The Rundown | Chicago News

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 Wiscons...

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 Wiscons...

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 C...

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.

We hear from a local food bank that’s dealing with extensive cuts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We'll hear about the practice of “curbstoning” and how the city of Chicago is cracking down on it. Should Illinois fix its public defense system?

Members of the unions representing Chicago teachers and Chicago firefighters joined forces this morning at a rally near a school and a fire station in the West Loop. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is trying to chart a path for national Democrats to counter President Donald Trump. Plus, local arborists are encouraging Illinois residents to keep an eye out for a spreading invasive insect. 

The Chicago-based American Library Association says a recent executive order could make it harder for rural Americans to access the internet. A new library cart at a Lurie Children’s outpatient center features books whose main characters have disabilities. A new study says adopting tougher emission standards for trucks, like the standards in California, would prevent 500 deaths per year in the Chi...

A longtime Education Department staffer told WBEZ that gutting the federal agency will cause irreparable harm, especially for students with disabilities and low-income students. A majority of the Chicago City Council wants state lawmakers to pass legislation to regulate hemp products. The Illinois men’s basketball team takes on Xavier University this evening in the first round of the NCAA tourname...

The Chicago School Board puts off a controversial budget vote until after the teachers union contract is finalized. Dick Durbin says bipartisanship is needed to save Medicaid. Restaurant owners in Chicago reflect on the COVID pandemic.

Postal service workers across Chicago and around the country rallied to protest a Trump administration proposal to privatize the United States Postal Service. As the Trump administration plans to dismantle the Department of Education, advocates in Illinois say the state needs to step up its commitment to public education. Now a juried film festival, “Asian Pop-Up Cinema” has returned for its 10th...

Chicago mayor says he sees no reason that a teachers contract can’t be settled today. But if it is not, the CTU is threatening to schedule a strike vote. Some Chicago alderpersons are decrying the detention of a pro-Palestinian activist in New York City. Illinois State lawmakers are weighing a new proposal to set guardrails around A-I use in schools.

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson is meeting this afternoon with top school officials to try to work out a major budget disagreement. A measure to restrict police use of no knock warrants statewide is making its way through the Illinois capitol. Plus, the Chicago Cubs are leaving Tokyo winless.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker continues his appearances to bolster his national bonafides. Some alums of a south suburban high school say officials there have mishandled allegations of sexual misconduct over the last four years. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is ramping up pressure for CPS to take on a disputed pension payment.

Governor JB Pritzker announced a nearly 9% increase in Illinois community college enrollment. Early voting is underway in Wisconsin and voters are keeping an eye on the state Supreme Court. Plus, the Lollapalooza lineup is out.

Chicago health officials reflect on the start of the COVID pandemic five years ago this month. New research shows a serious shortage of affordable rental homes in Illinois for low-income households. The Trump administration’s federal freeze on climate dollars is impacting a Chicago effort to plant hundreds of trees locally.