Politics

An unprecedented amount of mid-decade reshaping of congressional districting will likely have a big influence on the 2026 midterm elections and beyond. A Northwestern University professor joined us to break it all down.

Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed BUILD plan is sparking a growing battle over housing — and local control — in Illinois.

There's a crackdown on teen takeovers in Washington D.C. Today, the U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro announced that her office will be prosecuting parents if their children are participating in takeovers. It's something some alders also want to do, and I asked Mayor Brandon Johnson about it too.

A recommendation about whether to free Larry Hoover is now on Governor JB Pritzker’s desk.  Hoover is serving a life sentence after being convicted as the former leader of the gangster disciples.  The Illinois Prisoner Review Board held a clemency hearing for hoover on April 7. And the board now confirms that its recommendations had been sent to Pritzker.  Joining us on Zoom is Larry Hoover Jr.

 A local church is stepping beyond the church walls and providing a whole lot of help and hope to Chicagoland families.  Living Word Christian Center is hosting “Good Neighbor Day,” a nationwide day of service tomorrow.  They're going to have a food and clothing distribution, health and fitness support, financial literacy workshops and more!  Here to tell us all about it is Melody Winston, Senior Executive with Living Word Christian Center, and related entities.

 Illinois lawmakers and local officials are weighing the potential impact of the proposed BUILD Act.  It's a wide-ranging housing and zoning bill that could reshape how development decisions are made across the state.  Supporters say it would speed up housing construction, reduce permit delays, and help with making homes more affordable.  But some suburban leaders are raising concerns about local control and how the changes would impact the character of established neighborhoods.  Here to weigh in is president of the DuPage mayor and managers conference and Roselle Mayor David Pileski.

 Lawmakers, public health experts, and community leaders are highlighting new research on overdose prevention sites and pushing for one to be established on Chicago’s West Side.  Many say this could help save lives and connect people to treatment.  One of the local lawmakers behind the push is State Representative La Shawn Ford of the 8th district.

A recommendation about whether to free Larry Hoover is now on Governor JB Pritzker’s desk.  Hoover is serving a life sentence after being convicted as the former leader of the gangster disciples.  The Illinois Prisoner Review Board held a clemency hearing for hoover on April 7. And the board now confirms that its recommendations had been sent to Pritzker.  Joining us on Zoom is Larry Hoover Jr.

President Trump returns to the U.S. after meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting new trade agreements and discussing tensions over Iran and Taiwan.

State Sen. Ram Villivalam discusses a proposed measure designed to address rising auto insurance rates in Illinois and expand coverage for more drivers.

Nearly a year after a controversial federal immigration raid at a South Shore Apartment Complex, 18 residents are now taking steps toward suing the federal government. They allege agents used excessive force, unlawfully entered apartments, and caused lasting physical and emotional trauma during the operation.  Joining us now to break down the case and where it goes from here is Pablo Moreno, staff attorney with Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, also known as MALDEF.

In North Chicago, a decision to close two high-performing elementary schools sparked major pushback and questions about how the process was handled.  Now, the Illinois State Board of Education has stepped in, reversing the local district’s move and allowing learn 6 and learn 10 to remain open.  Joining us now is Greg White, President and CEO of Learn.

Nearly a year after a controversial federal immigration raid at a South Shore Apartment Complex, 18 residents are now taking steps toward suing the federal government. They allege agents used excessive force, unlawfully entered apartments, and caused lasting physical and emotional trauma during the operation.  Joining us now to break down the case and where it goes from here is Pablo Moreno, staff attorney with Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, also known as MALDEF.