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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.

On this episode of "Week in Review," we cover the Indiana gambling case, the Bears’ 2026 schedule release and the Bulls landing the No. 4 draft pick. We also look at Jim’s Original moving after 85 years and Chicago Fire FC’s new McDonald’s Park stadium name. Plus, Cole Kmet joins Cop on a Rooftop, a White Sox phenom goes one on one and more top stories from around Chicago.

On Episode 13 of The Offseason Cassie Carlson, Dan Wiederer and Anthony Herron break down the Bears 2026 schedule. Are Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams ready for the toughest schedule in the NFL? Also, what does the panel think of the Bears under the bright lights, playing 7 primetime games? Plus, they go through some schedule storylines including what week will Logan Jones be the starting center, will Caleb Williams or Josh Allen have better MVP odds, and will the Bears have more takeaways or sacks this season? Finally, they give their record predictions for the Bears! 

What will the Bears have to do to dominate their division in 2026? We dive in. 

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.

The Bears have released their schedule for the 2026 season. Here's our predictions for the first six games.

The Bears' first matchup of the 2026 season will be against the Carolina Panthers.

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.

Chicago Public Schools is facing a major budget shortfall, with possible cuts to teaching staff as district leaders and education advocates push Springfield for more funding.  At the same time, debates continue over state spending priorities, including legislation tied to a proposed Bears stadium project.  Here to weigh in is Hal Woods with Chicago Kids First. 

 In recent years, the plant-based substance Kratom has surged in popularity across the U.S.  It's raising questions about safety, regulation, and how it should be treated under the law.  Kasey Chronis explores what it is, and the growing legal debate. 

Community violence intervention groups are en route to Springfield.  They're pushing lawmakers to keep supporting efforts they say are working to drive down shootings and homicides across Illinois.  Teny Gross is with the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago is joining us to share more.