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WBEZ @wbez.org · 4m

“Paranormal Activity,” the new stage play written by Levi Holloway, whose last work in Chicago was the Michael Shannon-led “Turret,” which he wrote and directed, makes its North American premiere at Chicago Shakespeare this week.

‘Paranormal Activity,’ making its North American premiere in Chicago, aims to give theatergoers a good scare

Written by Chicagoan Levi Holloway, the play draws themes from the award-winning film series of the same name, which was notable in its era for its fright-filled trailers.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 4h

Chicago Public Schools has set up a command center to help schools navigate ICE activity near them as the school district faces increased pressure to do more to help schools and families navigate the situation.

Chicago Public Schools creates command center to monitor ICE activity

The school district is facing pressure to do more to help schools and families navigate federal immigration activity and concerns about attendance.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 5h

The Chicago Sun-Times has documented four unmarked federal immigration vehicles on public streets without proper license plates since federal officers sent by the Trump administration began patrolling Chicago in early September.

Federal immigration officers wear masks and no name tags. Now some are driving cars without license plates.

The Sun-Times has documented four unmarked cars carrying federal officers without required plates, offering another way to shield their identities. Federal officials say they’re meeting regulations.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 5h

University of Illinois campuses pays a for-profit company to recruit students for online programs — a practice that would be illegal if done by the universities themselves, a WBEZ investigation found.

Students for profit? University of Illinois campuses pay company per online student

Consumer protection advocates say the practice incentivizes the company to enroll as many students as possible, regardless of whether they'll benefit. The university says their standards aren't compromised.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 13h

Chicago Grammy-winning trumpeter and producer Nico Segal will reunite with the Social Experiment Saturday at Metro, celebrating a decade since the release of the group’s debut album “Surf.”

Nico Segal & The Social Experiment celebrate the 10th anniversary of groundbreaking “Surf”

The Chicago supergroup reunites for one night only at Metro to celebrate a decade since the release of the critically-acclaimed album.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 16h

Fall-themed activities with Instagrammable moments, like pumpkin patches and pop-up events, are helping boost Chicago area businesses and turning visitors into year-round customers.

Big demand for pumpkin patches has farms, pop-up events prepared to deliver

Fall-themed activities with Instagrammable moments help boost Chicago area businesses and turn visitors into year-round customers.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 17h

Federal shutdowns have caused constant rumors about potential furloughs and layoffs, uncertainty about who is still working, fragmented coordination between agencies and the inability to perform certain tasks with some workers gone, according to workers who spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times.

Federal workers in Chicago ‘emotionally exhausted’ from government shutdown, year of uncertainty

Three workers who spoke with the Sun-Times said they haven’t been furloughed, but they’ve dealt with uncertainties and fragmented coordination since the federal government shut down Oct. 1.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 17h

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called this moment “unprecedented” a number of times: “The president is unstable. We know that,” Johnson said. “He’s a double-minded man, and he is also very simple-minded. And it’s totally not the first time that Trump has called for a Black man to be arrested.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson took Chicago’s calls about President Donald Trump’s ‘war on the city’

The Chicago mayor joined "In The Loop" host Sasha-Ann Simons for a spirited defense of the city amid federal pressure in October’s "Ask the Mayor" call-in hour.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 18h

Texas National Guard troops have been deployed to the Broadview ICE facility in the Chicago suburbs, a military source told the Chicago Sun-Times. Details were scant on how many troops would be arriving, but a publicly available mission summary indicated it could be as many as 200 soldiers.

Texas National Guard expected to be deployed in Chicago area tonight

The troops will be deployed Wednesday evening to the Broadview ICE facility in west suburban Chicago, a military source told the Chicago Sun-Times.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 18h

As President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for jailing Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson for “failing to protect ICE,” the Democratic governor responded to the threat by urging the president to “come and get me.”

Gov. Pritzker responds to Trump threat to jail him, mayor over ICE: ‘Come and get me’

Trump on Wednesday morning posted on Truth Social: "Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers! Governor Pritzker also!"

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 21h

Watch: In this episode of In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses the arrival of National Guard troops from Texas in Illinois, focusing on its impact on the city and the constitutionality of the President's actions. trib.al/GO2S6RA

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23h

Englewood native Tonika Lewis Johnson is among this year’s class of MacArthur Fellows. The list of international fellows receiving the $800,000 prize includes several artists and scientists.

Chicago artist Tonika Lewis Johnson among 22 winners of coveted MacArthur ‘genius grant’

The Englewood native, whose work focuses on inequity in Chicago, is among this year’s class of MacArthur Fellows. The list of international fellows receiving the $800,000 prize includes several artists and scientists.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

Sunday’s Chicago Marathon is set to host more than 53,000 runners, and race officials say there’s no indication federal forces on the streets will cause a disruption.

2025 Chicago Marathon — what to know, how to watch

Sunday’s event is set to host more than 53,000 runners, and race officials say there’s no indication federal forces on the streets will cause a disruption.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

WBEZ is answering your questions about deployments and immigration enforcement in Chicago. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, answered.

What to know about immigration operations and National Guard deployments to Chicago

Got more questions? WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times provide answers.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

Hundreds of items from the nation’s fraternal organizations’ past go on the auction block Oct. 9 at Potter & Potter Auctions on the Northwest Side.

Spanking machines and electric shock shoes — welcome to the world of America’s fraternal societies

Hundreds of items from the nation’s fraternal organizations’ past go on the auction block Oct. 9 at Potter & Potter Auctions on the Northwest Side.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

The museum always dedicates the Día de Muertos exhibit to the deceased, and this year’s collection is dedicated to the people of Texas and New Mexico who lost their lives in deadly floods over the summer.

2025 Día de Muertos exhibit brims with local stories, including ofrenda built by a 9-year-old to honor late dad

The ofrenda centers on the father's love of lowriding, while other Day of the Dead works at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen celebrate beloved community figures such as La Perla Tapatia.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

Today at 9a.m., call (866) 915-WBEZ. Mayor Johnson takes your calls on In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons to discuss: National Guard troops in the Chicago area, "ICE-free zones", Chicago's budget, Red Line funding pause, the federal government shutdown and more.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

Clinée Hedspeth, Chicago’s cultural commissioner and an ardent ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson, has resigned from her post at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. trib.al/H76PYtX

Chicago cultural commissioner Clinée Hedspeth resigns City Hall post

An ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson, Hedspeth’s 18-month tenure was marked by internal turmoil, with high staff turnover and bullying accusations.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

WBEZ and The Chicago Sun-Times are answering your questions about immigration operations and National Guard deployments to the Chicago area. Here are some of the questions that are coming up the most. Read more. trib.al/DkL3aoT

What to know about immigration operations and National Guard deployments to Chicago

Got more questions? WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times provide answers.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

Texas National Guard members arrived early Tuesday at an Elwood training center after weeks of threats from President Donald Trump’s administration, over the objections of local leaders. trib.al/m1vWcj1

Texas National Guard members arrive at Chicago area military training facility

Military troops arrived at an Elwood training center after weeks of threats from President Donald Trump's administration, over the objections of local leaders.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

The Rink, the only Black-owned skating rink in Chicago, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Rink’s owners say the secret to staying in business is its commitment to keeping Chicago’s skate culture alive.

The Rink in Chicago celebrates 50 years in business

The Rink is the last black-owned skating rink in the city of Chicago.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

A culinary night to remember. Donate today and you could win a private chef experience for 6, right in your own home. trib.al/nBXmq8i

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

The Midwest Crossword Tournament at the University of Illinois Chicago drew over 200 puzzlers who came for crosswords and camaraderie. “I want my ego checked,” said one participant, “that’s mission accomplished.”

The Midwest finally delivers what crossword puzzlers want: their own tournament

The tournament at the University of Illinois Chicago drew over 200 puzzlers who came for crosswords and camaraderie. “I want my ego checked," said one participant, "that’s mission accomplished.”

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

The Rev. Gary Graf will walk more than 800 miles from the south suburbs of Chicago to New York City’s Ellis Island to speak out against the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts.

Suburban pastor's pilgrimage to New York will highlight plight of immigrants

The Rev. Gary Graf, 67, leads Our Lady of the Heights in Chicago Heights and is a member of Priests for Justice for Immigrants. Upset by Trump administration detention and deportation of immigrants, Graf is on a walk to mobilize Americans toward compassion.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

Body-camera video of a Border Patrol agent involved in the shooting of a woman who was allegedly chasing agents in Brighton Park over the weekend shows an officer saying, “Do something, b----,” before pulling over and shooting the woman five times.

Attorney for woman shot by Border Patrol claims agent said, 'Do something b----' before shooting

Body-camera video appears to contradict the government's claim that Marimar Martinez drove toward officers before one of them opened fire at her Saturday morning in Brighton Park, her attorney alleged.

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