The Rundown | Chicago News

The city is moving forward with a 90-million-dollar settlement to resolve 176 lawsuits tied to a former Chicago police sergeant. New data released by the Census Bureau shows a fast-growing immigrant community in Chicago. And, the long-running Taste of Chicago food festival will move back to its mid-summer time slot next year.Plus, Jenna Fischer is the star of the world premiere play “Ashland Avenue” at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. WBEZ’s theater reporter Mike Davis sat down with her to discuss the play which was written by her husband, Lee Kirk.

The Chicago Public Schools Board of Education meeting was placed on a soft lockdown today after a Brinks security officer shot an alleged robber. Federal agents have seized illegal vaping products nationwide as the Trump administration cracks down on items often used by teens. And, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says the Supreme Court is reversing years of progress.Plus, Immigration enforcement actions are ramping up and many immigrant workers say they’re afraid to go to work. But legal experts say there are ways for workers and business owners to be prepared. WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz spoke with reporter Adriana Cardona Maguigad to break down the details.

A protest is planned for today in response to President Trump's escalating immigration enforcement in Chicago. The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture cut the ribbon on a new outdoor education space and garden yesterday. And, Pitchfork co-founder Mike Reed is back with a new music festival, called Sound and Gravity.Plus, while bracing for the deployment of the National Guard, we look back at Chicago’s history with troops in the city. Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg joined WBEZ’s Clare Lane to discuss.

The Department of Homeland Security says it is launching an ICE operation in Illinois. The Bears will show off their new-look offense on the national stage tonight. And, it’s apple picking season. This year's crop is right on track. Plus, President Trump has been threatening to send the National Guard to Chicago. Sun-Times national political reporter Tina Sfondeles has more on what she is seeing in the nation’s capital.

Chicago is home to people and cultures from all over the world — including a large Kurdish community. The story of how they came to America is an epic one, a story of bloody genocide, of freedom fighters, of sacrifice and above all… perseverance.
 
 This is a series called “The Country in Our Hearts” and it’s brought to us by Nashville Public Radio. That city is home to the largest Kurdish community in the country. We hear from host and reporter Rose Gilbert who traces the story of one Kurdish family and their generations-long fight to exist.
 
 We’re going to be dropping all four episodes in our feed over the next month. This is Episode 1.

The city of Chicago tries to prepare immigrant residents ahead of increased immigration enforcement expected soon. Choose Chicago, a tourism marketing agency, is trying to change the city’s violent narrative by highlighting the arts.Plus, Chicago’s Printers Row Lit Fest is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend. Organizers say it’s more important now than ever to gather.

Governor Pritzker is urging Chicagoans to get out their phones and record federal agents they see on the streets. Organizers of events this weekend are grappling with the possibility that federal agents could soon arrive in the city. And, Angel Reese may be on the bench for the Chicago Sky’s final Indiana Fever matchup of the season.Plus, while President Trump is attempting to send the National Guard to Chicago, a WBEZ analysis finds a drop in murders. Public safety reporter Chip Mitchell has the story. 

The White House is still considering whether to send National Guard troops to Chicago. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is challenging Illinois laws that provide in-state tuition and financial aid to immigrant students who live here but lack legal status. And, The Chicago Public Library has announced its One Book, One Chicago pick for 2025. Plus, with the looming threat of federal troops in Chicago, teenagers who live in a neighborhood notorious for gun violence are sharing their feelings. WBEZ’s Sarah Karp has the story.

President Donald Trump says he plans to direct federal law enforcement intervention in Chicago and Baltimore. Most of Illinois’ congressional Democrats have signed a strongly worded letter telling the President to keep troops out of Chicago. And, many people are mourning after a violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago.Plus, you can find Will Liverman on opera stages across the country. But this summer the Chicago baritone did something different. WBEZ contributor Hannah Edgar has the story.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said he would welcome more help from the feds to tackle crime in Chicago, but not from the National Guard. Some Illinois veterans are sounding the alarm against President Donald Trump’s threats to send the National Guard to Chicago. More than 10,000 people are expected to cycle down a car-free DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago on Sunday morning.
 
 Plus, city officials held a briefing to share what they know – and, mostly, what they don't – about President Trump’s threat to send the National Guard to Chicago.

Some Black faith leaders and elected officials are denouncing President Trump’s threats to send the military to Chicago. Chicago's airports expect nearly 1.8 million passengers to make their way through O’Hare and Midway airports through Tuesday. Free Narcan boxes are now available inside blue newsstand boxes in the Uptown neighborhood, making the life-saving drug more accessible. 
 
 Plus, today is gonna be the day Oasis plays in Chicago. Fans have been waiting for 16 years for the brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher to reunite. And for one fan in Chicago, the reunion hits especially close to home.

Republican Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston says a meeting yesterday at the White House was "encouraging." A pickleball tournament kicked off today in Highland Park. And, the federal government wants to send the National Guard to a suburban naval base.President Trump’s threats to send the military to Chicago have some anti-violence organizations concerned. WBEZ’s Melba Lara spoke with Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan who now runs the anti-violence organization Chicago CRED.

People who have survived shootings in Chicago say President Trump’s threats to send in troops will make the city less safe. Star cellist Yo-Yo Ma will appear in concert Tuesday night in Chicago’s Millennium Park with esteemed African vocalist Angélique Kidjo. The Chicago Sky have officially retired former star Candace Parker’s jersey. 
 
 Plus, we hear from one of the Chicago-area doctors who are meeting with Illinois lawmakers to share their experiences and prompt action to end the war in Gaza.

President Donald Trump appears to be walking back his threats to send the military to Chicago. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is opening a satellite in the Loop. The Chicago region can expect autumn-like highs ranging between the upper sixties and the lower seventies – signaling that fall is on the way.
 
 Plus, Chicago’s new police oversight chief has been wiping out or dramatically scaling back recommendations to fire officers who investigators say have committed serious misconduct. A new investigation from WBEZ and the Sun-Times show these reversals are undoing months and years of investigative work and they’re coming at the request of the city’s top cop. Anna Savchenko from WBEZ and Tom Schuba from The Sun-Times talked through their findings with anchor Mary Dixon.

Teachers at Naperville School District 203 will strike on Tuesday if they don't have a contract deal. A new report shows Illinois is slowly making progress on funding the state’s pension systems. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is signing a new law aimed at giving journalists greater protections against retaliatory lawsuits.
 
 Plus, we look at how CPS school lunches went from delicious to disappointing.

The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project is raising the alarm about the lack of water safety education and the dangers of Lake Michigan. Chicago's Loyola University is celebrating Sister Jean's 106th birthday. Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications will reopen this fall in a new location with exhibits that will dive deep into the history of late night television.
 
 Plus, steakhouses open regularly, but this year brings an especially large crop of newcomers to the Chicago area. Between the fresh faces and the old guard, is Chicago teetering on steakhouse saturation? WBEZ culture reporter Courtney Kueppers sat down in-studio with food contributor Maggie Hennessy to survey our prime beef scene.

An autopsy shows that the shot that killed Chicago police officer Krystal Rivera struck her from behind through an opening in her bullet proof vest. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are at odds over vaccine recommendations for children. NASCAR has announced its 2026 schedule, featuring a new street course in San Diego and the return of Chicagoland Speedway in suburban Joliet.
 
 Plus, Chicago’s love for Korean skincare might be facing a setback. A new trade deal between the U.S. and South Korea includes a 15 percent tariff on Korean goods, meaning the beauty products may get pricier or harder to find. Sun-Times money desk reporter Mariah Rush joined WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez-Aldana to break down changes in Chicago’s K-Beauty scene.

High school seniors in Illinois can use a new online tool to express interest in attending the state's public universities and community colleges. Preschool students are back to school. And, after a hot start to the season, the Cubs are struggling.Plus, WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers talks with a local cheesemonger.

It’s the first day of school for most Chicago Public Schools students. Texas House Democrats are heading back to Austin. And, the Bears won big last night in preseason action, but the real story away from the scoreboard was Caleb Williams’ impressive debutPlus, as the school year gets underway, we hear about the challenges new budget cuts could bring.

The Chicago police officer who fatally shot his partner Krystal Rivera while pursuing a suspect was stripped of his police powers today – but not for that shooting. The back and forth between the Trump administration and the Illinois State Board of Elections continues.
 Plus, each fall, more than 1,5000 freshmen start class at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Half are the first in their family to attend college. That’s a big milestone for a group that faces challenges not only in applying to college — but in adjusting to it and graduating.
 Our higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip spoke with one student as she was getting ready to transition to college life this fall.

Amid a crowded Democratic primary, there’s now a Republican candidate vying for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s seat. Cook County and school officials are urging families to get their children vaccinated against the measles ahead of the start of a new school year. The Savannah Bananas make their Chicago debut this weekend.
 
 Plus, we take a look at a push to bring tattoo removal programs to Illinois prisons.

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.