Family seeks answers after vendor detained by ICE

We’re hearing from the family of a 68-year-old tamale vendor who was detained by federal agents while working on a Chicago street corner. They say they have not been able to reach him and are worried about his health.  Leslie Moreno spoke with his son to find out what’s happening.

Holiday travel rush taking off

The holiday travel rush is about to start this weekend.  Chicago’s airports are expecting nearly 4.8 million travelers between now and January 5th, which is about 6 percent more than last year.

City Council passes a 2026 budget

City Council approved the so-called alternative revenue ordinance by a 29 to 19 vote.  It closes a nearly 1 point $2 billion gap by legalizing video gambling terminals in bars and restaurants, selling of debt to collectors, and institute a host of new revenue items like a new cloud computing tax. 

Meat in a cup? Chipotle launches new high-protein option

Chipotle is expanding its menu with new high protein snack cups, featuring chicken or steak, and the company’s Chief Brand Officer joins us to explain the move. While some fans are calling it “meat in a cup,” Chipotle says the new snack cups are designed to give customers a simple, protein focused option.

3I/ATLAS closest to Earth today: Avi Loeb explains what’s unusual

The mysterious object 3I/ATLAS is making its closest pass to Earth today, and astrophysicist Avi Loeb joins us to discuss the latest developments. Loeb highlights several unusual features, including an anti-tail jet pointing toward the sun and a rotation axis also closely aligned with the sun. While he says 3I/ATLAS is most likely a natural object, he emphasizes that it is extremely rare and unlike anything typically observed.

En Pointe: The making of the Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker

We go en pointe with the Joffrey Ballet for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Nutcracker, one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday performances. We speak with cast members and choreographers about what it takes to bring the Joffrey’s special Chicago version of The Nutcracker to life. From rehearsals and choreography to costumes and storytelling, we explore the work behind the scenes that shapes this production.

CTA has 90 days to make a better security plan

 Federal transit officials are ordering the CTA to submit a new, tougher safety plan within 90 days or risk losing a quarter of its federal operating funds, citing failures to meaningfully address crime on the system.