The Rundown | Chicago News

Chicago Bears President Kevin Warren has sent a letter to the new head of the Chicago Park District expressing the team's concerns over the condition of Soldier Field. A man who was convicted and then pardoned for assaulting an officer and a cameraman in the January 6th riots is now on trial in Springfield for the murder of a woman from north suburban Skokie. The Northwestern women’s lacrosse team has won the Big Ten conference championship for the third straight year.

A Palestinian and Israeli duo is visiting Chicago this week to try and rally international support for a peaceful resolution to the war in Gaza. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is on a lobbying trip to Springfield this week. A new study from Northwestern University finds singing provides a range of benefits to older adults – some with neurocognitive disorders like dementia.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is endorsing his governing partner Juliana Stratton in her run for U.S. Senate. EXPO Chicago is underway at Navy Pier. A judge in New York has ordered the Art Institute of Chicago to return a 1916 drawing stolen during the Holocaust.

The Chicago Board of Education approved the teachers contract last night and altered this year's budget to pay for it. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering says no sentence can erase the pain of the massacre her town suffered. More than 100 Jewish professors at Northwestern University are calling on federal officials to stop threatening academic freedom in their name.

Robert Crimo III will spend the rest of his life in prison. Illinois has confirmed its first case of measles of the year. The first round of the NFL Draft kicks off tonight.

The race is now on to replace Dick Durbin, Illinois’ soon-to-be-retiring senior U.S. senator. The Illinois Governor is reevaluating the state’s relationship with El Salvador. Dozens of victims of the Highland Park mass shooting in 2022 delivered their impact statements in court yesterday, detailing how they are still reeling from the tragedy.

Democratic Illinois Senator Dick Durbin tells WBEZ in an Illinois exclusive that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Testimony is continuing in the sentencing hearing of Robert Crimo the Third — the man who pleaded guilty to the July 4th Highland Park Parade in 2022. Riot Fest announced its 20th anniversary lineup, including Green Day, Blink-182 and Weezer.

Chicago schools chief Pedro Martinez is headed to the east coast after being fired in December. A sentencing hearing for the man who pleaded guilty last month to killing seven people and injuring dozens more at the Highland Park 4th of July parade in 2022 will get underway this morning. Students at Northeastern Illinois University rallied yesterday to demand better state funding.

A member of the politically prominent Jackson family stands to profit from a state of Illinois program. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias kicked off a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. A 26-year-old liberal influencer named Kat Abughazaleh outraised incumbent U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky in the first quarter of the year.

Catholics are reflecting on Pope Francis’ legacy upon the news of his death. The family of an teenager with autism is suing Chicago Public Schools for an alleged sexual assault at a north side high school. Chicago residents could see service cuts as the city works to address some serious budget woes.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the city of Chicago is mourning the death of the “People’s Pope.” Some piping plovers are back at Montrose Beach. Plus, Johnson’s launching a taskforce to address the city’s severe budget woes.

We’ll hear about a charity created by Illinois’ House Speaker that is accepting donations from interests that stand to benefit from his actions in Springfield. Incarceration has long-lasting effects on young people as they grow into adults, according to a study out of Northwestern University. Most Illinois residents think public higher ed in the state isn’t affordable, a new study finds.

A new coalition says neighborhood street festivals in Chicago are struggling to survive. As the Trump administration continues to make changes to the Social Security system – some Illinois residents say they’re worried about accessing their benefits. Plus, Illinois Democratic politicians say the party needs to focus on kitchen table issues in order to win voters. 

A report from Northwestern University points to an initiative as part of the reason why shootings are down in Chicago. Questions continue swirling around U.S. Senator Dick Durbin’s plans as other Illinois Democrats consider their own futures. Northwestern students and professors are calling on their leaders to defend the university against President Trump.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said a proposal that would give Chicago Police sole discretion to implement immediate curfews for kids needs “deeper vetting.” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said public safety is under attack under Donald Trump’s administration. Chicago’s Links Hall announced that it will close its doors for good after its current season.

Those who’ve been convicted of a crime for participating in the January 6th insurrection can no longer work for the city of Chicago. A nearly three-year upswing in Chicago robberies has ended. Dozens of Chicago History Museum employees and supporters of the local ASFCME union protested at the museum yesterday.

Illinois educators are unsure of how to protect their students as the Trump administration has cancelled hundreds of student visas. Some Illinois Democrats are growing impatient with Senator Dick Durbin. Plus, the Chicago Blackhawks season is over.

Former President Joe Biden is using Chicago as a venue to hit his GOP successor, President Donald Trump, on Social Security cutbacks. A Chicago city council member plans to push for a vote today on his stalled ordinance to create an 8 p.m. curfew for kids in the city’s downtown area. Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker says he’s committed to protecting college and university students in the state.

Former President Joe Biden is in Chicago. Governor Pritzker’s office is shelling out millions of taxpayer dollars to Illinois’ film and TV industry. Plus, Portillo’s launched its breakfast menu today.

Some parents are breathing a sign of relief now that the teachers union has approved a new contract with the Chicago Public Schools. WBEZ has tips for how to best protect your financial investments during uncertain economic times. A dark humorist from Madison delivers a new play that blends stand-up comedy and drama.

The Chicago Teachers Union contract has been ratified with nearly unanimous support. Registration for Chicago Park District summer camps has begun. Piping plovers have returned to Montrose Beach.

Some crime survivors held a healing vigil on Chicago’s West Side this weekend. Tariff uncertainty is impacting Illinois farmers ahead of a new planting season. The Chicago Comics and Entertainment Expo filled McCormick Place over the weekend.

Introducing WBEZ's latest podcast series, Making: Stories Without End. Host Natalie Moore takes you on a journey to learn about daytime soap operas and their broad reach on television. From the early radio days in the 1930s through the invention of TV to streaming, this way of telling immersive stories has endured. There are intergenerational family stories, discussions about divorce and abortion, groundbreaking storylines dealing with queer representation. And all these threads go back to one Chicago woman, Irna Phillips. The queen of soaps originated, wrote or supervised more than a dozen daytime serials for more than 40 years… and left a lasting mark on the television industry. You’ll hear the story behind the stories from scholars, actors, writers – from the past and now – as well as fans.

A Chicago City Council committee voted to reject a 1.25 million dollar settlement for the family of Dexter Reed, who was shot dead by police officers last year. Cook County Health is trying to increase awareness of H-I-V prevention, testing, and services. Plus, tomorrow is national record store day.

Members of Chicago’s arts community are calling on Mayor Brandon Johnson to address issues within the city’s cultural affairs department. Public health officials are closely watching measles outbreaks locally as the highly contagious virus circulates in the U.S. New research from Northwestern University explains why some people’s brains become deeply political while others remain disengaged.

Homeowners in Cook County who struggle the most with big property tax hikes could soon get a thousand dollars. The Illinois Supreme Court will not consider a lawsuit over what Republicans call unconstitutional political maps. Plus, Third Coast Percussion, is celebrating its 20th year with a new album out tomorrow.

Northwestern faculty say the Trump Administration’s pause on federal funding could devastate research there. A new lawsuit aims to prevent Northwestern from cooperating with a Congressional investigation. Illinois State Board responds to the Trump threat to pull funding if diversity, equity and inclusion programs aren't eliminated.

The police officer charged with murdering Sonya Massey in Springfield is getting his trial moved. President Trump has reportedly frozen nearly $800 million in federal funding for Northwestern University. Cook County residents who struggle with big property tax hikes might get a one-time payment of $1,000 dollars.

A group of former Northwestern football players is settling a series of lawsuits against the university, which alleged hazing and abusive behavior on the team. A top economic official in Chicago is warning about possible shellshocks from President Trump’s tariffs. The Chicago Bears are back on the field. 

Early findings suggest that Cook County’s guaranteed income pilot program helped provide economic stability for thousands of residents. How a U.S. Supreme Court order affects teacher training programs in Illinois. Democrats in Springfield are hoping to crack down on so-called “crime-free” housing laws.

A Chicago man is in police custody in connection with multiple sex crimes against female victims on the city’s North West Side. Blustery snow showers are expected to continue across the Chicago area into the evening as temperatures are expected to tumble into the mid-20s tonight. Registration for Chicago Park District summer camps begins Monday April 14 at 9 AM.

Thousands of Chicagoans took to the streets this weekend (SAT) to protest the way the Trump administration is running the country. Medical students at Northwestern University are urging their teaching hospital to resume surgeries for transgender youth. A Chicago OBGYN is on a Fulbright scholarship in Uganda. Now that Washington has frozen her funding, she has to cut her mission short.

Parts of the Midwest and South are facing the possibility of torrential rains and life-threatening flash floods. Illinois’ Attorney General is once again battling President Donald Trump – this time over election law. Plus, Wrigleyville is alive once again.

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul likely isn’t going to take any action against hospitals in Chicago that have stopped gender care surgeries. Democratic attorneys general in 19 states – including Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan – are suing over President Donald Trump’s attempt to reshape elections across the U.S. The Chicago Cubs will play in their home opener at Wrigley Field today after a long stretch of away games to start the season.

Mass layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services are endangering the Head Start child care program that serves thousands of Illinois’ neediest kids and families. Tree pollen is higher than usual for this time of year thanks to an unseasonably warm March. The Chicago Latino Film Festival begins today and runs through April 14.

The installation of a citywide air monitoring network has been pushed back several months. Pollen counts by Loyola Medicine help Chicagoans manage their allergies. For over a year, the Bears have said Chicago’s lakefront was their sole focus as the site for a new stadium. But now, their vision is shifting.

The union for Cook County probation officers is concerned about a huge increase in caseloads now that the sheriff is no longer handling electronic monitoring. More than 900 flights have been delayed at O'Hare and Midway airports today as severe weather moves through the area. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is throwing shade at billionaire Elon Musk after Pritzker helped a Democrat win a key Wisconsin Supreme Court seat.

The union for Cook County probation officers is concerned about a huge increase in caseloads now that the sheriff is no longer handling electronic monitoring. More than 900 flights have been delayed at O'Hare and Midway airports today as severe weather moves through the area. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is throwing shade at billionaire Elon Musk after Pritzker helped a Democrat win a key Wisconsin Supreme Court seat.

Dozens of new employees will have to be hired by the Office of the Chief Judge of Cook County now that the county sheriff is no longer allowing new adults into its electronic monitoring program. Illinois’ Attorney General is asking for more money from state lawmakers as he tries to plan his budget for next year. We’ll hear about a debt relief program for those with outstanding driving tickets in Chicago.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is taking a victory lap as the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools are on the verge of inking a contract. Illinois State Senator Robert Peters is sounding the alarm about a new congressional inquiry into Northwestern University’s law school. Also, stormy weather is in the forecast for the next 24 hours. 

The Chicago Teachers Union has an official tentative agreement with Chicago Public Schools. What’s at stake in the latest federal investigation into Northwestern? An executive order signed by President Trump won’t affect today’s municipal elections in Illinois.

Northwestern University officials today released a “progress report” on efforts to combat antisemitism on campus. The CTA has long lagged in its goal to make all train stations accessible by 2038 — citing funding as the biggest impediment. Plus, the Chicago Blackhawks debuted two recent draft picks during last night’s 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club.

Federal prosecutors in Chicago are seeking a multimillion-dollar judgment from convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Some Illinois lawmakers want to see more of a focus on crime and safety as conversations continue about public transit reform in Chicago. Ice coverage on Lake Michigan was far below historical averages.

Leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools have landed a potential contract deal. The Chicago law firm targeted by a punishing executive order from President Trump is fighting back in federal court. Plus, The Chicago Bulls bested the Los Angeles Lakers last night.

The Trump administration this week cancelled $125 million in funding for infectious disease prevention in Illinois. Some small business owners in Chicago say potential tariffs are adding to an already uncertain economic future. Some Metra services could be gone for a long time if they get cut due to budget constraints next year.

The Trump administration this week pulled back $153 million in funding to the Illinois Department of Human Services and Department of Public Health. The Chicago City Clerk is waiving vehicle sticker penalties in April. The White Sox host the Angels while the Cubs visit the Diamondbacks on Major League Baseball’s Opening Day.

The Arab American Action Network is focusing on community-based organizing ahead of an expected announcement of a new federal “travel ban.” A new poll shows that most Illinois residents want more funding for public schools. A new study finds wide disparities in who turns out to vote in property tax referendums.

President Trump is targeting a Chicago legal powerhouse in his latest attack on US law firms. A major labor union is furious with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Plus, Illinois residents are worried about teacher shortages and underfunded public schools.

What will happen if Chicago Public Schools refuses to make a $175 million dollar pension payment by the end of the month? A progressive influencer who doesn’t live in the district plans a primary challenge against Evanston Democratic congressmember Jan Schakowsky. Piping Plover “monitors” are gearing up for another season looking after the protected habitat at Chicago’s Montrose beach.

The Trump administration's recent program cuts and policy changes are throwing some Chicago-area undergraduates into crisis. The Department of Education is threatening federal funding for some Illinois school districts over accommodations for trans students. Plus, Northwestern women’s basketball coach plans to retire after next season.