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WBEZ @wbez.org · 30m

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 · 1h

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 · 2h

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 · 4h

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 · 21h

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 · 21h

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 · 21h

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 · 23h

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 · 1d

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 · 1d

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 · 1d

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 · 1d

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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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

As Operation Midway Blitz continues in the Chicago region, one mental health expert offers tips on coping with the stress of immigration operations.

Expert says threats of militarization and immigration enforcement fuel anxieties

One mental health expert offers tips on how to cope with the stress of immigration operations in the Chicago region.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

Events that cater to these students help them see the possibilities, officials say.
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CPS holds first event introducing deaf, hard of hearing students to careers in the trades

Events that cater to these students help them see the possibilities, officials say

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

A student activist at DePaul University says college helped her find her voice — and fully embrace her Palestinian identity.
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This Palestinian college student and Chicagoan is feeling exhausted but empowered

A student activist at DePaul University says college helped her find her voice — and fully embrace her Palestinian identity.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 1d

Nonprofit journalism is bold. It deserves a look to match.

Join WBEZ today and get the exclusive Chicago Public Media crop top — a limited-edition design celebrating fearless journalism.

Join today before 7PM for $12/month, get the shirt: trib.al/UUQWyWP

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

Illinois and Chicago sued President Donald Trump Monday to prevent the deployment of National Guard troops here from any state, setting up one of the biggest legal clashes yet between the Republican president and Illinois’ Democratic leaders. trib.al/fZMI7jK

Illinois sues Trump over National Guard deployment

The lawsuit comes hours after a federal judge in Oregon barred Trump from deploying federalized members of any National Guard troops under Trump's command to Oregon.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

Support WBEZ and enter to win a Founding Membership to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Admission for 2 adults, all kids, and 8 guests — plus member perks year-round! trib.al/j8ecee1

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

ICYMI: “We are the strongest in the state. And I mean it,” Mayor Katrina Thompson said in a lengthy interview Thursday with WBEZ. “We don’t fold. Broadview’s not scared. … Leave Broadview alone.” trib.al/u2GRTag

Amid national glare, Broadview mayor keeps focus on her 8,000 residents: ‘I can’t be afraid’

Immigration agents have aggressively responded to protests outside what was once a sleepy ICE facility in the western suburb. Mayor Katrina Thompson says she’s not backing down.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

“‘Medea’ is an opera you only revive when you have a singer like Sondra,” said John Mangum, who called her on one of today’s best dramatic sopranos. “You have other characters in the opera, but the show rises and falls on the strength of the Medea.” trib.al/qAyWqCM

Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky has love, and mythological goddess Medea, to credit for bringing her home

The Berwyn native, who has made an operatic career all over the world, is resettling in Chicago as the Met-backed “Medea” opens Lyric Opera's fall season.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 2d

At least 300 members of the Illinois National Guard members will be deployed in state for 60 days to protect federal immigration agents and property, according to the Pentagon memo.
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300 Illinois National Guard troops could deploy in Chicago within days, stay 2 months, report says

The troops will be stationed "in places where there are violent demonstrations in the state, or where they’re likely to occur based on current threat assessments." Gov. JB Pritzker and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem exchange barbs on Sunday talk shows.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 3d

The new exhibit on the Mies van der Rohe-designed Farnsworth House seeks to emphasize the relationship between the historical modernist house and its beautifully wooded 60-acre location.

Land's the thing in new multimedia exhibit on Mies van der Rohe-designed Farnsworth House

Called "Inhabit," the exhibit seeks to emphasize the relationship between the historical modernist house and its beautifully wooded 60-acre location.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 3d

Five new sculptures join older sculptures, multiple murals, theaters, galleries and other arts organizations on the inaugural Northwest Art Trail connecting Jefferson Park and Portage Park.

State-funded sculpture trail is a celebration of public art on the Northwest Side

"Art is essential," said state Sen. Robert Martwick, who helped Arts Alive Chicago conceive and launch the new Northwest Art Trail on Milwaukee Avenue. The route connects Jefferson Park and Portage Park and includes sculptures, murals and arts organizations.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 3d

The Trump administration has given Gov. JB Pritzker an ultimatum: deploy 300 Illinois National Guard members or the federal government will federalize them. Pritzker called it "outrageous and un-American."

Trump seeks to call up 300 Illinois National Guard troops, Pritzker says

The request to the Illinois National Guard comes after Pritzker said earlier this week the Department of Homeland Security requested deployment of 100 military troops to Illinois “for the protection of ICE personnel and facilities.”

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 3d

A woman was shot by U.S. Border Patrol agents Saturday on Chicago’s South Side, marking the second shooting since President Trump’s administration launched an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the area last month.

Federal agents shoot woman they say 'boxed in' authorities in Brighton Park

Authorities were on patrol when they were "rammed by 10 cars," according to a statement from the Department of Homeland Security. One of the drivers "was armed with a semi-automatic weapon," prompting officers to open fire, DHS said.

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