The Rundown | Chicago News

Chicago Public School officials presented a balanced budget proposal today ahead of a vote at the end of the month. A former student at a Chicago public high school says the district failed to do a sufficient background search on a security guard who allegedly raped her. And, Senator Tammy Duckworth is taking the gloves off when discussing President Trump.Plus, WBEZ’s Alex Degman talks about the potential district remapping Governor Pritzker is considering in response to Texas Republicans.

The Chicago Cubs will hold a public memorial for Ryne Sandberg next week. EPA workers gathered in downtown Chicago to protest. And, the Field Museum is celebrating Sue the T-Rex.Plus, WBEZ’s Mike Davis talks with the cast of the MJ the Musical.

Chicagoans are raising the alarm about President Trump threatening federal intervention in the city. Senator Durbin joins a growing list of Illinois Democrats calling out a Republican effort to redraw Texas’ congressional maps. And, the Chicago area could see some rain tonight and tomorrow.Plus, the Department of Housing and Urban Development dismissed two Chicago cases involving affordable housing and polluting industries. Sun Times reporter Brett Chase joined WBEZ’s Melba Lara to break down this controversial decision.

After a visit from the US Homeland Security secretary today, Illinois politicians say they will continue to protect the state’s sanctuary laws. Weiss Memorial Hospital on Chicago’s north side has closed. And, an Illinois appellate court today ruled serious Chicago police discipline cases need to be heard in public.Plus, WBEZ’s Lauren Frost was at an art gallery in East Garfield Park. She spoke with a group of advocates making quilts for people incarcerated in Illinois prisons.

There were no signs of the FBI this afternoon confronting any Democratic Texas lawmakers who have sought refuge in Illinois. As many as 1,000 detainees could be housed at a prison near Indianapolis the Trump administration is calling the Speedway Slammer. Nearly 1,000 applicants for U.S. citizenship left Chicago’s Wrigley Field today as citizens. 
 
 Plus, Chicago chef Curtis Duffy is opening up about life and restaurants in a new memoir, “Fireproof.” His restaurant is prominently featured in the FX series “The Bear.” Duffy speaks with WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers.

An Air Quality Alert is in effect until midnight for the Chicago region. Texas Democrats in Illinois say they are safe and secure after a potential bomb threat this morning. And, the Chicago Sky ended their 8-game losing streak at home last night.Plus, almost half of all home health care aides are immigrants. As the Trump administration continues its mass deportation campaign, WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang has the story of one Chicagoan with a disability who is struggling to get the help she needs.

Governor Pritzker is not ruling out redrawing Illinois’ congressional maps in response to Texas. Cook County plans to award a 2 million dollar grant to the nonprofit group Chicago Abortion Fund. And, training camp continues for the Chicago Bears. Plus, Chicago Sun Times reporter Emmanuel Camarillo and WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez-Aldana spoke to Chicago area teenagers about finding summer jobs.

More than two-dozen House Democrats from Texas are in Chicago as they grind business to a halt in Austin over redistricting. Cleanup is underway in Grant Park after Lollapalooza wrapped up last night. And, the Chicago Sky loses again. Plus, WBEZ’s Sarah Karp spoke with teenagers working on a social media anti-violence ad campaign.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is suing the Trump administration to protect access to gender-affirming care. Today is the first day on the job for the new chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. And, Wrigley Field will officially be the host of the 2027 MLB All-Star Game.Plus, local artist Kaicrewsade will make his debut at Lollapalooza. Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez spoke with the Chicago musician ahead of his performance at the festival on Sunday.

An air quality alert is in effect through tomorrow for northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. Illinois Congressman Danny Davis says he is retiring after more than 40 years in politics. A state investigation has found the emergency room at a hospital in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood doesn’t have enough supervising registered nurses and is not providing adequate care.
 
 Plus, we’ll hear from the winner of our artisanal ice cream bucket list challenge and learn how he ate at 12 local ice cream shops in less than 50 hours.

A new bike path has opened on one of the city's most dangerous neighborhood roads for cyclists. Illinois’ Secretary of State wants to hear from the public about auto insurance rates. And, actor Joe Keery, aka DJO playing music, is performing at Lollapalooza.Plus, every year the musician-run Chicago Philharmonic performs a concert series in Chicago’s parks. WBEZ contributor Hannah Edgar has the details.

One of the greatest players in Cubs history, Ryne Sandberg, died Monday. Paramount recently announced the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s late night show. And, kids in suburban Will County can get free books thanks to Dolly Parton.Plus, Lollapalooza returns to Chicago Thursday with several local artists on the line up. Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez talks with the Chicago musician Clairice about her upcoming performance.

Organizers for Fiesta del Sol festival are calling on ICE agents to not target community celebrations. President Trump signed an executive order last week seeking to shift federal funding away from organizations that try to get homeless people housing before mental health treatment. And, the weather may be unpredictable ahead of Lollapalooza weekend.Plus, the musician Sinead O’Connor inspired a generation of artists. A panel of writers discuss her impact. 

A new report from the Council on Criminal Justice shows the decline in crime in Chicago is part of a national trend. Today would have been Emmett Till’s 84th birthday. And, the Chicago Sky were crushed by the Seattle Storm last night.Plus, President Trump promised lower prices “on day one” during his campaign last year but prices are still high. Sun-Times reporter Stephanie Zimmermann and WBEZ editor Emilie Syberg talk with a consumer about their shopping strategies.

The heat advisory for the Chicago area ends tonight at 10 pm. Some asylum seekers in Chicago are considering President Donald Trump's new self-deportation program amid an increase in arrests and deportation. Wrigley Field will host the 2027 MLB All-Star Game, its first since 1990.
 
 Plus, the start of the school year is just weeks away, but Chicago Public Schools are staring down a massive budget deficit to the tune of $734 million. My colleague Sarah Karp talked about it with anchor Mary Dixon.

The Chicago area is under an extreme heat watch today and tomorrow. A plan to reform Illinois' tort laws awaits Governor Pritzker’s signature. And, the 4th annual Breaking Barriers Festival begins Friday at Ravinia.Plus, the Chicago soul producer and arranger Charles Stepney died in 1976. His daughters spoke to WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers about their father’s legacy.

An extreme heat watch in Chicago goes into effect Wednesday morning. The world premiere play Billie Jean follows the rise of tennis legend and women’s rights activist Billie Jean King. And, the Cubs have dropped from first place in the National League Central.Plus, WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona Maguigad has more on a couple she’s following that are seeking asylum in the US.

A federal judge is imposing a two-year prison term on ComEd’s former CEO for her role in a long-running conspiracy to illegally influence former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Illinois U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen is among a bipartisan group of lawmakers calling for the release of investigation files into Jeffrey Epstein. Dangerously hot conditions are expected later this week beginning Wednesday.
 
 Plus, we hear a first-hand account from a Chicago–based asylum seeker during his time in immigration detention.

Chicago Public Media CEO Melissa Bell said the company will continue to serve the city following Congress' approval of a rescissions package. Demolition of the Damen Silos is moving quickly. A pilot program to bring rat contraceptives to Lincoln Park will launch later this summer.
 
 Plus, WBEZ’s Mary Dixon talks more with Bell about the forthcoming cuts to public media.

Chicagoans will gather tonight downtown for the “Good Trouble” Day of Action honoring the legacy of civil‑rights icon John Lewis. The Democratic U.S. Senators from Illinois are slamming Senate approval of a $9 billion dollar rescissions package. A statewide campaign is sounding the alarm and trying to raise funds to address homelessness. 
 
 Plus, for 15 years, the Chicago dance troupe behind the Fly Honey Show has built a following for its mix of club moves and burlesque. The group says it is staging its final series of concerts this month. Co-founder Erin Kilmurray sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez before the first show to talk about crafting a grand finale.

Chicago Police will not be able to enact so-called "snap curfews." The mother of a 13-year-old girl is suing Chicago Public Schools - accusing the district of allowing her daughter to be subjected to race-based bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is not seeking reelection but is leaving the door open to running for mayor of Chicago in 2027.
 
 Plus, when you drive through Chicago - are small, neighborhood traffic circles slowing you down? Our Curious City team digs into who thought it was a good idea, and why Chicago has them.

State Farm is defending a looming rate increase in homeowner insurance for 1.5 million Illinois customers. FX’s “The Bear” received 13 Emmy nominations for its third season. And, a drinking water notice has been issued for Aurora and Elgin after samples collected this year had elevated levels of lead.Plus, Chicago has more lead pipes than any other city in the country. WBEZ’s Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco reports on the city's federally mandated responsibility to notify its residents.

A former ComEd executive convicted of falsifying business records and conspiracy is going to prison. An air quality alert is in effect for multiple counties in northwestern Illinois. And, Chicago's newest piping plover chicks now have names - Bean, El and Ferris.Plus, Food and Drink contributor Maggie Hennessy talks about restaurant reservation etiquette.  

The U.S. Department of Education said federally-funded programs cannot provide career and technical and adult education to undocumented students. The state Department of Public Health said a measles outbreak in southern Illinois is over. The Chicago Public Library added more than 400 new events this year tailored specifically for adults.
 
 Plus, Chicago honors people who have left their mark on the city with an honorary street sign. Our Curious City team found out what happened when one of these signs went missing.

The city of Chicago has joined a federal lawsuit challenging President Trump’s funding cutoff to sanctuary cities. The federal spending and tax bill passed last week could have big and harmful consequences for student loan borrowers. The Chicago White Sox are celebrating 20 years since their dominant World Series victory with a reunion weekend.
 
 Plus, A bill that could help bring pilot programs for overdose prevention sites to Illinois didn’t pass during the recent legislative session. WBEZ’s Isabela Nieto reports on a state lawmaker's ongoing attempts to help curb the opioid crisis.

Nurses at Veterans Affairs hospitals in the Chicago area are sounding the alarm about staffing levels. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is making a push to allow homeowners to add coach houses or basement rental units to their homes without red tape. And, Chicago’s current longest-serving alderperson says he’ll leave the City Council soon.Plus, the musical The Color Purple, based on Alice Walker’s book, is coming to the Goodman Theatre. WBEZ’s Mike Davis has the details.

Adult education programs in Illinois are in limbo with a funding freeze in their future. Lawyers for Commonwealth Edison’s former CEO say she shouldn’t serve any prison time for conspiring to influence Illinois’ one-time House speaker. And 30 years ago this week a heat wave killed more than 700 Chicagoans.Plus, WBEZ’s Lisa Kurian Philip met with a Depaul student fighting back against the university’s total ban on distributing birth control.

The National Weather Service is warning swimmers to stay out of Lake Michigan today. Students from a Southwest Side trade school at risk of closing due to federal funding cuts are speaking out. The NASCAR race may be over, but tire marks are still etched into Chicago’s Michigan Avenue. 
 
 Plus, a new segment from Chicago Public Media where we take your financial questions, and get them answered by experts.

Illinois Democrats in Washington gave a resounding “no” to President Trump’s giant tax bill. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called the mass shooting last night in the River North neighborhood a "tragic reminder of how far we still have to go as a city." As the Chicago area gears up for a weekend of speedy racecars and booming fireworks, the weather forecast may be just as wild.
 
 Plus, we’ll hear from one Illinois family who fear Medicaid cuts the U.S. House voted for today could put their daughter’s life at risk.

The Chicago Abortion Fund is celebrating a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that strikes down the state’s 176 year old abortion ban. Despite unrest in the Middle East, gas prices continue to drop heading into the 4th of July weekend. And, nearly 2,000 visitors are in Chicago this week for the Mensa Annual Gathering. Plus, The “World’s Largest Karaoke” party returns to Chicago tomorrow for a second year. WBEZ’s Justin Bull attended the inaugural event.

Governor Pritzker has selected his running mate. The Goodman Theatre is teaming up with the city’s cultural affairs department to put on 100 free plays. And, Democrats in Illinois are sounding the alarm bells after The Senate approved President Trump’s tax bill.Plus, Tina Sfondeles is the national politics reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. She breaks down the potential impacts of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on Illinois residents.

Still no word on who Governor Pritzker’s running mate will be next year. A Chicago Park District lifeguard will be jailed while awaiting trial on charges that he shot two teenagers. And, the number of dust storms has increased in recent years. Plus, a Curious City story about women in Chicago’s queer community. 

Chicago advocates express their disappointment after a Supreme court decision today that could reshape the way birthright citizenship is granted in the U.S., Chicago Public Schools new interim leader is pegging the district’s budget deficit as much higher than previously announced.Plus, Chicago’s Links Hall will close its doors for good after this weekend. We hear from dancers on what the venue has meant to them.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is officially running for a third term. Public transit agencies are watching as Illinois lawmakers try to find $1.5 billion to stave off a fiscal cliff and improve service. Northwestern University is planning to reduce staff and make other cuts as it grapples with a federal funding freeze and rising costs.
 
 Plus, an incarcerated man who entered the prison system as a teen tried several times at getting the opportunity to earn his GED. We hear about his 18-year battle to get his degree in prison.

Chicago is mourning the death of police officer Krystal Rivera. A new report says Illinois is facing a housing shortage of 142,000 homes. Federal lawmakers from Illinois are urging health officials in Washington to protect non-citizen Medicaid data.
 
 Plus, after eight years away, actor Amy Morton is returning to her creative home at Steppenwolf Theatre to perform in the play “You Will Get Sick.” She sat down with WBEZ theater reporter Mike Davis to talk about working with director Audrey Francis.

Sources close to the Illinois governor's campaign say Democrat JB Pritzker will announce he's seeking a third term. The latest from the Marvel Cinematic Universe ventures into Chicago’s South Side. And, Ferris Bueller’s iconic vest has a new owner.Plus, WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona Maguigad met up with a transgender woman from Venezuela to hear how she’s facing these uncertain times under the Trump administration.

A new Illinois law aims to give more due process to gun owners. The state of Illinois is making it easier for students to apply for college. A Chicago-focused story Dhaba on Devon Avenue debuts On stage. Plus, Helpful hand or scam? A new kind of student debt is under scrutiny.

It’s going to be very hot this weekend. Cook County plans to spend nearly $160 million dollars to keep nearly 20 programs when federal funding runs out. Misericordia Sister Rosemary Connelly died Thursday at age 94.
 
 Plus, dozens of Chicago skaters, unicyclers, and rollerbladers have been spending Thursday nights grooving in an old TJ Maxx. WBEZ contributor Anita Li brings us this report from a recent South Loop “Skate Rave.”

A longtime Chicago immigration attorney tells us about the new difficulties of advising clients. Mayor Brandon Johnson will issue the first veto by a Chicago mayor in 19 years. A group of knitters host a community Juneteenth celebration. Plus, how legendary chef Edna Lewis has inspired a new generation of Black chefs in Chicago.

Several Democratic members of Congress were denied entry to an Illinois ICE Processing Center this morning. The city of Chicago plans to open cooling centers starting on Saturday as heat and humidity move into the area. And just in time for the hot weather, all of Chicago’s outdoor public pools will be open seven days a week starting Saturday.Plus, WBEZ’s Sarah Karp reports on bullying in one Chicago public school. 

Illinois US Representative Nikki Budzinski says her name was included in the notes of the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers last weekend. Federal Plaza turned into a classroom today, with college educators from across Chicago offering lessons about Palestine. CPS officials are grappling with a large budget deficit for their upcoming school year. Plus, many immigrants from countries like Haiti and Venezuela have a tough decision to make: live in the U.S. illegally and risk deportation, or go back to countries that continue to face political unrest and violence. WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona Maguigad has the story of one teacher facing that tough choice.

A Chicago city council committee has greenlit a $14.75 million settlement in a wrongful conviction case tied to disgraced former police commander Jon Burge. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the $55 billion state budget for the next twelve months into law. The James Beard Awards – sometimes called the “Oscars of the food world” – is happening Monday night in Chicago.
 
 Plus, we hear voices from the “No Kings” protest against the Trump administration in downtown Chicago on Saturday afternoon.

A man carrying a loaded gun and impersonating a police officer was arrested Thursday during anti-ICE protests in the Loop, according to Chicago police. “No Kings” demonstrations are scheduled in Chicago and across the country to coincide with President Donald Trump’s planned military parade in Washington DC on Saturday. Chicago is reporting its first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes this season.
 
 Plus, ahead of Father’s Day, WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez-Aldana reports on a local dads group that is hoping to change the misconception about what dads want and need during the birth process.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker testified before a Congressional committee about the state’s immigration policies and sanctuary state status. A Chicago woman who was injured by the person who drove through an anti-deportation protest on Tuesday says she thinks the driver should lose their license. Brookfield Zoo’s new baby bottlenose dolphin has died.Plus, Chicago’s home for so-called “outsider art” has reopened after a multi- million-dollar renovation and expansion. WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers took a trip to the newly reimagined Intuit Art Museum in Chicago’s West Town.Editor’s note: After this episode was recorded, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved President Trump's request to cut public media funding. Find more information on that story at wbez.org or on your radio at 91.5 FM.

Chicago police made at least 17 arrests during Tuesday’s anti-ICE protest downtown. Chicago officials are bracing for more immigration raids as President Donald Trump has announced he’ll target five Democratic-led cities, including Chicago. Chicago aldermen could soon have a bigger say in banning AirBNB rentals in their wards.
 
 Plus, ahead of WBEZ's Father's Day Prisoncast special this Sunday, we hear from a father and son who rebuilt their relationship while both were incarcerated.

Immigration and labor organizers rallied in Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago to protest the Trump administration travel ban. Activists and community members plan to gather Tuesday to protest recent ICE raids in Chicago and Los Angeles. Federal prosecutors want a new trial for Illinois lawmaker Emil Jones III.
 
 Plus, the decade-long criminal pursuit of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan concludes this Friday. Sun-Times reporter David Struett and WBEZ reporter Dave McKinney give a preview of what to expect.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling says he feels for the officer who accidentally shot and killed their partner last week. Travelers into O’Hare International Airport this morning reacted to President Trump’s travel ban that went into effect at midnight. Dozens of immigrant and labor organizers rallied in Daley Plaza today to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies. 
 
 Plus, local rapper Jay Wood visits our studios to share his fashion inspirations in the latest segment of Vocalo’s Getting Dressed series.

Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford said haze from Canadian wildfire smoke will persist for the rest of the day and through the weekend. Chicago police officer Krystal Rivera, who was shot and killed Thursday night, is being remembered as a “vibrant” “hero.” The Chicago Sky will head to the United Center for Saturday’s game against the Indiana Fever.
 
 Plus, some experts are crediting community violence intervention for Chicago’s decline in murders this year. WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell takes a closer look at the publicly-funded street outreach program.

The Chicago area is under an air quality alert until midnight for people in sensitive groups because of wildfire smoke from Canada. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is condemning the ICE arrests of nearly a dozen immigrants Wednesday in the South Loop. The Chicago White Sox have announced a deal between owner Jerry Reinsdorf and investor Justin Ishbia that lays the groundwork for Ishbia to become the majority owner of the team.
 
 Plus, the NBA Finals tip off tonight between the Indiana Pacers and the Thunder in Oklahoma City. WBEZ’s Michael Puente talked expectations with Chicago-area fans of the team next door.

Meta has signed a 20-year agreement to buy electricity from the nuclear power plant in downstate Clinton. A federal court has ordered the city of Chicago to install thousands of accessible pedestrian signals over the next 10 years. And two notable local deaths: influential Chicago media columnist Gary Deeb has died at age 79. And Edmund White, who documented and imagined the gay revolution through journalism, essays, memoirs and novels, died at age 85.
 
 Plus, Chicago Public Media CEO Melissa Bell talks with WBEZ’s Melba Lara about the rescissions package that the Trump administration submitted to Congress, asking them to eliminate over a billion dollars in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR and PBS.