WBEZ
@wbez.org
We are Chicago's NPR station and your local news source. Find us on air at 91.5FM. Support public media and local journalism: donate.wbez.org
Chicago advocates against domestic violence are applauding a move by Mayor Brandon Johnson to reverse course on what they said would have been devastating budget cuts included in his 2026 spending plan.
Mayor does budgetary about-face on funding for domestic violence programs
www.wbez.org
November 14, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Chicago advocates against domestic violence are applauding a move by Mayor Brandon Johnson to reverse course on what they said would have been devastating budget cuts included in his 2026 spending plan.
"In 50 years, when none of us are here, people will want to pay homage [to Obama's presidency]. This was a crucial time in the history of our country. Therefore, the building needs to have a kind of power to it," architect Billie Tsien says.
Obama Presidential Center takes shape after 10 years of delays and construction
www.wbez.org
November 14, 2025 at 6:38 PM
"In 50 years, when none of us are here, people will want to pay homage [to Obama's presidency]. This was a crucial time in the history of our country. Therefore, the building needs to have a kind of power to it," architect Billie Tsien says.
Agents have been involved in eight car chases and used force in at least 76 incidents, according to an analysis by WBEZ and the Sun-Times based on a review of hundreds of court documents, videos and news reports.
Tear gas, car crashes, rubber bullets: Risky tactics have driven Trump’s Chicago deportation ‘blitz’
www.wbez.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Agents have been involved in eight car chases and used force in at least 76 incidents, according to an analysis by WBEZ and the Sun-Times based on a review of hundreds of court documents, videos and news reports.
Diversified Partners CEO Walt Brown Jr. said everything from the flags to the clubhouse has got to go, as a prospective buyer emerges that could push forward an industrial project.
Developer takes a new stroke at Calumet Country Club development, saying golf is finished there
www.wbez.org
November 14, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Diversified Partners CEO Walt Brown Jr. said everything from the flags to the clubhouse has got to go, as a prospective buyer emerges that could push forward an industrial project.
The Department of Homeland Security claims Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago caused historic crime drops, but a WBEZ analysis contradicts that claim.
City leaders push back after DHS takes credit in Chicago’s crime drop
www.wbez.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:36 PM
The Department of Homeland Security claims Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago caused historic crime drops, but a WBEZ analysis contradicts that claim.
A group of Illinois congressional delegates is calling for the release of $3 billion in withheld federal funding that’s meant to help replace toxic lead service lines that supply drinking water to homes across the country.
Illinois lawmakers press feds for $3B in stalled lead pipe replacement funds
www.wbez.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:01 AM
A group of Illinois congressional delegates is calling for the release of $3 billion in withheld federal funding that’s meant to help replace toxic lead service lines that supply drinking water to homes across the country.
Listen: What does the word ‘liberal’ mean? Say More takes calls and speaks to UIC’s Kevin Schultz about the liberal label.
The ‘liberal’ label: How’d it become a political insult?
www.wbez.org
November 14, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Listen: What does the word ‘liberal’ mean? Say More takes calls and speaks to UIC’s Kevin Schultz about the liberal label.
Listen: President Donald Trump signed legislation to end the government shutdown – but it doesn’t extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act.
Healthcare providers bracing for a spike in uninsured Illinois residents
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Listen: President Donald Trump signed legislation to end the government shutdown – but it doesn’t extend subsidies for the Affordable Care Act.
The agency won't see any service cuts next year, thanks to the $1.5 billion transit bailout passed in Springfield last month. But Metra's $1.2 billion proposed budget, passed Thursday by the agency's board of directors, largely keeps the status quo with plans for minor enhancements.
Metra, Pace approve budgets with no fare hikes
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The agency won't see any service cuts next year, thanks to the $1.5 billion transit bailout passed in Springfield last month. But Metra's $1.2 billion proposed budget, passed Thursday by the agency's board of directors, largely keeps the status quo with plans for minor enhancements.
At the turn of the last century, a slight South Sider named Walter “Eckie” Eckersall led the school to a national football championship.
A new book tells the story of the University of Chicago’s improbable, winning quarterback
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:48 PM
At the turn of the last century, a slight South Sider named Walter “Eckie” Eckersall led the school to a national football championship.
The Divvy-riding, totebag hauling Daley comes from a political dynasty, but the city's unofficial cultural czar is doing things her own way.
Nora Daley is not just an ex-mayor’s daughter. She's shaping Chicago's cultural future.
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:31 PM
The Divvy-riding, totebag hauling Daley comes from a political dynasty, but the city's unofficial cultural czar is doing things her own way.
Deported Army veteran Miguel Perez Jr., whose case became a symbol of immigrant veterans' struggles, died in October while visiting family in Mexico after returning home in 2019.
A final goodbye to a Chicago deported veteran
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Deported Army veteran Miguel Perez Jr., whose case became a symbol of immigrant veterans' struggles, died in October while visiting family in Mexico after returning home in 2019.
Reposted by WBEZ
Joined @wbez.org’s @sashaannsimons.bsky.social to discuss the systematic firings of Black journalists across America. Listen here: www.wbez.org/in-the-loop-...
Taking a closer look at mass firings, layoffs of Black journalists as media orgs dismantle DEI
A panel of Black journalists in Chicago weighs in on the Impact of decreasing diversity in national and local media.
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Joined @wbez.org’s @sashaannsimons.bsky.social to discuss the systematic firings of Black journalists across America. Listen here: www.wbez.org/in-the-loop-...
State officials in Illinois say they expect full SNAP food assistance to begin flowing Friday and that all 1.8 million people in Illinois that rely on the program will receive full benefits by Nov. 20.
Full SNAP benefits to start going out Friday as shutdown ends, Illinois officials say
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
State officials in Illinois say they expect full SNAP food assistance to begin flowing Friday and that all 1.8 million people in Illinois that rely on the program will receive full benefits by Nov. 20.
Here are a few dine-in and carryout options for your Thanksgiving Day feast. Whatever the group size or taste, these restaurants offer something that will fit your budget and taste.
Where to eat on Thanksgiving Day or order carryout in Chicago
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Here are a few dine-in and carryout options for your Thanksgiving Day feast. Whatever the group size or taste, these restaurants offer something that will fit your budget and taste.
Reposted by WBEZ
When it comes to healing the deep scars left by police misconduct, Dr. Nate Gilham told me money only goes so far. What helps is for people to understand and work towards dismantling the systems that harmed them. @wbez.org
As Chicago reaches a record $266 million in police misconduct settlements this year, wrongfully convicted exonerees like James Gibson continue to struggle with lasting trauma.
What happens to survivors of police torture after the big payout?
www.wbez.org
November 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
When it comes to healing the deep scars left by police misconduct, Dr. Nate Gilham told me money only goes so far. What helps is for people to understand and work towards dismantling the systems that harmed them. @wbez.org
The new initiative aims to get more Chicagoans to shop local and support shops from the North Side to the far South East Side near Indiana.
Chicago Loves Local campaign aims to prop up neighborhood businesses
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The new initiative aims to get more Chicagoans to shop local and support shops from the North Side to the far South East Side near Indiana.
Hundreds of people arrested and held in custody amid the feds’ deportation campaign in Chicago could soon be released on various conditions under a federal judge’s order Wednesday.
Judge says he'll order release of hundreds of people arrested under feds' deportation blitz
www.wbez.org
November 13, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Hundreds of people arrested and held in custody amid the feds’ deportation campaign in Chicago could soon be released on various conditions under a federal judge’s order Wednesday.
Chicago fine-dining icon Alinea has lost one of its three Michelin stars, a distinction Grant Achatz’s flagship restaurant — an international calling card for the city — has held since 2010.
Alinea loses third Michelin star, leaving one Chicago restaurant in coveted category
www.wbez.org
November 12, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Chicago fine-dining icon Alinea has lost one of its three Michelin stars, a distinction Grant Achatz’s flagship restaurant — an international calling card for the city — has held since 2010.
As Affordable Care Act premiums are expected to rise, a single mom expects to become uninsured. Meanwhile, a couple plans to keep their insurance but say they can only afford 10 more years of coverage.
Two families, two responses to spiking Obamacare costs: ‘We can live only maximum 10 more years’
www.wbez.org
November 12, 2025 at 7:32 PM
As Affordable Care Act premiums are expected to rise, a single mom expects to become uninsured. Meanwhile, a couple plans to keep their insurance but say they can only afford 10 more years of coverage.
Robert Falls, who led the Goodman Theatre for 35 years before stepping down in 2022, has returned to Chicago theater as a director at rival Steppenwolf, insisting he's far from retirement.
For theater director Robert Falls, one stage door closes and another opens
www.wbez.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Robert Falls, who led the Goodman Theatre for 35 years before stepping down in 2022, has returned to Chicago theater as a director at rival Steppenwolf, insisting he's far from retirement.
As Chicago reaches a record $266 million in police misconduct settlements this year, wrongfully convicted exonerees like James Gibson continue to struggle with lasting trauma.
What happens to survivors of police torture after the big payout?
www.wbez.org
November 12, 2025 at 3:12 PM
As Chicago reaches a record $266 million in police misconduct settlements this year, wrongfully convicted exonerees like James Gibson continue to struggle with lasting trauma.
Veterans gather at the Vietnam War Memorial, where speakers decry ICE arrests, cuts to veterans benefits and extrajudicial attacks on Venezuelan boats. “The attacks are to divide and conquer working people."
At Veterans Day rally, vets are critical of Trump administration immigration enforcement
www.wbez.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Veterans gather at the Vietnam War Memorial, where speakers decry ICE arrests, cuts to veterans benefits and extrajudicial attacks on Venezuelan boats. “The attacks are to divide and conquer working people."
The Trump administration’s deportation campaign in Chicago is expected to soon ramp down as U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and many of his fellow agents prepare to move on to another city.
U.S. Border Patrol boss Greg Bovino, fellow agents expected to leave Chicago soon
www.wbez.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The Trump administration’s deportation campaign in Chicago is expected to soon ramp down as U.S. Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino and many of his fellow agents prepare to move on to another city.
A judge’s decision to read a 111-year-old poem in court before curbing federal agents’ use of force in Chicago has brought fresh relevance to an iconic piece of local literature.
Carl Sandburg’s ‘Chicago’ poem finds fresh relevance in a city occupied by ICE
www.wbez.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:37 PM
A judge’s decision to read a 111-year-old poem in court before curbing federal agents’ use of force in Chicago has brought fresh relevance to an iconic piece of local literature.