Jared Rutecki
@jaredrutecki.bsky.social
Investigative Reporter at @wttw.bsky.social News/Chicago Tonight. Past life: Illinois Answers Project, BGA, Columbus Dispatch, ThisWeek News. I cover cops, courts, energy, health, finance, education, pensions etc. Prolific FOIA filer. He/him.
Pinned
Jared Rutecki
@jaredrutecki.bsky.social
· Nov 12
‘Just Violence, Confusion’: Federal Immigration Raids Also Bring Fear to Suburban Streets
As national attention focused on Chicago, federal immigration agents carried out a wave of raids across the suburbs, sparking outrage and fear in communities including Aurora and Evanston. Local leade...
news.wttw.com
“Imagine dropping your kids off and wondering if it’s the last time you’ll see them.”
From Waukegan to Evanston to Aurora, suburban families are living in fear as ICE raids escalate.
My latest story explores the toll.
From Waukegan to Evanston to Aurora, suburban families are living in fear as ICE raids escalate.
My latest story explores the toll.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
NEW: Ald. Marty Quinn, the author of the ban, tells @wttw.bsky.social he will not attempt to override the mayor's veto, which requires 34 votes.
“I don’t have 34. I don’t have the numbers, and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”
“I don’t have 34. I don’t have the numbers, and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”
BREAKING: Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday vetoed an ordinance that would ban the sale of most intoxicating hemp products throughout Chicago, calling it “premature.”
It will take 34 votes to override the mayor’s veto. That City Council vote could take place Wednesday. @wttw.bsky.social
It will take 34 votes to override the mayor’s veto. That City Council vote could take place Wednesday. @wttw.bsky.social
Mayor Vetoes Ban on Sale of Most Intoxicating Hemp Products in Chicago
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the ban was too broad and punished “many of our small businesses who have been following the law and deserve to have a seat at the table,” including those owned by Black and...
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:54 PM
NEW: Ald. Marty Quinn, the author of the ban, tells @wttw.bsky.social he will not attempt to override the mayor's veto, which requires 34 votes.
“I don’t have 34. I don’t have the numbers, and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”
“I don’t have 34. I don’t have the numbers, and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.”
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
BREAKING: Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday vetoed an ordinance that would ban the sale of most intoxicating hemp products throughout Chicago, calling it “premature.”
It will take 34 votes to override the mayor’s veto. That City Council vote could take place Wednesday. @wttw.bsky.social
It will take 34 votes to override the mayor’s veto. That City Council vote could take place Wednesday. @wttw.bsky.social
Mayor Vetoes Ban on Sale of Most Intoxicating Hemp Products in Chicago
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the ban was too broad and punished “many of our small businesses who have been following the law and deserve to have a seat at the table,” including those owned by Black and...
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 9:46 PM
BREAKING: Mayor Brandon Johnson on Friday vetoed an ordinance that would ban the sale of most intoxicating hemp products throughout Chicago, calling it “premature.”
It will take 34 votes to override the mayor’s veto. That City Council vote could take place Wednesday. @wttw.bsky.social
It will take 34 votes to override the mayor’s veto. That City Council vote could take place Wednesday. @wttw.bsky.social
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
The bill, called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America Act, would require Americans to prove they are citizens when they register to vote, mostly through a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate and valid photo identification.
https://to.wttw.com/46N2Kc8
https://to.wttw.com/46N2Kc8
February 13, 2026 at 7:56 PM
The bill, called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE America Act, would require Americans to prove they are citizens when they register to vote, mostly through a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate and valid photo identification.
https://to.wttw.com/46N2Kc8
https://to.wttw.com/46N2Kc8
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is calling on local prosecutors to pursue “all available charges” related to the killing of Silverio Villegas González, a suburban father who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents outside Chicago last year.
Toni Preckwinkle Urging Cook County Prosecutors to Pursue Criminal Charges Against Federal Immigration Agents
Preckwinkle urged Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke to act “swiftly, proactively and transparently” in order to ensure accountability after agents have repeatedly used “excessive force...
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle is calling on local prosecutors to pursue “all available charges” related to the killing of Silverio Villegas González, a suburban father who was fatally shot by federal immigration agents outside Chicago last year.
IL Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the cuts — which would lead to a loss of more than $100 million in funding just in Illinois — would violate the Constitution and have a “devastating impact on basic public health infrastructure.”
Illinois, Other Democrat-Led States Sue to Halt Trump Administration’s Planned Cuts to Public Health Grants
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the new lawsuit, which was filed along with officials from California, Colorado, Minnesota after the Office of Management and Budget’s directive to cut grants fr...
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
IL Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the cuts — which would lead to a loss of more than $100 million in funding just in Illinois — would violate the Constitution and have a “devastating impact on basic public health infrastructure.”
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Here's my story on the judicial races w/David Jackson. A key trend in these primaries is fewer people trying to be judges, which observers link to cost, a hotter spotlight & Democratic dominance. Some candidates have a glide path to power despite liabilities that might matter if they had opponents.
February 13, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Here's my story on the judicial races w/David Jackson. A key trend in these primaries is fewer people trying to be judges, which observers link to cost, a hotter spotlight & Democratic dominance. Some candidates have a glide path to power despite liabilities that might matter if they had opponents.
From the Super Bowl: Among the 700 performers on the field with Bad Bunny were Lyrik Cruz and Giancarlo Guerrero, two Latino artists with Chicago connections. They joined “Chicago Tonight” to reflect on sharing their culture on one of the largest platforms in the world.
Super Bowl Halftime Performers on Making History With Bad Bunny
Latin American culture was on full display on Super Bowl Sunday with Bad Bunny’s historic halftime show. Among the 700 performers on the field were Lyrik Cruz and Giancarlo Guerrero, two Latino artist...
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:03 PM
From the Super Bowl: Among the 700 performers on the field with Bad Bunny were Lyrik Cruz and Giancarlo Guerrero, two Latino artists with Chicago connections. They joined “Chicago Tonight” to reflect on sharing their culture on one of the largest platforms in the world.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
The National Weather Service is predicting highs in the 50s for the Chicago region through early next week. Some areas may even hit 60 degrees, with the usual caveat of “cooler by the lake." https://to.wttw.com/4tFnkFq
Weekend Warmup Is Chicago’s First Dose of False Spring
The National Weather Service is predicting highs in the 50s for the Chicago region through early next.
to.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:06 PM
The National Weather Service is predicting highs in the 50s for the Chicago region through early next week. Some areas may even hit 60 degrees, with the usual caveat of “cooler by the lake." https://to.wttw.com/4tFnkFq
Early voting for the March 17 primary election is now open at the Chicago Board of Elections office, located at 69 W. Washington St. on the 6th floor, and at the new Chicago Board of Elections supersite, 137 S. State St.
Early Voting for 2026 Primary Election Begins in Downtown Chicago, With New Supersite Location
Early voting for the March 17 primary election is now open at the Chicago Board of Elections office, located at 69 W. Washington St. on the 6th floor, and at the new Chicago Board of Elections supersi...
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Early voting for the March 17 primary election is now open at the Chicago Board of Elections office, located at 69 W. Washington St. on the 6th floor, and at the new Chicago Board of Elections supersite, 137 S. State St.
Chicago police brass must change the way officers are assigned to patrol the areas of the city with the most crime and violence, according to the executive summary of a long-awaited study required by the federal court order known as the consent decree.
Chicago Police Leaders Must Change How Officers Are Deployed in ‘High-Demand’ Areas: Study
The study, which examined whether officers are efficiently and effectively deployed across the city to stop crime and respond to calls for help, found “inconsistent service levels, constrained proacti...
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Chicago police brass must change the way officers are assigned to patrol the areas of the city with the most crime and violence, according to the executive summary of a long-awaited study required by the federal court order known as the consent decree.
Mechanista is a new nonprofit repair shop in Ravenswood designed to make auto care more inclusive for women and nonbinary people.
The shop isn’t just fixing cars — it’s working to fix an industry-wide gender gap.
The shop isn’t just fixing cars — it’s working to fix an industry-wide gender gap.
Meet the Women Behind Mechanista, a Chicago Garage Aiming to Make Car Care More Inclusive
The Ravenswood shop isn’t just fixing cars — it’s working to fix an industry-wide gender gap. Founder Lisa Thompson said women make up just 2% of auto mechanics nationwide.
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Mechanista is a new nonprofit repair shop in Ravenswood designed to make auto care more inclusive for women and nonbinary people.
The shop isn’t just fixing cars — it’s working to fix an industry-wide gender gap.
The shop isn’t just fixing cars — it’s working to fix an industry-wide gender gap.
Illinois has joined three other Democrat-led states in suing the Trump administration over its plans to cut more than $600 million in public health grants, a move that could lead to dozens of layoffs and canceled contracts in Illinois alone.
Illinois, Other Democrat-Led States Sue to Halt Trump Administration’s Planned Cuts to Public Health Grants
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the new lawsuit, which was filed along with officials from California, Colorado, Minnesota after the Office of Management and Budget’s directive to cut grants fr...
news.wttw.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:46 AM
Illinois has joined three other Democrat-led states in suing the Trump administration over its plans to cut more than $600 million in public health grants, a move that could lead to dozens of layoffs and canceled contracts in Illinois alone.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
In honor of the Winter Olympics, Windy City Curling is offering 30-minute curling introductory classes, dubbed “Olympic Curling Open House.” Sessions are $20 per person and take place Feb. 21 and March 1. https://to.wttw.com/4rbQtWV
Team USA Made History in Curling at the Winter Olympics. Here’s How and Where to Curl in the Chicago Area
You don’t have to travel to Italy to experience the sport.
to.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:27 PM
In honor of the Winter Olympics, Windy City Curling is offering 30-minute curling introductory classes, dubbed “Olympic Curling Open House.” Sessions are $20 per person and take place Feb. 21 and March 1. https://to.wttw.com/4rbQtWV
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Illinois has joined three other Democrat-led states in suing the Trump administration over its plans to cut more than $600 million in public health grants, a move that could lead to dozens of layoffs and canceled contracts in Illinois alone.
https://to.wttw.com/4txA5Sl
https://to.wttw.com/4txA5Sl
Illinois, Other Democrat-Led States Sue to Halt Trump Administration’s Planned Cuts to Public Health Grants
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the new lawsuit, which was filed along with officials from California, Colorado, Minnesota after the Office of Management and Budget’s directive to cut grants fr...
to.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:09 PM
Illinois has joined three other Democrat-led states in suing the Trump administration over its plans to cut more than $600 million in public health grants, a move that could lead to dozens of layoffs and canceled contracts in Illinois alone.
https://to.wttw.com/4txA5Sl
https://to.wttw.com/4txA5Sl
Chicago’s Board of Education has terminated its contract with the search firm hired to find the city’s next schools chief, as some members accuse Mayor Brandon Johnson of sabotaging the selection process.
Chicago Board of Education Members Allege ‘Sabotage’ From Mayor Brandon Johnson in Ongoing CPS CEO Search
The Board of Education is no longer working with Alma Advisory Group, which was hired last May to help guide the search for Chicago Public Schools’ next permanent CEO, according to a statement from si...
news.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Chicago’s Board of Education has terminated its contract with the search firm hired to find the city’s next schools chief, as some members accuse Mayor Brandon Johnson of sabotaging the selection process.
Chicagoans have until Saturday to vote to name one of Chicago’s snowplows and the option getting the most attention is a pun linking snowplowing efforts to opposition of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
Deadline to Vote in Chicago’s Snowplow Naming Contest is Saturday; Will ‘Abolish ICE’ Win After Leading Nominations?
“Abolish ICE” is now one of 25 finalists that Chicagoans can vote for through Saturday, with the top six vote-getters winning the honor of renaming one snowplow in each of Chicago’s six snow districts...
news.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Chicagoans have until Saturday to vote to name one of Chicago’s snowplows and the option getting the most attention is a pun linking snowplowing efforts to opposition of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
Owners of some cars reported as abandoned would get another shot at preventing their vehicle from being towed to the city’s dreaded impound lot under a measure endorsed by the City Council’s Finance Committee.
Some Car Owners Would Get Another Chance to Avoid Getting Towed Under Proposed $2M Settlement
Some Chicagoans who had their cars towed by the city could get $1,250, if their vehicle was scrapped, or a refund of what they paid to get their car out of the impound lot.
news.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:12 PM
Owners of some cars reported as abandoned would get another shot at preventing their vehicle from being towed to the city’s dreaded impound lot under a measure endorsed by the City Council’s Finance Committee.
House Republicans rushed to approve legislation that would impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements ahead of the midterm elections, a long shot Trump administration priority that faces sharp blowback in the Senate.
House GOP Pushes Strict Proof-of-Citizenship Requirement for Voters Ahead of Midterm Elections
Republicans said the legislation is needed to prevent voter fraud, but Democrats warn it will disenfranchise millions of Americans by making it harder to vote.
news.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:35 PM
House Republicans rushed to approve legislation that would impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements ahead of the midterm elections, a long shot Trump administration priority that faces sharp blowback in the Senate.
Black History Month: As this month marks the commemoration’s centennial, there are efforts from the federal government to reshape how history is taught and examined by institutions.
Black History Month Rings in 100 Years as Educators Push to Preserve Heritage
There are efforts from the federal government to reshape how history is taught and examined by institutions.
news.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Black History Month: As this month marks the commemoration’s centennial, there are efforts from the federal government to reshape how history is taught and examined by institutions.
State legislators are proposing a set of standardized guardrails that would protect Illinois families, communities and natural resources from the stress such centers place on power grids and water supplies.
Illinois Legislators Introduce Power Act, Which Would Force Data Centers To Foot Energy Costs
Illinois state legislators are proposing the Power Act, which would put guardrails around the rapid expansion of large-scale data centers.
news.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:02 PM
State legislators are proposing a set of standardized guardrails that would protect Illinois families, communities and natural resources from the stress such centers place on power grids and water supplies.
Homeland Security Reform: Joining “Chicago Tonight” is U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, a Democrat from Illinois news.wttw.com/2026/02/11/m...
Members of Congress at Odds Over Homeland Security Reform as Funding Deadline Looms
Lawmakers continue to negotiate U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding, which Democrats are holding up over proposed reforms to immigration enforcement efforts.
news.wttw.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Homeland Security Reform: Joining “Chicago Tonight” is U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, a Democrat from Illinois news.wttw.com/2026/02/11/m...
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Mega data centers have become a hot topic of debate in municipalities across Illinois.
Now state legislators are proposing a set of standardized guardrails that would protect Illinois communities and natural resources. https://to.wttw.com/4rkBZo0
Now state legislators are proposing a set of standardized guardrails that would protect Illinois communities and natural resources. https://to.wttw.com/4rkBZo0
Illinois Legislators Introduce Power Act, Which Would Force Data Centers To Foot Energy Costs
Illinois state legislators are proposing the Power Act, which would put guardrails around the rapid expansion of large-scale data centers.
to.wttw.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Mega data centers have become a hot topic of debate in municipalities across Illinois.
Now state legislators are proposing a set of standardized guardrails that would protect Illinois communities and natural resources. https://to.wttw.com/4rkBZo0
Now state legislators are proposing a set of standardized guardrails that would protect Illinois communities and natural resources. https://to.wttw.com/4rkBZo0
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
James Van Der Beek, a heartthrob who starred in coming-of-age dramas at the dawn of the new millennium, shooting to fame playing the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek” and in later years mocking his own hunky persona, has died. He was 48. https://to.wttw.com/46K182O
James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star, Has Died at 48
James Van Der Beek, a heartthrob who starred in coming-of-age dramas at the dawn of the new millennium, shooting to fame playing the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek” and in later years mocking hi...
to.wttw.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:51 PM
James Van Der Beek, a heartthrob who starred in coming-of-age dramas at the dawn of the new millennium, shooting to fame playing the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek” and in later years mocking his own hunky persona, has died. He was 48. https://to.wttw.com/46K182O
Legal experts say the newly enacted Clean Slate Act may help reduce gaps in record-clearing, and federal marijuana reclassification could spur broader reforms across the country.
Even Though Marijuana is Legal in Illinois, Clearing Old Criminal Records Still a Challenge
Legal experts say the newly enacted Clean Slate Act may help reduce gaps in record-clearing, and federal marijuana reclassification could spur broader reforms across the country.
news.wttw.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Legal experts say the newly enacted Clean Slate Act may help reduce gaps in record-clearing, and federal marijuana reclassification could spur broader reforms across the country.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
BREAKING: A key City Council panel voted 15-18 to reject a proposal to pay $8.3 million to the family of a woman who was struck and killed by a driver being chased by Chicago police. @wttw.bsky.social
Key City Panel Rejects Proposal to Pay $8.3M to Family of Woman Struck, Killed by Driver Being Chased by Police
Dominga Flores Gomez, 55, died in the crash that ended the chase launched by two Chicago Police Department vehicles just before 9 p.m. Sept. 28, 2022, in McKinley Park, records show.
news.wttw.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:53 PM
BREAKING: A key City Council panel voted 15-18 to reject a proposal to pay $8.3 million to the family of a woman who was struck and killed by a driver being chased by Chicago police. @wttw.bsky.social