Chicago All Local

Advocates: RTA cuts will force disabled people to "stay at home"

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports the RTA voted to impose limits on a popular program subsidizing rideshare and cab rides for people with disabilities.

Chicago watchdog calls on aldermen to police themselves

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg has issued a recommendation that Chicago City Council set up rules for its members' conduct, after a series of dramatic incidents at City Hall.

RTA votes to move $74M to CTA from Metra, Pace

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports leaders of the agency that oversees the Chicago area's public transit systems voted to move $74 million in discretionary funding from Metra and Pace to the CTA. The money will help the agency delay potential service cuts of as much as 40% as the system approaches a potential 'fiscal cliff.'

Local Officials, Family Members Call on ICE to Release Chicago-Area Man

Immigration authorities are being urged to release a man from custody who has lived in the Chicago-area for decades. Sergio Serna Ramirez was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol in May after he accidentally took a wrong turn on a work trip and ended up on a bridge to Canada.

BBB: Win big by avoiding online gambling scams

Each year, people spend over $100 billion gambling online. Here’s how to avoid getting played, with Kayla Palmore of Better Business Bureau’s "Tip-Off to the Rip-Off" on WBBM Newsradio.

Mayor Johnson: CPS Board will approve a budget next week

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson is confident the Board of Education will approve a budget that reflects what he calls "his values."

Navy Pier seeks redesign ideas

The state’s top tourist spot is looking to make some changes. Navy Pier is seeking a developer to redesign the east end of the pier that includes Festival Hall, the Terminal Building, Shelter Building and Aon Grand Ballroom.

MCA's new exhibit from Mexican artist Pablo Helguera blends art with conversation

During the Fall of last year, the Museum of Contemporary Art invited 20 activists, artists, writers and curators to meet and discuss the role art plays during times of uncertainty and possibility.

Mobile emissions testing

The State of Illinois is making it easier for some senior citizens to renew their driver's licenses

The State of Illinois is making it easier for some senior citizens to renew their driver's licenses. The Road Safety and Fairness Act has been signed into law by Governor Pritzker after passing the General Assembly unanimously earlier this year. The new law raises the age at which a person needs to take a behind-the-wheel driving test to renew their driver's license from 79 to 87.

The Love Fridge Chicago provides food to those in need

The Love Fridge Chicago provides food to those in need through community-supported refrigerators and pantries throughout the city. James Wurm and some of his friends started the organization after hearing a story about a community refrigerator in Brooklyn serving neighbors in need. The organization opened its first Love Fridge in the Little Village neighborhood near the intersection of 21st and California in July of 2020.

Speakers divided as Chicago Board of Education considers budget plan

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports speakers at Tuesday night's Chicago Board of Education comment session were divided on the district's plan to balance this year's budget, without making a controversial pension payment or borrowing additional money.

Prominent Republican, Democrat launch new attempt to re-draw Illinois political maps

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports former Peoria Congressman Ray LaHood and longtime Democratic strategist Bill Daley are behind a new effort to ask voters whether an independent commission should be in charge of drawing Illinois' legislative maps.

Mayor Johnson tours neighborhoods affected by flooding on Chicago's Southwest side

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Mayor Johnson joined neighborhood leaders and city administrators to get a first-hand look at the aftermath of flooding in Chicago's Gage Park neighborhood.

Chicago celebrates local filmmakers with 12th annual Chicago Onscreen festival

Starting next week you can catch Chicago-made movies on the big screen in parks across the city as part of the 12th Chicago Onscreen film festival.

"Fidget toy" inspires Chicago alderman's school budget explanation

WBBM Political Editor Geoff Buchholz reports North side Alderman Andre Vasquez used a magnet-based fidget toy in a video explaining one of the budget challenges facing the Chicago Public Schools.

Illinois bans use of AI in therapy, local mental health professionals weigh in

Earlier this month, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an act into law that bans the use of AI in therapy and psychotherapy services, specifically its use in treatment and decision-making

City, airline leaders break ground on new O'Hare Airport concourse

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports Mayor Johnson joined city leaders and airline executives for the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new "Concourse D" at O'Hare International Airport

‘Larry’s Legacy’ auction to close Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago

A museum built on one man’s passion for cars is preparing for its final lap. The Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum on Chicago’s Northwest Side will permanently close next month, with its entire collection heading to the auction block.

Man, child injured in West Rogers Park hit-and-run; police search for driver

A man and a young boy were hospitalized after being struck in a hit-and-run crash late Sunday in Chicago’s West Rogers Park neighborhood.

Man arrested at O’Hare, charged in fatal Roseland shooting

A Chicago man has been charged in connection with a fatal shooting earlier this year in the Roseland neighborhood.

Hampshire man charged in fatal shooting of 17-year-old inside home

A 20-year-old man is facing charges after a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot inside a Hampshire home late Saturday night.

Allergies seem nearly impossible to avoid... unless you’re Amish and from the Hoosier State

An Amish community in northern Indiana is considered one of the least-allergic populations ever measured in the developed world. The WASHINGTON POST reports only 7-percent of Amish children there had a positive response to one or more common allergens in a skin prick test compared with more than 50-percent of the general U.S. population.

An innovative approach to combat opioid overdoses on the city's North Side

Rare crane rescues spotted thriving in DuPage County

A “once in a lifetime” rescue effort by the DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center is paying off, after three sandhill cranes released in July were spotted thriving in the wild.

41 years later, Indiana State Police renew call for tips in Darlene Hulse murder

Indiana State Police are asking for the public’s help as Sunday marks the 41st anniversary of the abduction and killing of Darlene Hulse in rural Marshall County.

Savannah Bananas debut in Chicago

Get ready, Chicago! The viral sensations behind ‘Banana Ball’ are stepping up to the plate at making their debut this weekend at Rate Field.

Chicago Air and Water Show

Oswald's Pharmacy marks major milestone

It's the oldest continually owned family pharmacy in the Midwest. This fall, they are celebration a milestone. WBBM's Lisa Fielding has the story.

BBB: When scam lightning strikes twice

If you’ve been scammed before, don’t assume it can’t happen again. The Better Business Bureau’s" Tip-Off to the Rip-Off" on WBBM explains how to not get caught up in a scam a second time.