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.
Pinned
‘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.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
NEW: Civil rights and weapons experts cite the consequences of federal agents’ use of crowd control weapons: religious leaders shot with pepper balls and noxious chemicals. A nurse nearly blinded by tear gas. Protestors trapped, struggling to breathe.
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social
Trump’s Immigration Forces Deploy “Less Lethal” Weapons in Dangerous Ways, Skirting Rules and Maiming Protesters
Civil rights and weapons experts cite the consequences of federal agents’ use of crowd control weapons: religious leaders shot with pepper balls and noxious chemicals. A nurse nearly blinded by tear g...
www.propublica.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:36 PM
NEW: Civil rights and weapons experts cite the consequences of federal agents’ use of crowd control weapons: religious leaders shot with pepper balls and noxious chemicals. A nurse nearly blinded by tear gas. Protestors trapped, struggling to breathe.
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social
A GoFundMe launched by the family of Bethany MaGee has raised more than $12,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. Her family confirmed the fundraiser is authentic through a Cook County Health spokesperson.
Family of Blue Line Burn Victim Launches Fundraiser to Aid in Her Recovery
The family of a woman who was set on fire on board a CTA Blue Line train last week has launched an online fundraiser to aid in her medical bills as she recovers from the severe burns she sustained.
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:40 PM
A GoFundMe launched by the family of Bethany MaGee has raised more than $12,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. Her family confirmed the fundraiser is authentic through a Cook County Health spokesperson.
O’Hare is likely to see its busiest Thanksgiving travel week in the airport’s history, according to the city’s aviation department. The peak day for travel at O’Hare and Midway is expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Travelers Expected to Pass Through O’Hare, Hit the Road in Record Numbers This Year
O’Hare is likely to see its busiest Thanksgiving travel week in the airport’s 70-year history, according to the city’s aviation department. In Illinois, more than 4.1 million residents are expected to...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:01 PM
O’Hare is likely to see its busiest Thanksgiving travel week in the airport’s history, according to the city’s aviation department. The peak day for travel at O’Hare and Midway is expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Clean Slate Act: More than 2 million people in Illinois are eligible to have their records sealed but haven’t acted on what is currently a cumbersome, lengthy process.
For Some People With Criminal Records, Illinois’ Clean Slate Act Could Offer a New Beginning
More than 2 million people in Illinois are eligible to have their records sealed but haven’t acted on what is currently a cumbersome, lengthy process.
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Clean Slate Act: More than 2 million people in Illinois are eligible to have their records sealed but haven’t acted on what is currently a cumbersome, lengthy process.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center disclosed late Sunday that it had purchased the barn located in a rural area outside the city of Drew, aided by a $1.5 million donation from television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes.
https://to.wttw.com/48jyFkH
https://to.wttw.com/48jyFkH
New Owner to Open Mississippi Barn Where Emmett Till Was Killed as a Memorial Site
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center disclosed late Sunday that it had purchased the barn located in a rural area outside the city of Drew, aided by a $1.5 million donation from television producer and...
to.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center disclosed late Sunday that it had purchased the barn located in a rural area outside the city of Drew, aided by a $1.5 million donation from television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes.
https://to.wttw.com/48jyFkH
https://to.wttw.com/48jyFkH
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Elianne Bahena, a member of the 10th Police District Council, who was one of two city employees detained after an ICE raid in Little Village, said a lot of her work has been focused on making sure residents in Little Village and North Lawndale know their rights amid ICE raids.
November 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Elianne Bahena, a member of the 10th Police District Council, who was one of two city employees detained after an ICE raid in Little Village, said a lot of her work has been focused on making sure residents in Little Village and North Lawndale know their rights amid ICE raids.
A Mauritanian man told a Cook County judge that a former Chicago police detective brutally tortured him, nearly killing him, while being held at Guantánamo Bay in a case that could overturn a 1992 Chicago murder case. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)
Man Testifies Ex-CPD Detective Brutally Tortured Him at Guantanamo Bay
Mohamedou Ould Slahi testified he was treated well at the U.S. detention camp at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, until then-CPD Detective Richard Zuley took command of the investigation into his ties to al-Qaid...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:16 PM
A Mauritanian man told a Cook County judge that a former Chicago police detective brutally tortured him, nearly killing him, while being held at Guantánamo Bay in a case that could overturn a 1992 Chicago murder case. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)
Remel Terry, new president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, joined @wttw.bsky.social “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her new role and the search for new COPA leadership.
Police Oversight Board’s New Leader on Welcoming City Ordinance, CPD Traffic Stop Policy
Remel Terry is now president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. Terry has been a member of the commission, better known as the CCPSA, since it was launched in 2022.
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Remel Terry, new president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, joined @wttw.bsky.social “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her new role and the search for new COPA leadership.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
“I was ready to give him anything he wanted,” Mohamedou Ould Slahi testified about his treatment at the hands of ex-CPD Detective Richard Zuley. “When I told him I was not involved, he tortured me. When I told him I was involved, they treated me better.” @wttw.bsky.social
Man Testifies Ex-CPD Detective Brutally Tortured Him at Guantanamo Bay
Mohamedou Ould Slahi testified he was treated well at the U.S. detention camp at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, until then-CPD Detective Richard Zuley took command of the investigation into his ties to al-Qaid...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
“I was ready to give him anything he wanted,” Mohamedou Ould Slahi testified about his treatment at the hands of ex-CPD Detective Richard Zuley. “When I told him I was not involved, he tortured me. When I told him I was involved, they treated me better.” @wttw.bsky.social
In Englewood, the history of disinvestment and overpolicing still lingers and many people don’t trust law enforcement. Dion McGill said his role as a district council member is to challenge the policing system.
Police District Councils Work to Rebuild Trust in Law Enforcement, Push for CPD Accountability
Police district councils work in each of the city’s 22 police districts, hearing out residents’ public safety concerns and advocating for accountability in the Chicago Police Department. The first mem...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:05 PM
In Englewood, the history of disinvestment and overpolicing still lingers and many people don’t trust law enforcement. Dion McGill said his role as a district council member is to challenge the policing system.
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose Beach.
In response, the Chicago Park District on Monday announced the temporary closure of access to Montrose pier. ❄️🦉
In response, the Chicago Park District on Monday announced the temporary closure of access to Montrose pier. ❄️🦉
Chicago Park District Limits Access to Snowy Owls, Citing Safety Concerns. Here’s What to Know About the Arctic Visitors
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose beach. Maybe a little too gaga.
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose Beach.
In response, the Chicago Park District on Monday announced the temporary closure of access to Montrose pier. ❄️🦉
In response, the Chicago Park District on Monday announced the temporary closure of access to Montrose pier. ❄️🦉
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Snowy owls were a bit of magic Chicagoans needed. But the birds need their space more. Read on for my interview with a snowy researcher who busted some myths and talked about the many, many threats these birds face in the wild.
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...
Chicago Park District Limits Access to Snowy Owls, Citing Safety Concerns. Here’s What to Know About the Arctic Visitors
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose beach. Maybe a little too gaga.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Snowy owls were a bit of magic Chicagoans needed. But the birds need their space more. Read on for my interview with a snowy researcher who busted some myths and talked about the many, many threats these birds face in the wild.
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office announced that Martinez Duncan died after a fire broke out in the jail’s residential treatment unit.
Detainee Killed in Fire Inside Cook County Jail Cell
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office announced that Martinez Duncan died after a fire broke out in the jail’s residential treatment unit last Thursday.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:21 PM
The Cook County Sheriff’s Office announced that Martinez Duncan died after a fire broke out in the jail’s residential treatment unit.
WTTW News Explains: While a consent decree can be a powerful tool to reform police departments, it is complicated. Here’s how it is supposed to work. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)
WTTW News Explains: How Does Chicago’s Police Consent Decree Work?
The consent decree is a binding court order granting a federal judge oversight of the police department. WTTW News Explains how that works in practice.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 10:01 PM
WTTW News Explains: While a consent decree can be a powerful tool to reform police departments, it is complicated. Here’s how it is supposed to work. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)
A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Donald Trump’s urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department.
Judge Dismisses James Comey, Letitia Letitia James Indictments After Finding Prosecutor Was Illegally Appointed
The rulings from U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie amount to a stunning rebuke of the Trump administration’s efforts to target Trump’s political opponents. It also highlights its legal maneuv...
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM
A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Donald Trump’s urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department.
A fundraiser has been launched for a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a downtown shooting Friday night in the same area where seven other teens were wounded in a mass shooting.
Fundraiser Launched After Teen Killed in Downtown Shooting Friday
A fundraiser has been launched for a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a downtown shooting Friday night in the same area where seven other teens were wounded in a mass shooting.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:38 PM
A fundraiser has been launched for a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a downtown shooting Friday night in the same area where seven other teens were wounded in a mass shooting.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
BREAKING: Chicago police officers can turn off their body-worn cameras while being questioned by their supervisor immediately after they shoot a member of the public, the federal judge overseeing efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department ruled Friday. @wttw.bsky.social
CPD Officers Can Turn Off Cameras While Being Questioned About Shootings, Federal Judge Rules
However, U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer ruled that officers must have their cameras on if a deputy chief asks them to answer additional questions about the shooting.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:11 PM
BREAKING: Chicago police officers can turn off their body-worn cameras while being questioned by their supervisor immediately after they shoot a member of the public, the federal judge overseeing efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department ruled Friday. @wttw.bsky.social
Chicago police officers can turn off their body-worn cameras while being questioned by their supervisor immediately after they shoot a member of the public, the federal judge overseeing efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department ruled.
CPD Officers Can Turn Off Cameras While Being Questioned About Shootings, Federal Judge Rules
However, U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer ruled that officers must have their cameras on if a deputy chief asks them to answer additional questions about the shooting.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Chicago police officers can turn off their body-worn cameras while being questioned by their supervisor immediately after they shoot a member of the public, the federal judge overseeing efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department ruled.
Nearly six decades after becoming a lawyer, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been disbarred following his convictions on federal corruption charges — including bribery — earlier this year.
9 Months After Federal Bribery Conviction, Former Speaker Michael Madigan Disbarred
Nearly six decades after becoming a lawyer, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been disbarred following his convictions on federal corruption charges earlier this year.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Nearly six decades after becoming a lawyer, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has been disbarred following his convictions on federal corruption charges — including bribery — earlier this year.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
A fundraiser has been launched for a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a downtown shooting Friday night in the same area where seven other teens were wounded in a mass shooting. https://to.wttw.com/4ijkxwl
Fundraiser Launched After Teen Killed in Downtown Shooting Friday
A fundraiser has been launched for a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a downtown shooting Friday night in the same area where seven other teens were wounded in a mass shooting.
to.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:36 PM
A fundraiser has been launched for a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a downtown shooting Friday night in the same area where seven other teens were wounded in a mass shooting. https://to.wttw.com/4ijkxwl
The Illinois Accountability Commission is continuing to ramp up even as the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement campaign in the Chicago region winds down, at least for now.
Pritzker Ramps Up Accountability Panel Focused on Alleged ICE Abuses
The commission is tasked with producing a public record of alleged abuses perpetrated by federal agents during “Operation Midway Blitz.” It will also examine the impact of such conduct on Illinois res...
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:11 PM
The Illinois Accountability Commission is continuing to ramp up even as the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement campaign in the Chicago region winds down, at least for now.
Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, and the agents under his command who led a series of increasingly aggressive raids across Chicago and its suburbs for months, falsely depicted ordinary Chicagoans as professional agitators determined to mount a violent resistance, a federal judge determined.
Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, Federal Agents Repeatedly Lied About What They Did During Aggressive Immigration Raids: Judge
U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis used a blistering 233-page ruling to painstakingly detail how agents falsely asserted in court and in official reports that they had been confronted with unrelenti...
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino, and the agents under his command who led a series of increasingly aggressive raids across Chicago and its suburbs for months, falsely depicted ordinary Chicagoans as professional agitators determined to mount a violent resistance, a federal judge determined.
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: Johnson’s Budget Stalls; Property Tax Bills Increase, with Maira Khwaja, @vimiller.bsky.social, @aliceyin.bsky.social @reemadamin.bsky.social & host @ndblumberg.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/11/21/w...
Week in Review: Johnson’s Budget Stalls; Property Tax Bills Increase
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s $16.6 billion budget proposal faces a major setback. And Dexter Reed’s family is asking a judge to reinstate a lawsuit against the city.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Chicago Tonight | The Week in Review: Johnson’s Budget Stalls; Property Tax Bills Increase, with Maira Khwaja, @vimiller.bsky.social, @aliceyin.bsky.social @reemadamin.bsky.social & host @ndblumberg.bsky.social news.wttw.com/2025/11/21/w...
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Snowy owls are considered “irruptive” in the Midwest, meaning some years they show up in winter and some years they don’t. This unpredictability is one of the reasons a snowy owl sighting carries such a “once in a lifetime” sense of excitement.
https://to.wttw.com/3X81VWn
https://to.wttw.com/3X81VWn
Snowy Owls Delighting Birders on Chicago’s Lakefront
The arctic visitors have drawn bird watchers from surrounding states.
to.wttw.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Snowy owls are considered “irruptive” in the Midwest, meaning some years they show up in winter and some years they don’t. This unpredictability is one of the reasons a snowy owl sighting carries such a “once in a lifetime” sense of excitement.
https://to.wttw.com/3X81VWn
https://to.wttw.com/3X81VWn
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she is resigning from Congress
"I will be resigning from office with my last day being January 5, 2026”
"I will be resigning from office with my last day being January 5, 2026”
November 22, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she is resigning from Congress
"I will be resigning from office with my last day being January 5, 2026”
"I will be resigning from office with my last day being January 5, 2026”