Under Madigan Corruption Cloud, Election Season Begins in Illinois
Anyone in line to file their petitions by the time election authorities opened their doors has a chance to be listed first on the ballot for their race, a position that could make a difference by attracting voters’ eyeballs in a close contest.
March 7, 2022 - Full Show
Chicago Public Schools announces plans to lift its mask mandate but the teachers union is pushing back. Plus, candidate filing kicks off. And a timely new book on the rise and fall of former House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Chicago Tribune Reporter Ray Long’s New Book Explores Michael Madigan’s Rise and Fall
Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Long began covering the statehouse at the beginning of Madigan’s historic reign as speaker of the House, and has unique insight into how he operated. Long joins Paris Schutz to discuss his new book on Madigan’s career.
Chicago Public Schools to Go Mask-Optional For Students, Staff Beginning March 14
The school district said it will move to a mask-optional model for all staff and across all grade levels on March 14.
Legislators React to Former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s Indictment
For nearly 40 years, former Illinois House Speaker and state Democratic Party chairman Michael Madigan was at the epicenter of politics in Chicago and Illinois. Now, he’s at the epicenter of a corruption investigation. The news has Springfield reeling.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: O’Hare
It’s a neighborhood, not just an airport, and unofficially the second hub of Ukrainian Americans in Chicago. We get the latest on efforts locals are making to assist in Ukrainian defense back home and on preparations to welcome refugees.
March 3, 2022 - Full Show
The latest on federal charges for former House Speaker Michael Madigan, plus legal insights. We’re live near O’Hare for our In Your Neighborhood series, as Russia’s war on Ukraine intensifies.
Russian Forces Seize Key Ukrainian Port, Pressure Others
Moscow’s advance on Ukraine’s capital in the north has apparently stalled, with a huge armored column outside Kyiv at a standstill. And stiffer than expected resistance from the outmanned, outgunned Ukrainians has staved off the swift victory that Russia may have expected.
Rail Merger Would Mean Huge Spike in Freight Train Traffic, Suburbs Say. But Rail Companies Say Impact is Overstated
Suburban officials are worried the proposed merger of two major rail companies would mean more frequent freight trains, which they say could take as long as 10 minutes to clear an intersection.
Gov. Pritzker Calls Madigan Allegations ‘Deplorable,’ Says Indictment Should be ‘Wake Up Call’ For Illinois Pols
In his first public comments since the bombshell indictment was announced, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he cooperated fully with federal investigators and denied ever having conversations about appointing disgraced former Chicago Ald. Daniel Solis to a state position.
Ancient Sea Creatures Surface in ‘Jurassic Oceans’ at the Field Museum
The Field Museum is diving deep to introduce visitors to underwater wildlife that lived 200 million years ago. We have a preview of the exhibition “Jurassic Oceans – Monsters of the Deep.”
Fans Chant ‘We Want Baseball!’ But Won’t Get It Anytime Soon
With owners and players unable to agree on a labor contract to replace the collective bargaining agreement that expired Dec. 1, Rob Manfred followed through with his threat and canceled the first two series for each of the 30 major league teams.
A Free-for-All but No Crippling Cyberattacks in Ukraine War
So far, Ukraine’s internet mostly works, its president still able to rally global support via a smartphone, and its power plants and other critical infrastructure still able to function. The kind of devastating cyberattacks thought likely to accompany a large-scale Russian military invasion haven’t happened.
Board President Toni Preckwinkle Details How Cook County Will Spend American Rescue Plan Funds
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle details how an influx of federal funds will be allocated.
Spotlight Politics: What Michael Madigan’s Indictment Means For Illinois Politics
What do new federal charges mean for Illinois’ Democratic Party, public trust in state government, and for Michael Madigan himself? Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.