The Rundown | Chicago News

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Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Jul 01, 2026

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Complaints of smoking on trains and buses in Chicago are dropping. The federal government has asked a judge to halt the country’s first reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks opened free agency Wednesday by signing new defenseman Bowen Byram to a six year extension.
Plus, the hit Chicago-based NPR quiz show “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” sounds a little different these days. Former panelist Alzo Slade is replacing scorekeeper Bill Kurtis, who retired after 12 years on the show. We go behind the scenes at the Studebaker Theater to meet the newest cast member.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Jun 30, 2026

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Advocates in Chicago are celebrating Tuesday’s Supreme Court ruling that affirms birthright citizenship. The Supreme Court today has ruled states can block transgender athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams at public schools and colleges. Chicagoans have stepped up to collect needed supplies for those impacted by last week’s earthquake in Venezuela.
Plus, census data analyzed by WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times shows over the last two decades, the far southeast side of Chicago has seen steep growth in same-sex households.

Monday, June 29, 2026 Jun 29, 2026

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The prediction market platform Kalshi is suing Illinois to block a new state tax on sports wagering. The Chicago White Sox continue to be baseball’s feel-good story, and their success continued this weekend as they won their series against the Kansas City Royals. The Community Leadership Fellows, Capstone Clique is a group working with the Chicago History Museum to archive west side history by creating a large scale map art installation.
Plus, literature provides a space for authors and readers alike to explore different worlds and perspectives. For queer people, that space can be an important window into identity and community.

Friday, June 26, 2026 Jun 26, 2026

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Concerns about teen gatherings in Chicago have grown amid conversations about violence and public safety. Chicago Public Schools has to close a $732 million budget gap for the upcoming academic year. Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre is debuting its third screen this weekend.
Plus, the epic family drama “Leopoldstadt” was the last script penned by legendary playwright Tom Stoppard before his death in 2025. The Broadway version of the show boasted a cast of 38 actors. Writers Theatre in Glencoe is staging a slightly slimmed down version, directed by Stoppard's frequent collaborator Carey Perloff.

Thursday June 25, 2026 Jun 25, 2026

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Some Chicago advocates say they are disappointed with today’s Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to end temporary legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians in the U.S. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is creating an office of gun violence reduction after some hesitancy during his first term. Some Lakeview residents could soon have to pay the city to use parking spots behind their homes. Plus, the hit Chicago-set TV show “The Bear” returns tonight for its final season. As the on-screen chefs prepare to say goodbye, we take a look at the show's effect on Chicago's real-world food scene.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Jun 24, 2026

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill to protect patient information from states that criminalize abortion. Chicago has been nationally recognized as a local government that shows a strong commitment to immigrant inclusion. It’s summer in Chicago, so people can see performances inside theaters and outdoors. Plus, Kathy Osterman Beach, or Hollywood Beach, is known as Chicago’s gay beach. But it wasn’t always that way. What are the origins of this LGBTQ+ haven?

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 Jun 23, 2026

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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says his office has been advising the Chicago Bears on crafting a new proposal that would keep the team on their home turf. Lawmakers in Springfield did not pass Governor Pritzker’s widely-touted plan to build more affordable housing. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros plans to review nearly 20 years of grand jury proceedings involving a veteran prosecutor at the center of the “Broadview Six” case. A lot of teens in Chicago take public transit to school. Now, some are opting for e-scooters. Teens say they’re cool, convenient – but they’re also dangerous.

Monday, June 22, 2026 Jun 22, 2026

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Illinois has broken the record for most tornadoes in a year, and it’s only June. Public health officials are revealing why Chicagoans can expect to live longer than ever. More than 180 drawings created by famed artist Willem de Kooning are now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Plus, last week, chefs and celebrities from across the country came to Chicago for the annual James Beard Awards. We asked some of the visiting chefs where they ate while in town.

Thursday, June 18, 2026 Jun 18, 2026

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The Obama Presidential Center was dedicated today in a star-studded ceremony featuring everyone from former presidents to Grammy-winning artists. Chicago actor Harry Lennix is in town this weekend lending his booming voice to an orchestral performance. Illinois’ largest labor union, AFL-CIO, is putting off endorsing candidates running for office this fall. Nurses at Chicago’s Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital this week voted to unionize. Plus, a tropical plant from Southeast Asia has taken root in Chicago. Pandan is the new go-to ingredient for local chefs.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Jun 17, 2026

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A Hazardous Weather Outlook is in effect for parts of north central and northeast Illinois as well as northwest Indiana. The city of Chicago is cracking down on airbag thefts. The City Council passed a measure Wednesday making it unlawful to purchase airbags from anywhere other than a repair shop, recycling facility or original manufacturer. Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill this week so Medicaid recipients can still access healthcare. Plus, being a journalist requires conversational skills. Chicago Sun-Times arts reporter Ambar Colon is familiar with the qualifications and has been a journalist for a decade. But growing up, Ambar struggled to speak to anyone outside of her household. She was diagnosed with selective mutism at the age of five. Her journey is now being shared in a new documentary called "Selective Mutism: Getting The Word Out."

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