Chicago Bears will pick 25th tonight in the opening round of the NFL draft. Several parents and community members are unhappy with plans to celebrate May Day at Chicago Public Schools. The city of Chicago continues to explore what reparations could look like for Black Chicagoans, and the task force Repair Chicago hosted a citywide town hall Wednesday to get feedback on their definition of reparations. Plus, Chicago has been getting a lot of rain this spring. Streets have flooded and water has se...
Apr 23, 2026•10 min
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is launching an additional 5% tax credit incentive for film and television productions meeting certain sustainability standards. People in the Chicago area are doing their part to reduce waste, with nearly 500,000 tons of recyclables collected in the region in 2024. The first round of the NFL draft starts Thursday at 7pm. Plus, one year ago, west suburban Broadview had a budget surplus and a cheery outlook. Now, Broadview is preparing for the next fiscal year and it...
Apr 22, 2026•8 min
Chicago Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan is leaving the team. Chicago officials ended a $44 million contract with a private security company in favor of boosting patrols of public law enforcement. A new report shows the Chicago City Council doesn’t have the proper resources to independently analyze the budget it is tasked with approving each year. Plus, the Chicago Latino Film Festival is underway in the Lakeview neighborhood. The two week event spotlights more than 80 titles from around the world...
Apr 21, 2026•8 min
A federal judge has confirmed President Trump’s orders to deploy National Guard troops into Chicago are no longer in effect. A local anti-violence group is upping its presence on the CTA after a couple of recent attacks on women. Ten Chicago-area high schoolers have been honored at the 4th annual Randall Albers Young Writers Awards. Plus, an 18-year-old and his mother were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement a month ago. The teen had just played his first soccer game of the spring se...
Apr 20, 2026•8 min
New body camera footage shows that a Chicago cop hid for more than 90 seconds and failed to provide aid after shooting his partner, Krystal Rivera. Months after “Operation Midway Blitz,” the Village of Broadview says it’s had to deal with the financial fallout of the deportation campaign on its own. A push by Governor JB Pritzker to prohibit the use of cell phones and other smart devices in the classroom is on its way to the state Senate after passing the Illinois House. Plus, in his heyday, the...
Apr 17, 2026•10 min
A new Inspector General report reveals cases of wrongdoing by city employees. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson tells WBEZ that Rahm Emanuel is the only Democratic politician he would automatically oppose if Emanuel makes a run for president in 2028. That’s a wrap for the Chicago Blackhawks, who ended their season by announcing General Manager Kyle Davidson has been signed to a multi-year contract extension. Plus, piles of research have shown that education leads to better outcomes for people gettin...
Apr 16, 2026•11 min
Taxi fares will soon rise in Chicago by roughly 20% after the City Council approved the first fare hike in a decade at its April meeting on Wednesday. A federal appeals court ordered the release of former ComEd CEO Anne Pramaggiore and lobbyist Michael McClain from prison on Tuesday. Chicago White Sox pitcher Noah Schultz made his Major League debut Tuesday night. Plus, Humboldt Park resident Brendan Byrne owed federal taxes after filing his 2023 return, and like many people, he paid the balance...
Apr 15, 2026•9 min
A measure to explicitly ban Chicago police officers from being members of extremist groups like the far-right Proud Boys has gotten the greenlight from a key City Council panel. Twin bills in the state legislature could bring autonomous vehicles to Illinois. Students at a private school in Chicago will be learning by artificial intelligence rather than teachers. Plus, Chicago’s inaugural poet laureate, Avery R. Young, will soon debut his brand new opera. The show is loosely based on his family’s...
Apr 14, 2026•7 min
President Trump got on Truth Social on Sunday night to insult Pope Leo over the pontiff’s disapproval of the war in Iran. More than 100 parents from across the city brought their children for a massive playdate this weekend at Maggie Daley Park in downtown Chicago. The Chicago Bulls now look toward several important weeks for the organization as the team begins its search for a new top decision-maker. Plus, some people locked up in prison in Illinois say personal appearance takes on a whole new ...
Apr 13, 2026•8 min
Chicago’s top watchdog says the city’s police department has no consistent playbook for sidelining officers during misconduct investigations. People who buy 30-day CTA and Pace passes can get Divvy discounts starting later this month. A group of Black art collectors are attending the art fair EXPO Chicago this weekend with a mission to place more works by Black creatives in museums. Plus, we’ll learn how some Illinois arts groups are planning on celebrating America’s 250th birthday later this ye...
Apr 10, 2026•8 min
Registered nurses at Chicago’s Rush University Medical Center filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election. Some Democratic lawmakers in Illinois want more oversight over hospitals to be better prepared in case they close. After seemingly turning a corner in their first home series of the season, the White Sox are back to their losing ways. Plus, WBEZ’s Michael Puente sits down with Cardinal Blase Cupich, head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, about P...
Apr 09, 2026•10 min
Terms are still unclear for a two-week ceasefire deal between the U.S., Iran, and Israel. Illinois Republicans hope to combat rising gas prices by pausing a state sales tax on fuel. The Chicago Park District is unveiling two temporary art installations Wednesday as part of its Monument Response Project. Plus, it’s been one blow after another for many migrants in Chicago in the last year. The Trump administration ended programs that allowed them to work and live in the United States legally, and ...
Apr 08, 2026•11 min
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has joined a growing list of elected officials calling for President Trump’s removal via the 25th Amendment. Fifteen affordable housing projects around Chicago have been approved to receive millions of dollars in local funding and federal tax credits. The Chicago Bulls are embracing change after years of mediocrity – starting with the firing of executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. Plus, Chicago-based influencer Helena “Yooni...
Apr 07, 2026•9 min
The Chicago Bulls have fired their top decision-makers – executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas and general manager Marc Eversley. The Chicago Sky have traded star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The fervor around the University of Illinois’ first Final Four run in 21 years could create a major economic boost. “Ted Lasso” co-creator and star Brendan Hunt’s new one man show debuts at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre on April 17. Plus, anyone who has spent time around Chicago's DIY music scene...
Apr 06, 2026•7 min
Illinois lawmakers are trying to shut down the sale and manufacture of certain pistols they say can be too easily modified. Chicagoans can circulate their dollars tomorrow at the Spend in the Black marketplace. Several players from Southeast Europe have played a critical role in helping the fighting Illini punch its ticket to the Final Four. Plus, Chicago is known for deep dish pizza, Italian beef, and classic dogs. But where in town can you grab the best burger? WBEZ food contributor Maggie Hen...
Apr 03, 2026•10 min
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is set to speak at a public hearing tonight about his officers’ interactions with ICE agents during federal immigration raids. Chicago Bears owner George McCaskey says his family is waiting for a deal on a new stadium, whether in Illinois or Indiana, to come to them. A new COVID-19 variant has popped up in Illinois. Plus, a Northwestern University psychology professor is recruiting transgender youth and their parents for a study on “how gender dysphor...
Apr 02, 2026•8 min
Leaders from Chicago’s Chinese and Latino immigrant communities say they feel anxious about today’s Supreme Court hearing on President Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. The Chicago alderperson behind a much-debated proposal for a stricter teen curfew is back at the bargaining table after a wave of warm weather prompted so-called teen takeovers. A new supportive living community for adults with disabilities is now open in south suburban Alsip. Plus, Macquline King has gone...
Apr 01, 2026•9 min
The Supreme Court today ruled against Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy. Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility, which celebrates trans and gender nonconforming people and their right to self determination. The finalists for this year’s James Beard Awards were announced today, and three Chicago chefs are on the short list. Plus, a Chicago man convicted of laundering cocaine funds remains a major player in Illinois’ state regulated cannabis industry. David Berger was found guilty...
Mar 31, 2026•7 min
Property taxes in Cook County have grown at more than double the rate of inflation during the past three decades, according to a new report. Most voters in Chicago opposed last September’s federal deportation campaign known as Operation Midway Blitz, according to a new survey. This weekend’s No Kings protest drew thousands to the streets of Chicago; we hear from a few people about what issues were top of mind as they were protesting. Plus, Navy Pier has unveiled a new symbolic sign marking the s...
Mar 30, 2026•8 min
No Kings protests and rallies are planned in Chicago and nationwide this weekend. A new Northwestern study finds premature menopause raises long-term heart risk by 40%. The season just started for the White Sox, and they were bullied mercilessly in their first game of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers, falling 14-2. Plus, one of the most anticipated albums of the year is the new one from Chicago’s own Ratboys. The band formed at Notre Dame about 15 years ago and their sixth album came out...
Mar 27, 2026•7 min
Chicago Public Schools will soon have a new permanent CEO with board members set to vote Monday on a three-year contract for interim CEO Macquline King. A measure to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois continues to sit in Springfield. It would allow the Bears to negotiate their payments, instead of paying property taxes, for a new stadium in suburban Arlington Heights. The Goodman Theater’s new, immersive production “Theater Of The Mind” has debuted and could play on its unconventional stage inde...
Mar 26, 2026•10 min
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson is making the case for a bill that would make it illegal for detention centers to be within 1,500 feet from schools, day cares, houses and other places. Chicago’s Human Relations Commissioner Nancy Andrade announced her resignation from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s cabinet. As the war in Iran rages on, priceless artifacts, ancient landmarks and entire cultural institutions are at risk of being damaged or lost forever. Plus, Emma Gerstein is second flutist in the Chica...
Mar 25, 2026•10 min
The clock is ticking for state lawmakers to pass a deal to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois, and Democrats in Springfield are pushing a bill that would allow the Bears to negotiate payments in lieu of paying property taxes to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. A bill proposed in Springfield would designate the Dan Ryan Expressway between 47th Street and 95th Street the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Memorial Highway. It’s officially spring and the region’s pollinators are busy bringing our p...
Mar 24, 2026•8 min
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been spotted today at O’Hare airport, one of 14 U.S. airports where extra ICE officials are being deployed. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says that about 75 ICE agents have been deployed to O'Hare. There have been no signs of additional federal immigration agents at Midway airport so far. A Cook County jury ruled in favor of Chance the Rapper in a suit brought by his former manager, Pat Corcoran. Plus, one of the more unusual pieces of theater...
Mar 23, 2026•7 min
Leaders at a Chicago public school named for César Chavez have started a process that could change the school’s name after a New York Times investigation released this week reported on allegations that Chavez groomed and sexually abused young girls when he was working in the Farm Workers Movement. Affordability was top of mind for many Illinoisans on Election Day earlier this week, and a new report shows about half of the state’s residents lack what they need to thrive. The 20th edition of the A...
Mar 20, 2026•8 min
People staying in hotels in downtown Chicago and areas on the South Side will soon be subject to the highest hotel tax in the nation. It’s been over a month since the start of the partial government shutdown specifically targeting the Department of Homeland Security following concerns over the way it has handled immigration enforcement. Some passenger rail advocates do not support a plan to sell a rail yard in the South Loop area to the future owner of the White Sox. Plus, a Chicago dancer is su...
Mar 19, 2026•7 min
There is still no winner in the contest for the Democratic nominee for Illinois State Comptroller. State Representative Margaret Croke and State Senator Karina Villa are separated by a thin margin, with Croke ahead by about two percentage points. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is now the state’s Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. A Chicago Public Schools teacher says her first graders are still showing signs of anxiety and depression after last fall's deportation campaign in the ...
Mar 18, 2026•10 min
Today is the Illinois primary election. The ballot is lengthy, packed with hopefuls who want to replace longtime retiring incumbents. The Chicago Board of Elections says voter turnout is skewing close to the 2022 primary when 22 percent of city voters cast ballots. We'll hear from some voters. Some members of the Irish community in Chicago are working to keep the Irish language alive. Plus, there’s a new space for Latinos Muslims to pray and worship while still keeping true to their culture.
Mar 17, 2026•8 min
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is co-leading a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Chicago area will continue to see scattered flurries and strong winds into Monday evening, which could cause blowing snow and reduced visibility. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says Midwest Generation's plan to clean up a coal ash dump does not meet state standards. Plus, Toni Preckwinkle is running in the Demo...
Mar 16, 2026•7 min
Charges were dismissed against two members of the Broadview Six today. Illinois lawmakers are working on a measure to make the ads you see on streaming services quieter. Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet will kick off its annual “Winning Works” showcase this weekend. Plus, we wrap up our week-long look at some hot primary contests ahead of Tuesday’s primary election with Illinois’ 2nd congressional district.
Mar 13, 2026•8 min
