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Residents say the odors are so strong they feel ill and it's impossible to spend time outdoors. They have until Friday to decide if they want to be included or opt out of a class action lawsuit over a nauseating stench.
Southeast Side residents face Friday deadline for lawsuit over horrible smells
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Residents say the odors are so strong they feel ill and it's impossible to spend time outdoors. They have until Friday to decide if they want to be included or opt out of a class action lawsuit over a nauseating stench.
As winter sickness surges, Chicago has healing soups from cuisines worldwide, including Mexican caldo de pollo, Vietnamese pho and wonton soup. Here are nine soups to revive the worn-out body or soul.
Whether you are cold or sick, Chicago has a soup for that
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 7:26 PM
As winter sickness surges, Chicago has healing soups from cuisines worldwide, including Mexican caldo de pollo, Vietnamese pho and wonton soup. Here are nine soups to revive the worn-out body or soul.
Chicago will pay $875,000 to settle a lawsuit from demonstrators claiming police brutality during 2020 protests. An inspector general’s report found the department unprepared and improperly equipped for the civil unrest.
Chicago to weigh paying $875K to settle claims tied to police handling of George Floyd protests
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Chicago will pay $875,000 to settle a lawsuit from demonstrators claiming police brutality during 2020 protests. An inspector general’s report found the department unprepared and improperly equipped for the civil unrest.
Bears fans could be seen shredding some cheese and wearing foam grater hats to celebrate the team's victory over the Packers.
Bears fans come together with the help of cheese graters, both real and fake
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Bears fans could be seen shredding some cheese and wearing foam grater hats to celebrate the team's victory over the Packers.
Listen: Mayda Alexandra del Valle has been chosen to be an ambassador for Chicago’s literary scene. We sit down with del Valle to talk about her artistic journey, and what her plans are as the city’s poet.
Meet Chicago’s new poet laureate
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Listen: Mayda Alexandra del Valle has been chosen to be an ambassador for Chicago’s literary scene. We sit down with del Valle to talk about her artistic journey, and what her plans are as the city’s poet.
Signs that inflation is cooling could make it more likely that the Federal Reserve will reduce its key interest rate later this year, which could translate into lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards.
Inflation cooled slightly in December though it remains above Fed's target
chicago.suntimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Signs that inflation is cooling could make it more likely that the Federal Reserve will reduce its key interest rate later this year, which could translate into lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards.
Pianist Julian Davis Reid, who grew up on Chicago’s Southwest Side, releases album “Vocation” exploring his relationships and identities. The theologian performs Jan. 14 at Constellation with Circle of Trust.
Julian Davis Reid performs live from WBEZ’s Studio 10
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Pianist Julian Davis Reid, who grew up on Chicago’s Southwest Side, releases album “Vocation” exploring his relationships and identities. The theologian performs Jan. 14 at Constellation with Circle of Trust.
A University of Chicago study finds Chicago middle and high school absenteeism remains elevated post-pandemic, but schools can improve attendance by fostering student safety, friendships and strong teacher relationships.
As CPS grapples with absenteeism crisis, a new study shows what may help
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:59 PM
A University of Chicago study finds Chicago middle and high school absenteeism remains elevated post-pandemic, but schools can improve attendance by fostering student safety, friendships and strong teacher relationships.
Mayor Brandon Johnson returns to WBEZ 91.5 on Tuesday to answer listener questions live on the “In the Loop” at 9 a.m. with host Sasha-Ann Simons. Listeners can call in at 866-915-WBEZ.
Mayor Brandon Johnson will take your calls on ‘Ask the Mayor’ Tuesday
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Mayor Brandon Johnson returns to WBEZ 91.5 on Tuesday to answer listener questions live on the “In the Loop” at 9 a.m. with host Sasha-Ann Simons. Listeners can call in at 866-915-WBEZ.
Listeners of "In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons" can call 866-915-WBEZ to bring their questions about Chicago and how it's being run directly to the mayor from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Mayor Brandon Johnson will take your calls on ‘Ask the Mayor’ Tuesday
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 1:46 AM
Listeners of "In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons" can call 866-915-WBEZ to bring their questions about Chicago and how it's being run directly to the mayor from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday.
CPS students will be off for 81 days this summer. Last year, the district shortened its summer break after the Democratic National Convention pushed back the start of the school year.
CPS releases 2026-2027 calendar with longer summer break
www.wbez.org
January 13, 2026 at 12:16 AM
CPS students will be off for 81 days this summer. Last year, the district shortened its summer break after the Democratic National Convention pushed back the start of the school year.
What should Illinois political candidates should be talking about this primary election season? Take this brief survey to help us decide what questions to put to the candidates.
What questions do you have for Illinois political candidates this primary election season?
www.wbez.org
January 12, 2026 at 11:46 PM
What should Illinois political candidates should be talking about this primary election season? Take this brief survey to help us decide what questions to put to the candidates.
The lawsuit is similar to, but appears to go further than the lawsuit brought by media, protesters and clergy last fall to challenge the feds' immigration tactics here.
Illinois, Chicago sue Trump administration over 'organized bombardment' under Noem, Bovino
www.wbez.org
January 12, 2026 at 11:02 PM
The lawsuit is similar to, but appears to go further than the lawsuit brought by media, protesters and clergy last fall to challenge the feds' immigration tactics here.
Walk six blocks on Clark Street to experience artist Gabi Bozeman's Monday-to-Sunday vibes.
Andersonville utility box art plays the week like a game
www.wbez.org
January 12, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Walk six blocks on Clark Street to experience artist Gabi Bozeman's Monday-to-Sunday vibes.
Listen: “This is about oppressed people knowing their value and building alternative spaces in their minds,” says Danny Dunson, curator at the DuSable Black History Museum.
‘Paris in Black’ shows influence of the City of Love on Black Renaissance in Chicago and beyond
www.wbez.org
January 12, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Listen: “This is about oppressed people knowing their value and building alternative spaces in their minds,” says Danny Dunson, curator at the DuSable Black History Museum.
Listen: Chicago’s Young Playwrights Festival kicks off this month, highlighting the work of student playwrights across Chicago Public Schools*. In The Loop *talks to one student playwright about their one-act play, and what it’s like to prepare their new work for center stage.
Chicago’s young playwrights see their work hit the stage
www.wbez.org
January 12, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Listen: Chicago’s Young Playwrights Festival kicks off this month, highlighting the work of student playwrights across Chicago Public Schools*. In The Loop *talks to one student playwright about their one-act play, and what it’s like to prepare their new work for center stage.
The Burnham Building, a century-old, temple-like pavilion in Jackson Park that for years has lain in near ruin, appears finally set to receive the restoration it rightly deserves. "We're trying to bring it back to its former glory," the Chicago Park District's Heather Gleason said.
As the Obama Center nears completion, a long-neglected Jackson Park pavilion finally getting its due
www.wbez.org
January 11, 2026 at 6:46 PM
The Burnham Building, a century-old, temple-like pavilion in Jackson Park that for years has lain in near ruin, appears finally set to receive the restoration it rightly deserves. "We're trying to bring it back to its former glory," the Chicago Park District's Heather Gleason said.
Illinois is on track to have slightly fewer people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act marketplace this year following the expiration of enhanced tax subsidies that were at the center of last year’s federal government shutdown.
As ACA tax credit debate continues in Congress, Illinois sees slight decrease in enrollment
www.wbez.org
January 11, 2026 at 5:46 PM
Illinois is on track to have slightly fewer people enrolled in the Affordable Care Act marketplace this year following the expiration of enhanced tax subsidies that were at the center of last year’s federal government shutdown.
Playing the Packers in the playoffs for just the third time in the 213-game rivalry series, the Bears stumbled to an 18-point halftime deficit and sputtered on offense for three quarters. But in an unbelievable comeback, the Bears beat the Packers 31-27 at Soldier Field.
QB Caleb Williams rallies Bears to 25 fourth-quarter points to stun Packers
www.wbez.org
January 11, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Playing the Packers in the playoffs for just the third time in the 213-game rivalry series, the Bears stumbled to an 18-point halftime deficit and sputtered on offense for three quarters. But in an unbelievable comeback, the Bears beat the Packers 31-27 at Soldier Field.
Barnes & Noble is set to open four Chicago area stores in the first half of the year, including its largest Chicago location in the Loop.
Barnes & Noble to open largest Chicago store, after other 'successful' openings
www.wbez.org
January 11, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Barnes & Noble is set to open four Chicago area stores in the first half of the year, including its largest Chicago location in the Loop.
The newly launched organization will offer research-backed guidance to Chicago school leaders and board members as they tackle the district’s thorniest issues, from budget deficits to struggling charter operators.
Chicago Education Alliance seeks to bring clarity to CPS’ toughest issues
www.wbez.org
January 11, 2026 at 3:46 PM
The newly launched organization will offer research-backed guidance to Chicago school leaders and board members as they tackle the district’s thorniest issues, from budget deficits to struggling charter operators.
ICYMI: The free summertime classical series in Millennium Park will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with work from dozens of domestic composers.
Grant Park Music Festival announces 2026 lineup, featuring Ben Folds and ample American music
www.wbez.org
January 10, 2026 at 6:31 PM
ICYMI: The free summertime classical series in Millennium Park will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with work from dozens of domestic composers.
Several people close to Don Wachter describe him as a nice man who keeps to himself. When he gets into costume and becomes Bearman, he pulsates with energy that ignites thousands of fans around him at Bears games.
How a mild-mannered suburban Chicago delivery driver transforms into Bearman
www.wbez.org
January 10, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Several people close to Don Wachter describe him as a nice man who keeps to himself. When he gets into costume and becomes Bearman, he pulsates with energy that ignites thousands of fans around him at Bears games.
ICYMI: Weird, nonsense, cabaret — that was the inspiration behind the performance art of Berlin. It thrived on the absurd, the playful and the unexpected. Labriola remembers one of those odd performances: Two women got up on stage just to feed each other spaghetti.
At the now-shuttered Berlin club, art was for celebration and mourning
www.wbez.org
January 10, 2026 at 5:33 PM
ICYMI: Weird, nonsense, cabaret — that was the inspiration behind the performance art of Berlin. It thrived on the absurd, the playful and the unexpected. Labriola remembers one of those odd performances: Two women got up on stage just to feed each other spaghetti.
The Chicago Bears’ playoff status is fueling sales of the so-called “Bomb” at Wicker Park bar Gracie O’Malley’s. On offer for Saturday’s game will be the bar’s $8 Bears Bomb, made from Three Olives orange vodka and Yellow Edition Red Bull.
Forget Dry January. Chicago’s drink of the moment is an $8 Bears Bomb
www.wbez.org
January 10, 2026 at 3:02 PM
The Chicago Bears’ playoff status is fueling sales of the so-called “Bomb” at Wicker Park bar Gracie O’Malley’s. On offer for Saturday’s game will be the bar’s $8 Bears Bomb, made from Three Olives orange vodka and Yellow Edition Red Bull.