about helping to curate the installation, which is open through July 16, and the lines that permeate her art performance and art collecting.

Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is among those advocating for changes at TikTok. A proposal in Springfield would add gender neutral language to a law requiring insurance companies to offer pap smear and prostate exam coverage. The Illinois Secretary of State awards $21 million to police task forces to investigate carjackings.

Chicago is known for its improv, but it’s not often you see an all-Black ensemble performing. Adonis Holmes and Arlieta Hall are co-writers and ensemble members of the Second City show, “Dance Like There Are Black People Watching: A Black Excellence Review.” They talk to Erin about how their past lives influence the work they do now, dancing on stage and performing while Black.

Chicago just saw its fourth warmest winter in 70 years. A measure that would end the use of food containers made of polystyrene foam is headed to the Illinois Senate. The Illinois House has passed a measure that would require full-day kindergarten in all Illinois schools by 2027.

A Chicago Muslim community group is welcoming people of all faiths to study a text known as “The Treatise on Rights” during Ramadan, which began last night. A new study from the University of Chicago found better sleep can improve the body’s response to a variety of common vaccines. Little Village Discount Mall vendors have filed a lawsuit to prevent imminent eviction.

If you ride the CTA, you probably noticed the system has a crisis on its hands. More and more, the city’s unhoused population is using trains and buses as a last resort to find a place to stay. WBEZ’s Anna Savchenko explains the cause: a serious shortage in shelter beds combined with a pandemic-related increase in homelessness. Savchenko tells us about the roots of the crisis, what the city’s doing to intervene, and she talks about the social service agencies working to help the unhoused.

Thousands of abortion rights opponents traveled to Springfield Tuesday to rally against legislation aimed at crisis pregnancy centers suspected of misleading patients from getting an abortion. And in Chicago, a group of seniors rallied downtown to protest banks investing in fossil fuels. On the heels of a WBEZ investigation, Illinois lawmakers are considering looking into a state program for low-income kids in mental health distress known as SASS.

A new report says Illinois needs about 300,000 additional rental homes for people living in poverty. More summer festival line-ups are being announced this week. Legalized recreational cannabis sales in Missouri are surpassing – and maybe cutting into – the Illinois market.

If you voted in the February 28 election, you probably saw an option to elect a police district council member on your ballot. This is a new council that was created to give civilians more say over how policing works in their neighborhoods. It’s the type of history-making community autonomy that activists have been demanding for more than a decade. But the way the council is structured and how they work with other civic entities could use some more explaining. Jim Daley is a digital news editor for The TRiiBE, and he joined The Rundown to explain the history behind the council and how it works.

You can now vote early in the April 4 runoff election for mayor of Chicago. A three-year construction project on the Kennedy Expressway begins later today. It’s the vernal equinox, so keep your eyes peeled for “Chicagohenge.”

The U.S. Senate wants to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, but sleep scientists are against it. Dr. James Rowley is a professor of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Wayne State University. He’s also the president-elect of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “We feel strongly that our bodies are best attuned to a clock that is standard time,” Rowley told us. Rowley talks about the history of Daylight Saving Time and shares some tips for acclimating to Sunday’s change.

Paul Vallas rarely attacked his opponent throughout his campaign for Chicago mayor, but that changed at last night’s debate. Northwestern University experts weigh in on the legal landscape for ChatGPT in medicine and future regulation. Parents of young children with special needs on the Far South Side are suing Chicago Public Schools.

Chicago’s city council made decisions on funding to aid migrants, ticketing and surveillance for downtown motorists, and its own independence from the mayor’s office. Two more big endorsements came through in Chicago’s race for mayor. Chicago cops who voted in this month’s Fraternal Order Police election rejected most Black and female candidates — just like in past elections.