Jared Rutecki
@jaredrutecki.bsky.social
Investigative Reporter at WTTW News/Chicago Tonight. Past life: Illinois Answers Project, BGA, Columbus Dispatch, ThisWeek News. I cover cops, courts, energy, health, finance, education, pensions etc. Prolific FOIA filer. He/him.
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Jared Rutecki
@jaredrutecki.bsky.social
· Nov 12
‘Just Violence, Confusion’: Federal Immigration Raids Also Bring Fear to Suburban Streets
As national attention focused on Chicago, federal immigration agents carried out a wave of raids across the suburbs, sparking outrage and fear in communities including Aurora and Evanston. Local leade...
news.wttw.com
“Imagine dropping your kids off and wondering if it’s the last time you’ll see them.”
From Waukegan to Evanston to Aurora, suburban families are living in fear as ICE raids escalate.
My latest story explores the toll.
From Waukegan to Evanston to Aurora, suburban families are living in fear as ICE raids escalate.
My latest story explores the toll.
Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos’ office has launched a new e-citation program that allows traffic citations to be transmitted to the circuit court clerk’s office electronically, which she said will cut down on delays and improve overall efficiency.
Cook County Pilot Program Streamlines Process for Paying Off Speeding Tickets
Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos’ office has launched a new program that allows traffic citations to be transmitted to her office electronically, which she said will cut down on delays and improve overall e...
news.wttw.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Clerk Mariyana Spyropoulos’ office has launched a new e-citation program that allows traffic citations to be transmitted to the circuit court clerk’s office electronically, which she said will cut down on delays and improve overall efficiency.
Live music recommendations: @wttw.bsky.social News producer @joshterry.bsky.social presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more. This week’s bill includes Runo Plum, Purelink, Cactus Blossoms and Ghostface Killah.
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Feb. 4-10
Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
news.wttw.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Live music recommendations: @wttw.bsky.social News producer @joshterry.bsky.social presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more. This week’s bill includes Runo Plum, Purelink, Cactus Blossoms and Ghostface Killah.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
BREAKING: The Trump administration repeatedly said the aggressive apartment raid in Chicago last fall was prompted by intel on a gang takeover.
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
The Real Story Behind the Midnight Immigration Raid on a Chicago Apartment Building
The Trump administration has claimed the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had taken over the building. But new documents make no mention of the gang and reveal federal agents had information about “ille...
www.propublica.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:47 PM
BREAKING: The Trump administration repeatedly said the aggressive apartment raid in Chicago last fall was prompted by intel on a gang takeover.
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
New docs show the real motivation was to get alleged squatters. And the landlord and manager helped them.
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
It’s always a contest whether the 500 browser tabs or 5,000 PDFs are slowing my computer down more
February 4, 2026 at 7:07 PM
It’s always a contest whether the 500 browser tabs or 5,000 PDFs are slowing my computer down more
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
A federal judge has barred the Trump administration from deporting a Chicago man who was taken into ICE custody last month shortly after he was acquitted of placing a $10,000 bounty on the head of Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino. https://to.wttw.com/4tn25bi
Chicago Man Acquitted in Greg Bovino Murder-for-Hire Plot Cannot be Deported, Judge Rules
U.S. District Judge James Hanlon on Tuesday ruled that Juan Espinoza Martinez is likely “at minimum entitled to a bond hearing and not subject to mandatory detention” after he was taken into custody l...
to.wttw.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:16 PM
A federal judge has barred the Trump administration from deporting a Chicago man who was taken into ICE custody last month shortly after he was acquitted of placing a $10,000 bounty on the head of Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino. https://to.wttw.com/4tn25bi
President Donald Trump signed a roughly $1.2 trillion government funding bill that ends the partial federal shutdown that began over the weekend and sets the stage for an intense debate in Congress over Homeland Security funding.
Trump Signs Bill to End Partial Government Shutdown
The last bill still to be worked out covers the Department of Homeland Security where Democrats are demanding more restrictions on enforcement operations.
news.wttw.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:46 PM
President Donald Trump signed a roughly $1.2 trillion government funding bill that ends the partial federal shutdown that began over the weekend and sets the stage for an intense debate in Congress over Homeland Security funding.
Those opposed argue the program diverts public dollars to private schools while public schools remain underfunded. Supporters of the program argue that not opting in would leave money on the table that could otherwise go to support students in the state.
As Illinois Weighs Joining Federal School Voucher Program, Education Policy Experts Debate the Impact
Supporters argue that not opting in would leave money on the table that could otherwise go to support students in the state. Those opposed argue the program diverts public dollars to private schools w...
news.wttw.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Those opposed argue the program diverts public dollars to private schools while public schools remain underfunded. Supporters of the program argue that not opting in would leave money on the table that could otherwise go to support students in the state.
Anjanette Young joins “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her new book and CPD policy that doesn’t ban no-knock warrants news.wttw.com/2026/02/03/c...
CPD Policy That Does Not Ban No-Knock Warrants Leaves Anjanette Young ‘Frustrated’
A new Chicago Police Department policy that does not ban officers from serving no-knock warrants or from pointing guns at children during raids is now final.
news.wttw.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Anjanette Young joins “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her new book and CPD policy that doesn’t ban no-knock warrants news.wttw.com/2026/02/03/c...
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
The layoffs at the Washington Post have begun, with newsroom leaders telling employees its sports and books sections will be 'eliminated in current forms' and its international coverage will be downsized
February 4, 2026 at 1:56 PM
The layoffs at the Washington Post have begun, with newsroom leaders telling employees its sports and books sections will be 'eliminated in current forms' and its international coverage will be downsized
Illinois will join the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, or GOARN, to counterbalance the federal government’s withdrawal, Gov. JB Pritzker announced.
Illinois Joins WHO Global Outbreak Network After US Withdraws
The network monitors disease outbreaks across the globe and prepares countries to respond to those outbreaks.
news.wttw.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:18 PM
Illinois will join the World Health Organization’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, or GOARN, to counterbalance the federal government’s withdrawal, Gov. JB Pritzker announced.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
What's the one thing out-of-towners get wrong about Chicago?
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan.
Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan.
Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
February 3, 2026 at 10:01 PM
What's the one thing out-of-towners get wrong about Chicago?
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan.
Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Your response could be included in our newsletter, the Daily Chicagoan.
Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
After a few failed attempts, Nikola Vučević finally gets his trade to a contender.
Latest on a busy day for the Bulls:
Latest on a busy day for the Bulls:
NBA trade tracker: Chicago Bulls trade Nikola Vučević to Boston Celtics for Anfernee Simons
The Chicago Bulls are in the final sprint to the NBA trade deadline at 2 p.m. Thursday. Here’s the latest news, rumors and analysis.
wp.me
February 3, 2026 at 9:23 PM
After a few failed attempts, Nikola Vučević finally gets his trade to a contender.
Latest on a busy day for the Bulls:
Latest on a busy day for the Bulls:
Albeiro Ropero Remolina, who has epilepsy, was detained alongside his wife while he was warming up the car to take her to work on Dec. 29. A team of federal immigration officers swarmed their vehicle and took them into custody. On Monday night, his wife drove to Indiana to reunite with him.
Chicago Man With Epilepsy Who Fled Venezuela With Family Released From ICE Custody
After nearly a month spent in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, a Chicago father of three with epilepsy has been reunited with his family.
news.wttw.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Albeiro Ropero Remolina, who has epilepsy, was detained alongside his wife while he was warming up the car to take her to work on Dec. 29. A team of federal immigration officers swarmed their vehicle and took them into custody. On Monday night, his wife drove to Indiana to reunite with him.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
After a year of historic declines in violence across Chicago, the city has begun 2026 with further drops in the number of shootings and homicides. https://to.wttw.com/4tg7tgf
Shootings, Homicides Continue to Decline Across Chicago in 2026: Police
According to Chicago Police Department data, there were 29 homicides recorded in January. That’s the second lowest total for that month over the past decade and marks a 29% decrease over January 2025 ...
to.wttw.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:07 PM
After a year of historic declines in violence across Chicago, the city has begun 2026 with further drops in the number of shootings and homicides. https://to.wttw.com/4tg7tgf
The deadline to apply to fill three vacant seats on Chicago’s police oversight board is Friday, officials said. The 7-member Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability oversees COPA and the Chicago Police Board and has the power to set policy for CPD. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)
Want to Serve on Chicago’s Police Oversight Board? Deadline to Apply is Friday
The seven-member Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability oversees the Civilian Office of Police Accountability and the Chicago Police Board and has the power to set policy for the Ch...
news.wttw.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:31 PM
The deadline to apply to fill three vacant seats on Chicago’s police oversight board is Friday, officials said. The 7-member Community Commission for Public Safety & Accountability oversees COPA and the Chicago Police Board and has the power to set policy for CPD. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)
Government shutdown: Joining “Chicago Tonight” are U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Jonathan Jackson, both Democrats from Illinois. Republican members of the Illinois delegation did not respond to requests to appear.
Trump Urges House to Vote Quickly to End the Partial Government Shutdown
Democrats are refusing to provide the votes House Speaker Mike Johnson needs to push the package forward as they try to rein in the Trump administration’s deportation operations after the shooting dea...
news.wttw.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Government shutdown: Joining “Chicago Tonight” are U.S. Reps. Danny Davis and Jonathan Jackson, both Democrats from Illinois. Republican members of the Illinois delegation did not respond to requests to appear.
Alds. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) and Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) joined “Chicago Tonight” to detail the proposal that would allow COPA to probe alleged violations of the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance. news.wttw.com/2026/02/02/a...
Alderpeople Say COPA Should Investigate Chicago Police Conduct During Immigration Raids, Protests
The Chicago City Council will vote Feb. 18 on a proposal that would allow the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to investigate whether CPD officers have violated city law by helping federal imm...
news.wttw.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Alds. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) and Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) joined “Chicago Tonight” to detail the proposal that would allow COPA to probe alleged violations of the city’s Welcoming City Ordinance. news.wttw.com/2026/02/02/a...
According to a monthly climate summaryissued by the National Weather Service, January finished with an average temperature of 21.9 degrees, or 3.3 degrees below normal, as recorded at O’Hare Airport, the city’s official weather station.
January 2026 Wasn’t One for the Weather Record Books, But It Had Some Wild Highs and Lows
January 2026 was notable for two significant departures from temperature norms in Chicago — in opposite directions.
news.wttw.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:12 PM
According to a monthly climate summaryissued by the National Weather Service, January finished with an average temperature of 21.9 degrees, or 3.3 degrees below normal, as recorded at O’Hare Airport, the city’s official weather station.
President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” did not make the student loan tax forgiveness provision permanent. As a result, student loans that are canceled or partially forgiven in 2026 and beyond will see taxes owed on those forgiven amounts, advocates said.
Student Loan Borrowers in Illinois Could Face Federal, State ‘Tax Bomb’ in 2026
For the first time in five years, certain forms of student loan forgiveness will be taxable following a change in federal tax policy this year.
news.wttw.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:49 PM
President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” did not make the student loan tax forgiveness provision permanent. As a result, student loans that are canceled or partially forgiven in 2026 and beyond will see taxes owed on those forgiven amounts, advocates said.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
The Groundhog Day results are in and once again Punxsutawney Phil and Woodstock Willie have issued competing prognostications.
https://to.wttw.com/4a8oWhX
https://to.wttw.com/4a8oWhX
Punxsutawney Phil and Woodstock Willie Have Spoken and the Results Are Split
Punxsutawney Phil and Woodstock Willie have issued competing prognostications.
to.wttw.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:15 PM
The Groundhog Day results are in and once again Punxsutawney Phil and Woodstock Willie have issued competing prognostications.
https://to.wttw.com/4a8oWhX
https://to.wttw.com/4a8oWhX
Chicagoans can now vote to name one of Chicago’s snowplows “Abolish ICE,” linking the pun to efforts to oppose President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. news.wttw.com/2026/02/01/v...
Voting Is Now Open in Chicago’s Annual Snowplow Naming Contest. ‘Abolish ICE’ Among 25 Finalists
“Abolish ICE” is one of 25 finalists that Chicagoans can vote on between Sunday and Feb. 14, with the top six vote-getters winning the honor of renaming one snowplow in each of Chicago’s six snow dist...
news.wttw.com
February 2, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Chicagoans can now vote to name one of Chicago’s snowplows “Abolish ICE,” linking the pun to efforts to oppose President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. news.wttw.com/2026/02/01/v...
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order that he said would lay “the groundwork to prosecute Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents for criminal misconduct.”
Mayor Johnson Signs Executive Order Designed to Lay ‘Groundwork’ to Prosecute Federal Agents for Actions During Immigration Raids
“If the federal government will not hold these rogue actors accountable, then Chicago will do everything in our power to bring these agents to justice,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
news.wttw.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:10 PM
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order that he said would lay “the groundwork to prosecute Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents for criminal misconduct.”
Chicago Tonight | Week in Review: New SNAP Work Requirements; National Discourse Over Immigration Enforcement, with Simone Alicea, Rufus Williams, @monicaeng.bsky.social @binghuihuang.bsky.social & host @brandisfriedman.bsky.social
Week in Review: New SNAP Work Requirements; National Discourse Over Immigration Enforcement
Another government shutdown looms as Democrats demand an immigration enforcement cool-down. And changes are coming to SNAP, affecting hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents.
news.wttw.com
February 2, 2026 at 1:59 PM
Chicago Tonight | Week in Review: New SNAP Work Requirements; National Discourse Over Immigration Enforcement, with Simone Alicea, Rufus Williams, @monicaeng.bsky.social @binghuihuang.bsky.social & host @brandisfriedman.bsky.social
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
BREAKING: A federal judge reversed course Friday, ruling ex- Mayor Rahm Emanuel does not have to testify about allegations that a “code of silence” among CPD officers led to a botched raid that violated the civil rights of a family with 4 children. @wttw.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2026/01/30/j...
Judge Reverses Order, Says Rahm Emanuel Does Not Have to Testify About CPD’s ‘Code of Silence’
U.S District Court Judge John Tharp said that he reconsidered his decision to allow lawyers for Ebony Tate, her mother, Cynthia Eason, and four children to call former Mayor Rahm Emanuel after lawyers...
news.wttw.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:55 PM
BREAKING: A federal judge reversed course Friday, ruling ex- Mayor Rahm Emanuel does not have to testify about allegations that a “code of silence” among CPD officers led to a botched raid that violated the civil rights of a family with 4 children. @wttw.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2026/01/30/j...
Capitol News Illinois has compiled a list of the suits Illinois has filed or joined against the Trump administration. The vast majority are ongoing, though AG Kwame Raoul has notched some wins. news.wttw.com/2026/01/29/i...
Illinois Has Filed 51 Lawsuits Against the Trump Administration. Here’s Where They Stand
Illinois has filed or joined 51 lawsuits against the Trump administration between January 2025 and January 2026, challenging a wide range of executive orders, funding freezes and regulatory changes.
news.wttw.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Capitol News Illinois has compiled a list of the suits Illinois has filed or joined against the Trump administration. The vast majority are ongoing, though AG Kwame Raoul has notched some wins. news.wttw.com/2026/01/29/i...