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The Chicago area is already starting to see more influenza hospitalizations than normal for this early in the season.
Chicago expected to experience worse flu season this year, officials say
www.wbez.org
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 AM
The Chicago area is already starting to see more influenza hospitalizations than normal for this early in the season.
Earlier this month, a judge appointed a property manager and ordered the building cleared and repaired. Residents say they’ve not heard from the new manager, Friedman Communities.
Remaining residents of squalid South Shore building raided by feds seek relocation
www.wbez.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Earlier this month, a judge appointed a property manager and ordered the building cleared and repaired. Residents say they’ve not heard from the new manager, Friedman Communities.
The governor is asking the Trump administration to reverse course and provide money to help survivors of flooding across Chicago, Cook County and Illinois.
Pritzker pleads for federal flood disaster aid after summer storms
www.wbez.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:23 AM
The governor is asking the Trump administration to reverse course and provide money to help survivors of flooding across Chicago, Cook County and Illinois.
Signs resembling temporary no parking notices serve as reminders for the thousands of people arrested by federal immigration authorities under "Operation Midway Blitz" and the pain left behind for loved ones and communities.
Signs across Chicago mark locations of ICE arrests
www.wbez.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:31 PM
Signs resembling temporary no parking notices serve as reminders for the thousands of people arrested by federal immigration authorities under "Operation Midway Blitz" and the pain left behind for loved ones and communities.
Four years ago, someone taped a flyer to a window in Logan Square. It showed a drawing of a cat and said anyone who texted the phone number would receive free cat pictures in a text. The 51-year-old graphic artist behind them swears there’s no catch.
No scams, just cats: Meet Derek Erdman, the man behind the ‘Cat Pix’ flyer
www.wbez.org
November 24, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Four years ago, someone taped a flyer to a window in Logan Square. It showed a drawing of a cat and said anyone who texted the phone number would receive free cat pictures in a text. The 51-year-old graphic artist behind them swears there’s no catch.
Across 299 pages with highly entertaining footnotes and appendices, Rob Miller recalls his three-decade journey through music, how he helped grow a prominent record label and, ultimately, how it came crashing down.
Rob Miller’s new memoir captures the crescendo, and crash, of Chicago indie label Bloodshot Records
www.wbez.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Across 299 pages with highly entertaining footnotes and appendices, Rob Miller recalls his three-decade journey through music, how he helped grow a prominent record label and, ultimately, how it came crashing down.
The average price for a turkey fell by double digits, helping to lower the overall cost of a 10-person Thanksgiving meal, according to the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Shopping for Thanksgiving dinner? Expect to pay less than last year, survey shows
www.wbez.org
November 23, 2025 at 7:31 PM
The average price for a turkey fell by double digits, helping to lower the overall cost of a 10-person Thanksgiving meal, according to the Illinois Farm Bureau.
The oldest brewery school in the United States said it would be relocating to Montreal, citing operational costs, industry trends and challenges with students obtaining U.S. visas.
Siebel Institute announces last call in Chicago — one that 'hurts,' says Chicago brewer
www.wbez.org
November 23, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The oldest brewery school in the United States said it would be relocating to Montreal, citing operational costs, industry trends and challenges with students obtaining U.S. visas.
Led by a dance captain from “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” now playing in Chicago, participants moved to the music at Rush University Medical Center Wednesday.
Parkinson’s disease patients tap into the power of dance at a workshop just for them
www.wbez.org
November 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Led by a dance captain from “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,” now playing in Chicago, participants moved to the music at Rush University Medical Center Wednesday.
Even when they're together and one-on-one games turn ugly — and they do — it's just brotherly love.
Buzelis brothers — Bulls' Matas and South Dakota's Vince — stick together, no matter the distance
www.wbez.org
November 23, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Even when they're together and one-on-one games turn ugly — and they do — it's just brotherly love.
Prosecutors have dropped charges against all five people charged in connection with Sept. 27 protests at the immigration holding facility in west suburban Broadview.
‘Unusual and possibly unprecedented’: Judge calls out Chicago feds as Midway Blitz cases fall apart
www.wbez.org
November 23, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Prosecutors have dropped charges against all five people charged in connection with Sept. 27 protests at the immigration holding facility in west suburban Broadview.
Small business owners in some of Chicago’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods say business hasn’t bounced back since Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino and his team of agents left Chicago last week.
Small businesses still reeling from Operation Midway Blitz: 'It almost destroyed us'
www.wbez.org
November 21, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Small business owners in some of Chicago’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods say business hasn’t bounced back since Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino and his team of agents left Chicago last week.
WBEZ's holiday guide highlights the best of Chicago across 10 categories, including world-premiere theater, "Nutcracker" adaptations, outdoor markets, light displays and Hanukkah celebrations.
60 classic ways to celebrate the holidays around Chicago, from lights to caroling to family-friendly shows
www.wbez.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM
WBEZ's holiday guide highlights the best of Chicago across 10 categories, including world-premiere theater, "Nutcracker" adaptations, outdoor markets, light displays and Hanukkah celebrations.
The Trump administration proposed stricter definitions for federally protected waterways this week, potentially removing protections from seasonal wetlands and streams across Illinois and the Midwest under the 1972 Clean Water Act.
Trump administration to strip protections for wetlands and streams, leaving Illinois habitat at risk
www.wbez.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:11 PM
The Trump administration proposed stricter definitions for federally protected waterways this week, potentially removing protections from seasonal wetlands and streams across Illinois and the Midwest under the 1972 Clean Water Act.
Mayor Brandon Johnson returns to WBEZ's "In the Loop" Friday to take listener calls and answer questions with host Sasha-Ann Simons. To call in for the 9 a.m. live broadcast, dial 866-915-9239.
Ask the Mayor wants your questions for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson this Friday
www.wbez.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Mayor Brandon Johnson returns to WBEZ's "In the Loop" Friday to take listener calls and answer questions with host Sasha-Ann Simons. To call in for the 9 a.m. live broadcast, dial 866-915-9239.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and his wife, MK, meet the Chicago-born pope in the Vatican and arrive bearing gifts, including a Chicago brewery's mild ale dubbed "Da Pope." The pontiff gladly accepted the sudsy offering, saying, "I'll put that in the fridge."
Pritzker and Pope Leo XIV talk 'Operation Midway Blitz' and a Chicago beer honoring the pontiff
www.wbez.org
November 21, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and his wife, MK, meet the Chicago-born pope in the Vatican and arrive bearing gifts, including a Chicago brewery's mild ale dubbed "Da Pope." The pontiff gladly accepted the sudsy offering, saying, "I'll put that in the fridge."
Chicago State University, the state’s only majority Black university, is leading the way with a 15% increase in undergraduate enrollment.
Illinois public university enrollment rises, driven by gains for Black, Latino students
www.wbez.org
November 20, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Chicago State University, the state’s only majority Black university, is leading the way with a 15% increase in undergraduate enrollment.
West Garfield Park residents are expected to live on average until 67 years old, compared to 87 in the Loop. This is the widest death gap in Chicago.
As they live Chicago’s ‘Death Gap,’ a three-generation West Side family fights to end it
www.wbez.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM
West Garfield Park residents are expected to live on average until 67 years old, compared to 87 in the Loop. This is the widest death gap in Chicago.
Recently released documents by Congress from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are shedding new light on the disgraced financier’s relationship with prominent Illinois civic figure Thomas Pritzker.
Newly released cache of Epstein emails reveal deeper ties with Thomas Pritzker, governor's cousin
www.wbez.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Recently released documents by Congress from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein are shedding new light on the disgraced financier’s relationship with prominent Illinois civic figure Thomas Pritzker.
The Illinois Commerce Commission also cut the return on equity from 10.35% to 9.6%, marking another win for consumer advocates.
ICC slashes Nicor's proposed $314 million rate hike for suburban gas customers
www.wbez.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:01 AM
The Illinois Commerce Commission also cut the return on equity from 10.35% to 9.6%, marking another win for consumer advocates.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called the Nov. 6 preliminary injunction from Judge Sara Ellis "overbroad," but it also promised a quick appeal process.
Federal appeals court halts ruling that curbed use of force during immigration campaign
www.wbez.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:12 PM
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals called the Nov. 6 preliminary injunction from Judge Sara Ellis "overbroad," but it also promised a quick appeal process.
The independent monitor overseeing the city’s consent decree pointed to CPD data showing a nearly 44% increase from 2022 to 2024.
Chicago’s top cop pledges to address rise in officers pointing their guns at people
www.wbez.org
November 19, 2025 at 7:10 PM
The independent monitor overseeing the city’s consent decree pointed to CPD data showing a nearly 44% increase from 2022 to 2024.
The nonprofit Nourishing Hope said it's prepared this year to spend double its annual budget, largely due to an unusually large holiday demand and unexpected funding cuts.
Chicago food pantries facing ‘unprecedented’ need before holidays
www.wbez.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:41 PM
The nonprofit Nourishing Hope said it's prepared this year to spend double its annual budget, largely due to an unusually large holiday demand and unexpected funding cuts.
Chicago offers 12 holiday pop-up bars featuring creative twists, including an Elf-themed bar in Wrigleyville, with reservations recommended and premium cocktail pricing.
12 holiday pop-up bars to drink your jingle juice this season
www.wbez.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Chicago offers 12 holiday pop-up bars featuring creative twists, including an Elf-themed bar in Wrigleyville, with reservations recommended and premium cocktail pricing.
The city has seen its share of exotic animals, crawling, slithering and swinging, unattended in Chicago streets and waterways. But what happens when there’s a peacock strutting down the alley?
A monkey on the loose: Odd animal sightings in Chicago
www.wbez.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The city has seen its share of exotic animals, crawling, slithering and swinging, unattended in Chicago streets and waterways. But what happens when there’s a peacock strutting down the alley?