The Rundown | Chicago News

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Thursday, October 8, 2026 Oct 08, 2026

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The Chicago White Sox try again tonight to win their way into the American League Championship series. The White Sox hold a 2 games to 1 lead over Cleveland in this best-of-five series. First pitch at Rate Field tonight is a little after 7:00. The family of Silverio Villegas González filed an administrative complaint today seeking compensation from the federal government for his death. A coalition of housing advocates say thousands of Chicagoans are at risk for homelessness if the City Council does not provide enough funding in next year’s budget. Some Illinois students are calling on colleges to cancel their contracts with Flock and remove the company’s automatic license plate readers.

Plus, author Veronica Roth is one of Chicago’s biggest literary names. She’s out this week with a new book called "The Sixth Faction." It revisits one of the biggest moments in her breakout series "Divergent," with a twist.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Oct 07, 2026

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For the first time during their playoff run, the White Sox are playing in front of their home crowd today. If the Sox win, it’ll be their first time clinching a playoff series while at home since 1906. An Evanston mom is training to run the Chicago Marathon while pushing her daughter in an adaptive wheelchair. Employees at the Barack Obama Foundation and Presidential Center are unionizing. The new AFSCME union will represent more than 250 people who work for the Obama Foundation in Chicago, Washington DC and across the country.

Plus, Before Pope Leo the 14th became the first American to head the Catholic Church, he was known as Robert Francis Prevost, a boy from Dolton, a suburb just south of Chicago. His journey left an imprint across the world, particularly across the Chicago area. A new book, “American Pope” explores the pontiff’s life and his time here.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 Oct 06, 2026

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The Chicago White Sox are heading home to try and sweep the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Division Series. The White Sox's #1 fan, Pope Leo the 14th, is the subject of a new book. Palmer Square in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood is the first city park accredited as an arboretum. Mosquitoes around the Chicago area are starting to hibernate. Chicago has been named the best big city in the country for the 10th consecutive year by readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

Plus, Dennis Hastert once was U.S. House speaker, but died a sex offender. We take a look at his troubled legacy.

Monday, October 5, 2026 Oct 05, 2026

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A woman who was shot by a Border Patrol agent at the height of Operation Midway Blitz is suing the federal government. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says downsizing a southern Illinois mental health facility is to protect the patients who live there. The University of Chicago gave children and adults the opportunity to be scientists for the day during their fifth annual South Side Science Festival.

Plus, August storms knocked out power for nearly 375,000 residents in Northwest Indiana, leaving people in the dark for days. One house kept its lights on the whole time because it’s what's known as a passive home.

Friday, October 2, 2026 Oct 02, 2026

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appears to have been left out of a high-stakes meeting on the future of the Chicago Bears. Former Illinois U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger says he has nothing to hide. Northwestern Wildcats fans will experience the newly built Ryan Field during tonight’s game against Penn State.

Plus, Chicago loves its basketball. It’s not just the 90s Bulls. Any park you go to will have folks playing a pick up game. Chicago Public League high school stars become celebrities in this town. The love this city has for the game is so strong, it’s powered an entirely different country’s love of the game across the ocean. Nearly a century ago, Chicago helped kick off a basketball craze in Lithuania.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 Oct 01, 2026

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An effort by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s opposition to ding him for running promotional videos produced by a semi-public agency amid his reelection went nowhere on Thursday. The White Sox are heading to the American League Division Series after sweeping the Astros in Houston – they won last night 7-3. Meantime, The Chicago Cubs’ season is over.

Plus, since President Trump was re-elected, about a dozen veteran immigration judges in Chicago have stepped down or been fired. Some of those judges have told WBEZ they faced intense pressure to find fewer reasons to grant asylum. Their replacements have limited background in immigration law. Experts say as a result, more asylum petitions are being denied.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Sep 30, 2026

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An Illinois housing advocacy group is suing the Trump administration for cutting off federal funds for programs like homebuyer counseling and homelessness prevention. One of the four remaining candidates for Chicago school board president is suspending his campaign. Chicago’s top local food honors, the Banchet Awards, have announced the 2027 finalists.

Plus, disinvestment in Chicago’s South and West sides has long impacted opportunities for residents, and new data show young people are also feeling the effects. My Block, My Hood, My City surveyed teens to find out what they would like to see in their communities.

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Sep 29, 2026

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The Chicago City Council has overwhelmingly approved the sale of the city’s parking meter contract in a deal that sweetens the terms for Chicago taxpayers. Dozens of elected officials in Chicago are speaking out against Peoples Gas proposed $144 million rate hike. The White Sox and Cubs kick off the post season today.

Plus, a number of new art galleries and collections have hit the scene in Chicago for the fall. With their arrival comes a renewed push to bring more young people into the art gallery scene and get them to start collections of their own.

Monday, September 28, 2026 Sep 28, 2026

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A majority of Chicago alderpersons have signed onto a letter asking Mayor Brandon Johnson not to pursue another corporate head tax in his 2027 budget. Third-string quarterback Case Keenum is expected to get the start for the Bears tonight against the Eagles. The Chicago White Sox finished their season 84 and 78, one game behind the American League Central champions Cleveland Guardians.

Plus, protests took place this weekend outside of the Presidents Cup golf tournament in northwest suburban Bloomingdale. Several groups gathered at Medinah Country Club in objection to President Trump's visit.

Friday, September 25, 2026 Sep 25, 2026

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker wants state lawmakers to consider new restrictions on data centers after the November election. Chicago art lovers have a chance to experience two of Yayoi Kusama’s popular Infinity Mirror Rooms this fall. The White Sox and Cubs are both in the post season, and it’s the first time the two teams have clinched a playoff spot on the same day.

Plus, comedian Lil Rel is back in Chicago. The West Side native is hosting the What’s Funny Comedy Festival through Saturday. He spoke about his career in standup and returning to the West Side.

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