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Illinois Lawmakers on How to Fix Chicago Public Schools’ Budget Challenges

CPS officials are faced with closing a whopping $734 million deficit by the end of the month. There is little wiggle room to cut costs or bring in revenue.

At Least 47% of Jobs Charged With Implementing Court-Ordered Police Reforms Are Empty, Another 226 Are Unaccounted For: Records

Of 439 positions in the Chicago Police Department charged with implementing the consent decree, 207 positions, or 47%, were empty seven months into 2025, according to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by WTTW News. CPD officials failed to account for another 226 positions.

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Week in Review: Texas Democrats Take Refuge in Illinois; DHS Secretary Noem Returns to Slam Sanctuary Cities

Texas Democrats hightail it to Illinois to stymie a redistricting effort. And Chicago Public Schools grapples with its fiscal crisis as a budget deadline approaches.

Aug. 7, 2025 - Full Show

A wide-ranging one-on-one with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. And Illinois wildlife just got more interesting — we explain.

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Sen. Dick Durbin on Texas Democrats, the War in Gaza and His Upcoming Retirement

Longtime lawmaker Dick Durbin announced plans to retire after five terms in the U.S. Senate. He joined “Chicago Tonight” for a wide-ranging interview.

CPD Data Shows Steep Drop in Shootings, Homicides in Neighborhoods Where ShotSpotter Was Removed: Analysis

Police beats that had ShotSpotter sensors saw an approximately 17.8% decrease in violent crime and a 37.5% decrease in homicides during the first six months of 2025, as compared with the first six months of 2024, according to the analysis of Chicago crime data by Rob Vargas, a sociology professor at the University of Chicago.

Armadillos Are Coming. Is Chicago Ready?

Armadillos have been making a slow but steady push north. At this point, it’s a matter of when, not if, they’ll turn up in Chicago, according to one expert.

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Aug. 5, 2025 - Full Show

Texas Democrats are seeking refuge in Illinois — we hear from some of the lawmakers directly. And what a pension boost means for the city’s finances.

Texas Democrats Continue to Hold Out in Illinois Amid Redistricting Fight: ‘We Are Standing Up for the People’

More than 50 Democratic lawmakers from Texas fled the state for Illinois, New York and Massachusetts to block an effort by Republicans to redraw congressional districts. The plan, backed by President Donald Trump, would increase the number of Republican-leaning congressional seats by five.

Bill Boosting Police, Firefighter Pensions Made Chicago’s Dire Financial Condition Worse: Ratings Agency

A city analysis warned the bill “would increase the city’s pension liabilities by more than $11 billion” in the two funds that pay pensions to retired police officers and firefighters.

Aug. 4, 2025 - Full Show

Texas Democrats flee to Illinois to block a Trump-backed redistricting plan. And what recent air quality alerts could mean for your health.

Texas Democrats Prevent Trump-Backed Redistricting Vote After Leaving for Illinois, Other States

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a potential 2028 presidential contender who has been one of Trump’s most outspoken critics during his second term, had been in quiet talks with Texas Democrats for weeks about offering support if they chose to leave the state.

Hazy Skies Linger After Days of Poor Air Quality in Chicago. What It Could Mean for Your Health

The National Weather Service issued an air quality alert for the city on Thursday and kept extending it through Sunday night. There was no alert Monday.

Week in Review: Davis Not Running for Reelection; Mayor Floats New Taxes on Business

Longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis says he’s calling it a career — and endorsing a successor. And the Chicago Cubs say goodbye to Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg.

July 31, 2025 - Full Show

Longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis says he won’t be running for reelection. And how Pilsen is responding to ICE concerns ahead of its Fiesta del Sol event.