The Rundown | Chicago News

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

The National Weather Service has issued a new report on two back-to-back extreme weather events from this summer. Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health shows hospitalizations creeping up for COVID and influenza, while RSV admissions were steady from week to week. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and its nonprofit parent organization rolled out a new logo and rebrand on Thursday.

Plus, on Chicago’s South Side, 78th Street from South Shore Drive to Coles Avenue has now officially been designated as “Doctor Donda West Way.” The dedication ceremony was this week. 

A Cook County Board committee has deferred a vote on a resolution that would authorize an independent review of the county jail. Some residents in the Lincoln Park neighborhood are fed up with the demolition of historic homes. The White Sox and Cubs have a chance to clinch a playoff spot Wednesday night.

Plus, for the first time, the Chicago school board will be fully elected. All 20 members, plus a president, will be chosen in the November election. WBEZ helped create a comprehensive CPS School Board voter guide out this week.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is losing a pillar in the city’s first line of defense against the Trump administration. Illinois’ top law enforcement official is touting a federal court order that will protect health, education and social services for low-income families regardless of immigration status. Another beluga whale has died at Shedd Aquarium after being transferred from the shuttered Marineland aquarium in Canada. 

A new book details the life and legacy of the Gay Sisters, a family group who shaped the Gospel music genre. The singers are best known for their 1951 hit record "God Will Take Care of You," which was later recorded by Aretha Franklin. Behind the book are record label founder Steven Dolins and Pastor Gregory Donald Gay, the younger brother of the singing group.