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Pritzker Signs New Bills Aimed at Improving Gun Safety

Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday signed the two bills into law, which he said will continue Illinois’ efforts to be among the most aggressive states in combating gun violence.

Government Shutdown Talk Starting Early Ahead of Difficult Funding Fight in Congress This Fall

The finger-pointing with more than two months to go in the fiscal year indicates the threat of a stoppage is more serious than usual as a Republican-controlled Congress seeks to make good on its policy priorities, often with no support from the other political party.

‘Worst-Case Scenario of Famine’ Is Happening in Gaza, Food Crisis Experts Warn

The “worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip,” the leading international authority on food crises said in a new alert Tuesday, predicting “widespread death” without immediate action.

Police Board President’s Pleas Fail to Break Stalemate Over Serious Police Discipline Cases

There is no sign Chicago Police Board President Kyle Cooper's pleas will break a legal stalemate that has lasted more than 16 months, keeping the system Chicago officials used for 60 years to hold officers accused of the most egregious misconduct in a deep freeze.

Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg Has Died After Battling Cancer

Ryne Sandberg, a Hall of Fame second baseman who became one of baseball’s best all-around players while starring for the Chicago Cubs, has died. He was 65.

July 28, 2025 - Full Show

Chicago’s persistent violent crime numbers finally take a downturn — we talk about why. Plus, a look at the city’s efforts to hold the Chicago Police Department accountable.

With Shootings and Homicides Down in Chicago, Advocates Say There’s Still Work to Be Done

Chicago is seeing a historic drop in violent crime in the first half of the year. According to the Chicago Police Department, homicides and shootings are both down more than 30% in the first six months of the year compared to 2024.

After Fire Breaks Out, Officials Plan to Remove North Park Homeless Encampment

Officials said they are working to identify a cause of the fire that happened along the west bank of the North Shore Channel just south of Peterson Avenue, however fire investigators found multiple gas cans and propane tanks at the site.

Environmental Advocates Rally Against Trump’s Plans to Undermine EPA’s Ability to Fight Climate Change

Environmental advocates, elected leaders and workers at the Environmental Protection Agency gathered at Federal Plaza downtown Monday to push back against the president’s reported plans to repeal a key federal determination that allows the EPA to help combat climate change.

Chicago Organizers, Officials Call on ICE to Keep Away From Fiesta del Sol and Other Community Events

Community leaders on Monday demanded that Immigration and Customs Enforcement refrain from targeting neighborhood celebrations in Chicago.

Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Efforts to Defund Planned Parenthood

A provision in Trump’s tax bill instructed the federal government to end Medicaid payments for one year to abortion providers that received more than $800,000 from Medicaid in 2023, even to those like Planned Parenthood that offer other medical services.

From Benjamin Franklin to Pony Express to Anthrax: How the US Postal Service Shaped a Nation

The one government agency that still reaches nearly every American daily — undeterred by rain, sleet, snow or even gloom of night — turns 250 on Saturday.

Local Leaders Commemorate Emmett Till’s Birthday, Preservation of Church Building Where Funeral Was Held

Community members and leaders, elected officials, and preservation and national monument partners gathered to commemorate the life of Emmett Till, who would’ve been 84 years old Friday.

Week in Review: Johnson Seeks to Curb Smoking on CTA; City Invests in Shelter System

Two notorious physicians-turned-fugitives wanted in Chicago live lavishly in Dubai. And Mayor Brandon Johnson tries to take aim at smoking on the CTA.

Chicago Park District Mowed Down a Thriving Natural Area. Mistake? Nope. Just ‘Systemic Failing’ to Communicate

What does the Chicago Park District owe its community of volunteer natural area stewards? Some say a little respect, and maybe a heads up if the district is going to mow down acres of native plants.

4 Piping Plover Chicks Just Landed in Waukegan. Ecologists Released the Captive-Reared Fledglings in Hopes of a New Generation

Just as piping plover season was beginning to wind down, volunteer monitors in Waukegan have been called back into action, with four captive-reared chicks released on a Lake County beach earlier this week.

Education Department Says It Will Release Billions in Remaining Withheld Grant Money for Schools

President Donald Trump’s administration had withheld more than $6 billion in funding on July 1, as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities.

Federal Judge Upholds Chicago, Cook County and Illinois Protections for Undocumented Immigrants, Tosses Trump Lawsuit

Forcing Chicago and Illinois law enforcement officials to help federal agents conduct deportation operations is unconstitutional, U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins ruled.

Trump’s AI Plan Calls for Massive Data Centers. Here’s How It May Affect Energy in the US

The plan says to combat “radical climate dogma,” a number of restrictions — including clean air and water laws — could be lifted, aligning with Trump’s “American energy dominance” agenda and his efforts to undercut clean energy.

Deportation Flights From Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Center Have Begun, DeSantis Says

Critics have condemned the South Florida facility as cruel and inhumane. DeSantis and other Republican officials have defended it as part of the state’s aggressive push to support President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson Among 5 First-Time NFL Head Coaches This Season

All five are long-time assistants who now each face distinct challenges and must balance the responsibilities of managing an entire roster and staff instead of focusing on one particular side of the football.

July 24, 2025 - Full Show

Consumer advocates push back over rising home insurance rates — what you should know. And is the city doing enough to protect birds from colliding into buildings?

How a Gen Z Publishing Company Is Creating Space for Diverse Voices

After writing his first novel at the age of 16, Aiden Branss started his own publishing company focused on young authors.

State Farm’s Insurance Rate Increase Sparks Backlash From Advocates, Lawmakers

Illinois homeowners could soon face a higher insurance bill. State Farm is raising its rates by 27% starting Aug. 15 — which could cost customers $475 more on average.

Mayor Brandon Johnson Says He Won’t Propose Property Tax Hike to Help Fill Projected $1.2B Deficit

“I will not be proposing a property tax increase in my budget,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said Thursday. “I’m going to continue to work hard to find progressive revenue so that we can continue to make critical investments in transforming our city.”

How a Chicago Artist Turned Jail Bars Into an Instrument

As the nearly 100-year-old Cook County Jail dormitories were demolished in 2021, artist Maria Gaspar was able to salvage 18 cell bars and a couple of bricks.

 

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