WBEZ Reset (Chicago)

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is expanding its crisis intervention efforts on buses and trains, introducing 'safe ride specialists' to assist individuals in need of social services. This initiative aims to improve safety and the overall experience for passengers.

Nine Chicagoans are seeking accountability for alleged injuries caused by ICE agents during Operation Midway Blitz. This initiative follows accusations of violence and chaos during the operation, highlighting ongoing concerns about federal immigration enforcement.

Illinois has experienced more tornadoes than any other state in 2026, with one tornado reaching 105 mph and staying on the ground for 22 miles. Mayor Brandon Johnson is calling for new regulations to prevent pollution from data centers in Chicago, highlighting the need for environmental protections amidst the extreme weather.

Bally's has paused construction on its permanent casino in Chicago due to disputes over video gambling terminals. The city council's decision to allow video gambling has raised concerns about competition with the casino, potentially impacting its development.

A funeral home in South Chicago was found to have dozens of decomposing bodies, leading to public outrage and calls for increased oversight of funeral services. This incident has raised questions about regulatory failures in the industry.

Governor Pritzker signed a law allowing ride share drivers in Illinois to form a statewide union, a significant development for labor rights in the gig economy. This legislation aims to provide drivers with more negotiating power and protections.

An investigation into Bohemian National Cemetery revealed that many bodies found improperly stored were sent from the South Chicago Chapel, linking two disturbing incidents. This has prompted calls for better oversight of burial and funeral practices.

Four beluga whales have been rescued from a closed aquarium in Canada and transported to Chicago, where they will be cared for in a new facility. This operation highlights the efforts to protect marine life and provide better living conditions for these animals.

Dr. Selwyn Rogers, a trauma surgeon at the University of Chicago, discusses the impact of gun violence in Chicago and shares insights from his new book, 'Healing the Gun Violence Epidemic.' He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to address the root causes of gun violence and the importance of community engagement in preventing future incidents.

The Chicago Bears are expected to provide an update on their stadium plans, with speculation surrounding a potential move to Hammond, Indiana. Mayor Tom McDermott of Hammond indicated that the Bears would make an announcement, but details remain unclear as the team prepares for their preseason game.

Four female beluga whales are set to arrive at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago from a shuttered marine park in Canada, increasing the aquarium's beluga population to 16. The arrival is contingent on weather conditions, and there is no timeline yet for when the whales will be on public display.

The Department of Homeland Security plans to spend up to $20 million to equip ICE officers with a new weapon called 'glove,' which emits electrical shocks to subdue individuals. Concerns have been raised about the potential use of this device, especially in light of past incidents involving excessive force.

Chicago Public Schools faces a $732 million deficit and proposed layoffs to address it. However, recent changes in budget assumptions regarding revenue from special taxing districts and state funding have led to uncertainty about the district's financial future as school starts.

A charter school operator in Chicago has declared bankruptcy, marking a rare occurrence in the U.S. This situation has left over 500 students needing to transfer mid-year, raising questions about the financial management of charter schools and the fate of state investments.

A new law in Illinois allows rideshare drivers to unionize, aiming to improve working conditions and wages for over 100,000 drivers. The legislation includes provisions for a 4% charge to rideshare companies to support union costs.

The American Red Cross has declared a national blood shortage crisis for only the second time in its history, citing a 25% dip in blood supply due to various factors including extreme weather and summer vacations. Experts emphasize the importance of blood donations, highlighting that anyone could need blood at any time, and call for increased participation in donation efforts.

Severe thunderstorms have wreaked havoc across the Chicago area, with three tornadoes confirmed and hundreds of thousands left without power. The storms are part of a troubling trend, as Illinois approaches a record number of tornadoes for the year, raising concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather events.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order to temporarily halt new data center developments in Chicago while a task force evaluates the long-term strategy for these facilities. This decision comes amid growing public concern over the environmental impacts and rising utility costs associated with data centers.

A Texas woman has filed a potential class action lawsuit against a South Side funeral home after authorities discovered 56 human remains improperly stored. The lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns about the regulation of funeral homes and the need for accountability in the handling of human remains.

Former President Barack Obama is set to launch a new podcast that will feature discussions on significant literary works. The podcast aims to explore themes from selected books that have influenced him, adding another project to his post-presidency endeavors.