Week in Review: Pro-Palestinian Protests Grow; Pritzker Pushes Back on Bears’ Stadium Proposal
Tensions rise over encampments at local universities. And the mayor’s relationship with the Chicago Police Department, as a manhunt leads to murder charges.
5 Years After Shooting Put Him in a Coma, Chicago Police Officer Reflects on the Road to Recovery: ‘I’ve Learned to Forgive’
Five years ago, Chicago police Officer Derrick Jones Jr. went from responding to calls on the job to becoming a victim of gun violence himself. Now, for the first time publicly, he’s sharing his story about life as a survivor.
Amid Ongoing Campus Protests, Northwestern Students Discuss the Line Between Free Speech and Safety
Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war have popped up at college campuses across the U.S. after being inspired by demonstrators at Columbia University. As May commencement ceremonies near, administrators face added pressure to clear protesters.
April 30, 2024 - Full Show
Hundreds rally at local universities to support Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. And our Spotlight Politics team unpacks a plan that would merge the Chicago area’s public transit agencies.
Asian American Advocates Call on Illinois Lawmakers to Address Immigration and Language Services
The Pan-Asian Voter Empowerment Coalition has gathered over 300 members to take part in this year’s Asian American Action Day events to advocate for language and immigration services and education equity, among other causes.
Former Mayoral Candidate Paul Vallas Tells Judge Ex-Ald. Ed Burke is Worthy of ‘Leniency’
“I know he truly cared, not only for his own constituents, but for all of Chicago and for the success of our great city,” former mayoral candidate Paul Vallas wrote of former Ald. Ed Burke, who was convicted of 13 counts of bribery, attempted extortion and racketeering.
New Chicago Bears Stadium Plans Met With Mixed Reviews as Analysts Question True Cost to Taxpayers
Last week’s announcement of a proposed new domed, lakeside stadium brought with it more questions. Namely, the price tag.
April 29, 2024 - Full Show
Lawmakers pitch a bold plan to merge CTA, Metra and Pace. Pushback to the Bears’ new stadium plans. And Asian American organizers plan a political action day.
‘He Was a Great Man’: Slain Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca Remembered, Celebrated During Funeral
“Luis left a great impression on not only everyone sitting here, especially his team, but he’s leaving an impression on the entire country,” Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said.
Illinois Lawmakers Unveil Proposal to Merge CTA, Metra and Pace; Plan Would Replace RTA and Add $1.5B in New Funding
Backers of the MMA plan say siloed agencies have long competed for funding, failed to integrate fares for passengers and aren’t delivering the service riders should be able to depend on.
Week in Review: Bears Pitch Domed Lakefront Stadium; Pro-Palestinian Protests at Northwestern
The Bears unveil plans for a $4.75 billion state-of-the-art domed lakefront stadium. And pro-Palestinian Northwestern students and staff protest the war in Gaza.
Black, Brown Communities Bear the Brunt of Pollution From Distribution Warehouses and Truck Traffic in Illinois, Advocates Say
Black and Brown communities in Illinois are up to 200% more likely to live near a distribution warehouse than the overall statewide population, according to a new report by the Environmental Defense Fund on the state’s “warehouse boom.”
Anti-Violence Groups Look to Empower Chicago’s Youth to Become Leaders
Community organizations are on a mission to empower Chicago’s youth through anti-violence programs in neighborhoods across the city.
April 23, 2024 - Full Show
In the latest in our “A Safer City” series, we meet teens working to change the narrative around gun violence and hear from local organizations empowering youth.
How Teens Are Using Social Media to Try to Change the Cultural Narrative Around Guns
People can spend hours scrolling through social media. An organization called Project Unloaded is helping teens educate their peers on the risks of owning a gun by empowering youth to become social media influencers for change.