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Afternoon News: Thursday November 21, 2024 Nov 21, 2024

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The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the felony conviction of actor Jussie Smollett for allegedly lying to police about a fake hate crime. College hopefuls can now fill out the federal application to get financial assistance paying for tuition. Winter weather has finally arrived in Chicago.

They’re weird. They’re wonderful. They’re Chicago’s own Mucca Pazza Nov 21, 2024

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It’s been two decades since Mucca Pazza first formed. The not-your-average marching band has been leaving an impression on its audience since the beginning. There are cheerleaders, sure. But their pom poms are made out of caution tape. They have sousaphones, clarinets, and drums, but also a violinist and even an accordion player. “We’re sort of a marching band, for, like, the nerds. Maybe the scientists. Maybe the underdog, and also the whole world,” said founding member and cheerleader Sharon Lanza. “So, I like to think of it as a sort of a marching band for the world versus, you know, the Bears.” In this episode of The Rundown podcast, Erin Allen talks to Lanza and the band’s artistic director and guitar player, Charlie Malave, about how Mucca Pazza got started, their signature performances (loaded with chaos and spectacle) and what keeps them going. And be sure to check out the band’s live performance in WBEZ’s Studio 10. You can watch it on YouTube -- just search for WBEZ Chicago.

Morning News: Thursday November 21, 2024 Nov 21, 2024

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Illinois lawmakers have differing ideas on how to curb drugs getting into state prisons… and, lawmakers want more time to study how carbon capture technology impacts the environment. A no-show ComEd contractor and central player in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial takes the stand for a second day.

Afternoon News: Wednesday November 20, 2024 Nov 20, 2024

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Jurors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s federal corruption trial heard how one of his top political operatives got a do-nothing ComEd consulting job. Anti-abortion advocates and some Christian employers are joining together to sue Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and other state officials. Chicago breweries and bars say they can’t afford Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed tax hike on alcohol.

Musicians mourn as Pitchfork Music Festival leaves Chicago Nov 20, 2024

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Fans and artists were shocked when Pitchfork Music Festival announced this month that it wouldn’t be returning to Chicago next summer after 19 years. The festival had become a staple for the city’s music scene, and an opportunity for local artists to perform alongside big names. In a social media post, organizers blamed the rapidly evolving music festival landscape for their exit saying, “the decision was not made lightly.” “We are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for being our Festival’s home for nearly two decades, to the artists who graced our stages with unforgettable performances, and to the fans who brought unmatched energy year after year.” Vocalo producer Morgan Ciocca talked with local musicians Jeff Parker, Sen Morimoto and Kara Jackson to find out how they’re processing the news.

Morning News: Wednesday November 20, 2024 Nov 20, 2024

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Some Chicago alderpersons say they’re working on reducing Mayor Johnson’s proposed property tax hike. Federal prosecutors are moving to a new phase of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s racketeering conspiracy trial. Illinois nursing homes that are understaffed may have to pay the state hefty fines next year.

Afternoon News: Tuesday November 19, 2024 Nov 19, 2024

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is now pitching a $150 million property tax increase – half of what he initially wanted for next year. The organization that thwarted George Lucas’ vision of a lakefront museum in Chicago is now calling for the city to slow down plans for another massive development on the city’s Far South Side. The unusual warmth for this time of year could soon come to an end as Chicago prepares for the first snowfall of the season.

Morning News: Tuesday November 19, 2024 Nov 19, 2024

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Chicago’s top cop says more needs to be done to protect police and society as a whole. Prosecutors in former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s corruption trial their first glimpse of something called the Magic Lobbyist List. Week two of lawmakers’ fall veto session in Springfield gets underway today – will we see a pension fix by the end of the week?

Afternoon News: Monday November 18, 2024 Nov 18, 2024

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Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is trying to keep Illinois’ ban on assault-style firearms intact while the state appeals a legal challenge to it. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was in Joliet today for the installation of the first electric vehicle charging station funded through the state Climate Equitable Jobs Act. The Chicago Sky will have the third-overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

Morning News: Monday November 18, 2024 Nov 18, 2024

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Hundreds of Chicagoans gather on the Northwest Side to discuss how Trump’s policy proposals may affect them once he takes office in January. A new study from the University of Georgia looks at the proximity of crisis pregnancy centers to abortion providers in Illinois. Local environmentalists are raising questions about a plan to develop so-called clean hydrogen in Northwest Indiana.

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