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Jared Rutecki

@jaredrutecki.bsky.social

5K followers 2K following 4.5K posts

Investigative Reporter at @wttw.bsky.social News/Chicago Tonight. Past life: Illinois Answers Project, BGA, Columbus Dispatch, ThisWeek News. I cover cops, courts, energy, health, finance, education, pensions etc. Prolific FOIA filer. He/him.

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Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 6h

The finalists for the Banchets, Chicago's respected local food awards, have been announced. And the finalists are …

The 2027 Finalists for Chicago's Local Food Awards, the Banchets

From bakeries to bars, sommeliers to young chefs, counter service to outstanding hospitality, Chicago's respected Banchets are back.

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

WTTW - Chicago PBS @wttw.bsky.social · 7h

The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage surpassed 7% for the first time since January 2025 last week. The Fed said the increase was necessitated by rising inflation, but it could spell bad news for an already strained housing market. to.wttw.com/3VYW9Zz

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 7h

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Sept. 30-Oct. 6: Bruce Hornsby, Steve Lacy, The Linda Lindas, DJ Shadow/Open Mike Eagle, Bright Eyes and more

Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Sept. 30-Oct. 6

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 7h

The Chicago White Sox received a letter from Pope Leo XIV on the day of their playoff opener against the Houston Astros.

White Sox Receive a Letter From Pope Leo XIV on Day of Playoff Opener

Pope Leo XIV is a White Sox fan dating to his days growing up in Chicago. He was known as Robert Prevost or Father Bob when he went to the World Series opener 21 years ago, a 5-3 White Sox victory ove...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 8h

Former Chicago Board of Education vice president Sendhil Revuluri is ending his campaign to become the board’s first-ever elected president, blaming “special-interest cash” for blocking out the “voices of real Chicagoans.”

Ex-Board VP Sendhil Revuluri Drops Out of Race to Become Chicago School Board President

Former Chicago Board of Education vice president Sendhil Revuluri is ending his campaign to become the board’s first-ever elected president, blaming “special-interest cash” for blocking out the “voice...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 8h

The North River Commission (NRC), a North Side nonprofit community and economic development corporation, is the latest organization to pilot the use of rat birth control in its service area.

Albany Park to Join Growing List of Chicago Communities Putting Rats on Birth Control

Last year, Chicago lost its unofficial title as America's “rattiest city." Now the push is on to see how low its ranking can go.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 9h

The study concludes that neighborhoods that include predominately Black, Latino, immigrant and working-class communities are disproportionately redistricted.

New Study Examines the Impact of Ward Redistricting in Chicago

The study, which tracks 100 years of ward redistricting in Chicago and Milwaukee, found that 15% of Chicago’s land has never changed wards.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 10h

Interest rate hikes: Mortgage rates could have a special impact on millennials, who make up a large portion of prospective homebuyers.

Mortgages Soar as Fed Hikes Interest Rates

The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage surpassed 7% for the first time since January 2025 last week, according to federal lender Freddie Mac. That’s after the Federal Reserve’s first rate hike sin...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

WTTW - Chicago PBS @wttw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

What's the best bar in Chicago to watch the Bears? Tell us why. Your response could be included in our newsletter, Daily Chicagoan. Subscribe here: to.wttw.com/4axsYlD

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

WTTW - Chicago PBS @wttw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Dozens of elected officials penned a letter Tuesday urging state regulators to reject Peoples Gas’ $144 million rate hike request and reform the company’s pipeline retirement program. to.wttw.com/4rAk0dS

Not ‘One More Cent’: Chicago-Area Elected Officials Rally Against Peoples Gas Rate Hike

Dozens of elected officials penned a letter Tuesday urging state regulators to reject Peoples Gas’ $144 million rate hike request and reform the company’s pipeline retirement program.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

A physicist at the University of Chicago and an environmental scientist at the University of Illinois are among the fellows chosen this year to receive the prestigious MacArthur “genius grant,” the MacArthur Foundation announced.

UChicago Physicist, U of I Environmental Scientist Awarded MacArthur ‘Genius Grants’

Vincenzo Vitelli, a physicist at the University of Chicago, and Kaiyu Guan, an environmental scientist at the University of Illinois, were among a group of 20 fellows chosen for this year’s MacArthur ...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Democrat Margaret Croke, a state rep from Chicago, and Republican Bryan Drew, an attorney from Benton, are competing to succeed incumbent Comptroller Susana Mendoza, a Chicago Democrat who's held the job since late 2016 but is forgoing a reelection bid to focus on a second campaign for mayor.

Replacing Mendoza: Candidates Vie to Be State’s First New Comptroller in a Decade

Republican Bryan Drew and Democratic Rep. Margaret Croke are running to succeed comptroller Susana Mendoza. The candidates differ on ways they’d use artificial intelligence, tackle the pension debt an...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

BREAKING: The Chicago City Council voted 32-15 Tuesday to require at least 30 alderpeople to vote to approve any plan to borrow more money in an attempt to make it harder for the city to taken on more debt. @wttw.bsky.social

Defying Mayor, City Council OKs Plan to Require 30 Votes to Take on New Debt

Chicago’s finances have long been out of whack, pinched by soaring pension costs, spiraling personnel costs and a massive amount of debt.

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

WTTW - Chicago PBS @wttw.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The Chicago City Council voted 46-3 Tuesday to allow Chicago’s parking meters to be sold to an investment firm after months of controversy that dredged up memories of the 2008 deal that continues to roil Chicago politics nearly two decades later. to.wttw.com/4hUfbZG

Chicago’s Parking Meters Have Been Sold, Again. Here’s What to Know

Here’s a breakdown of what it means that New York-based Stonepeak Partners is set to become the new owner of the city’s more than 36,000 meters.

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

BREAKING: The Chicago City Council voted 46-3 Tuesday to allow Chicago’s parking meters to be sold to an investment firm after months of controversy that dredged up memories of the 2008 deal that continues to roil Chicago politics nearly two decades later. @wttw.bsky.social

Chicago’s Parking Meters Have Been Sold, Again. Here’s What to Know

Here’s a breakdown of what it means that New York-based Stonepeak Partners is set to become the new owner of the city’s more than 36,000 meters.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Cubs, White Sox in post-season: Alex Cohen of Cubs Marquee Sports Network and Jeff Meller of ESPN Chicago joined “Chicago Tonight” to preview the series and the season ahead. Here are some things to look out for. ⚾

Cubs and White Sox Reached the Playoffs. Here’s What to Expect in the Wild Card Series

This marks the first time since 2020 that both Chicago teams made the postseason. Both teams will play their best-of-three Wild Card Series on the road starting Tuesday with the Cubs taking on the Pad...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

As a city task force explores the right guardrails on data centers, policymakers are shifting into gear as they work to catch up with the emerging industry.

Energy Benchmarks, Possible Moratorium Among the Topics Driving Chicago’s Data Center Discussion

Large, resource-intensive data centers have drawn increased public attention in recent years as their construction ramped up around the country. But in an urban environment like Chicago, data centers ...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Greetings from City Hall, where the Chicago City Council is set to meet for the third (3rd) time in six (6) days. The City Council is set to vote on the agreement to allow the city's 36,000 parking meters to be soldto a New York-based investment firm. Background, for @wttw.bsky.social:

‘Deal of the Century’: Sale of Chicago Parking Meters to Investment Firm Advances

“We have an opportunity to not only apologize to Chicagoans for the city’s past mistakes, but to back that apology with real, tangible benefits for taxpayers for the first time,” Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd ...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

New: Executive Director Jamie Rhee will collect an annual city taxpayer-funded pension of more than $213,000 while earning $350,000 to run NITA, according to records obtained by WTTW News. (my latest w/ @heathercherone.bsky.social)

Interim NITA Director Earning $350K Salary While Also Collecting $213K Annual City Pension, Records Show

When Jamie Rhee retired in April 2025 after nearly seven years as the commissioner of the Department of Aviation, serving three mayors, she was the city of Chicago’s highest paid employee, records sho...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

44 people applied to lead the Chicago Police Department, the president of the commission charged with picking CPD’s next top cop said. Applicants include current and former members of the Chicago Police Department, as well as candidates from outside of CPD.

44 People Apply to Be Chicago’s Next Police Superintendent: Commission

Applicants include current and former members of the Chicago Police Department, as well as candidates from outside of CPD, according to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

In the past six years alone Illinois has issued nearly $1 billion in film income tax credits under the program, shifting the tax burden onto the shoulders of state taxpayers to make up the difference.

Expanded Film Tax Credits Could Bring Billions to Illinois. Are Taxpayers Getting a Good Deal?

The state’s program put Illinois just behind California and New York in terms of incentives available to filmmakers.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

With the November election approaching, the Chicago Board of Elections and Cook County Clerk’s Office are looking for people to serve as poll workers on Election Day.

Chicago, Suburban Cook County Seeking Poll Workers for November Midterm Election

With the November election approaching, the Chicago Board of Elections and Cook County Clerk’s Office are looking for people to serve as poll workers on Election Day. Election judges must be a registe...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

WTTW - Chicago PBS @wttw.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The Obama Presidential Center Museum in Jackson Park drew more than 175,000 visitors, including visitors from 50 states and 39 countries, according to the Obama Foundation on Saturday. to.wttw.com/4789wcB

Obama Presidential Center Draws 175K Visitors in First 100 Days of Opening

The Obama Presidential Center Museum drew more than 175,000 visitors, including visitors from 50 states and 39 countries, according to the Obama Foundation. More than 61,000 visitors were Illinois res...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Records: A Chicago police officer who investigators say raped and beat his then 19-year-old girlfriend more than seven years ago should be fired, the agency tasked with investigating police misconduct and former Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling agreed.

Top Cop Agrees to Fire Officer Who Investigators Say Raped, Beat Teen Girlfriend: Records

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability determined that not only did Officer Alberto Rodriguez assault his 19-year-old girlfriend but he also held her against her will, conclusions endorsed by fo...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

BREAKING: The New York-based investment firm set to buy Chicago’s parking meters announced Monday it had sold an airline that has been carrying out deportations for the Trump administration, officials announced. @wttw.bsky.social

Firm Set to Buy Chicago’s Parking Meters Sells Airline That Carried Out Deportations

More than a dozen progressive members of the City Council said they would not vote in favor of the deal unless the firm sold Omni Air, threatening the completion of the deal involving the city’s 36,00...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Nearly a dozen current and former officials from south suburban Ford Heights have been arrested and charged with allegedly using municipal funds to pay for flights, hotels and exorbitant spending trips.

11 Current, Former Ford Heights Officials Charged With Using Public Funds for Private Travel

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office on Friday announced 79 felony charges against 11 current and former elected officials and employees of the village of Ford Heights.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Illinois has seen 23 confirmed measles cases this year, the Illinois Department of Public Health announced. The cases are mainly driven by an outbreak that began last month in Douglas and Moultrie counties.

23 Measles Cases Confirmed in Illinois This Year Amid Ongoing Outbreak

While the risk to Illinois residents remains “very low,” according to IDPH, health officials are reminding residents to make sure they are vaccinated against the disease in order to protect themselves...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

WTTW - Chicago PBS @wttw.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

A fair that brought the world to the South Side. Toys that changed how we play. Skyscrapers that transformed the skyline. An immigrant community that shaped the soul of the city. A new season of Chicago Stories premieres October 2. wttw.com/chicagostories #ChicagoStoriesWTTW

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The Chicago police officer who fired three shots on the 606 Bloomingdale Trail at a man he suspected of an attempted carjacking should be fired, the agency tasked with investigating police misconduct concluded. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)

CPD Officer Who Fired 3 Shots at Suspected Carjacker on 606 Trail Faces Firing: Records

It is unclear why the probe into the April 2021 shooting took more than five years to complete.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Chicago Tonight | Week in Review: Parking Meter Sale Advances; Cubs and Sox Clinch Playoff Spots, with @sdaniels27.bsky.social @heathercherone.bsky.social @mikepuentenews.bsky.social @michaeljliptrot.bsky.social & host @ndblumberg.bsky.social

Week in Review: Parking Meter Sale Advances; Cubs and Sox Clinch Playoff Spots

Chicago’s much-hated parking meter deal could get a little bit better. And should serious police discipline cases be heard behind closed doors?

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Lost my fantasy baseball championship by one strikeout. I may never recover.

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

ProPublica @propublica.org · 26/09/2026

Hey, ProPublica reporter Jake Pearson here. I’m taking over the account to tell you about my new story. For months, I posed as a problem gambler on DraftKings to test the company's "responsible gaming" safeguards. Spoiler alert: They made me a VIP — and I lost $10K. Here's how it all went down. 🧵

Selfie taken by ProPublica reporter Jake Pearson, a man wearing a backwards baseball cap and an orange T-shirt.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

On what would have been Laquan McDonald’s 29th birthday, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is reintroducing legislation that would incentivize the use of independent, impartial investigations into the use of deadly force by law enforcement officials.

On Laquan McDonald’s Birthday, Duckworth Reintroduces Bill Aiming to Prevent Police-Involved Deaths

On what would have been Laquan McDonald’s 29th birthday, U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is reintroducing legislation that would incentivize the use of independent, impartial investigations into the use of ...

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Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

NEW: A Chicago police sergeant and three officers repeatedly accused of improperly stopping and searching Black people should be suspended for a combined 180 days for their actions during three traffic stops, police officials agreed, records show. @wttw.bsky.social

Suspend CPD Officers, Sergeant Repeatedly Accused of Making Improper Traffic Stops for a Combined 180 Days: Police Brass

In all, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability has determined members of that tactical team violated department policy during 22 separate traffic stops, according to a WTTW News analysis of COPA...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

WTTW - Chicago PBS @wttw.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Preliminary medical findings released Friday are pointing to chronic gastrointestinal disease as a contributing factor in the deaths of two rescued beluga whales at Shedd Aquarium. to.wttw.com/46LJZpd

Tests Show Chronic Gastro Disease in 2 Rescued Belugas That Died at Shedd Aquarium

Preliminary medical findings released Friday are pointing to chronic gastrointestinal disease as a contributing factor in the deaths of two rescued beluga whales at Shedd Aquarium.

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

NEW: The proposal now heads to the full City Council Tuesday after a vote was blocked by supporters of the controversial agreement Friday morning.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Chicago’s City Council Finance Committee agreed to let the city’s parking meters be sold to an investment firm, with one powerful alderperson calling the deal a partial apology for the much-loathed 2008 meter sale.

‘Deal of the Century’: Sale of Chicago Parking Meters to Investment Firm Advances

“We have an opportunity to not only apologize to Chicagoans for the city’s past mistakes, but to back that apology with real, tangible benefits for taxpayers for the first time,” Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd ...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

The Chicago Federation of Labor and representatives from Amtrak held a news conference to tout the benefits of the proposed relocation of a South Side maintenance facility.

Amtrak, Labor Leaders Seek to Address Residents’ Concerns Over South Side Railyard Proposal

The $900 million project would move the Midwest Maintenance Facility to a dormant railyard along South Canal Street from 33rd to 35th streets, next to Rate Field. Amtrak officials have been met with p...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

WTTW - Chicago PBS @wttw.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The $900 million project would move the Midwest Maintenance Facility to a dormant railyard along South Canal Street from 33rd to 35th streets, next to Rate Field. to.wttw.com/46KgFzv

Amtrak, Labor Leaders Seek to Address Residents’ Concerns Over South Side Railyard Proposal

The $900 million project would move the Midwest Maintenance Facility to a dormant railyard along South Canal Street from 33rd to 35th streets, next to Rate Field. Amtrak officials have been met with p...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Days after local police said ICE agents detained a US citizen in suburban Evanston and left him injured on the ground, questions are swirling about what happened during the targeted enforcement operation gone awry — and the circumstances under which federal immigration officers can detain people.

What We Know After Officials Say ICE Detained a US Citizen and Left Him Injured in Evanston

Days after local police said Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained a U.S. citizen in suburban Evanston and left him injured on the ground, questions are swirling about what happened.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Arts Beat: Whether it’s an orchestra honoring great composers, an acclaimed play hitting an iconic theater, a director Q&A at an arthouse cinema, or a casual, art-filled neighborhood stroll, you have tons to choose from this weekend.

A Symphony and an Art Walk: 4 Arts Picks for Your Week

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

BREAKING: A key City Council panel agreed Thursday to allow Chicago’s parking meters to be sold to an investment firm as part of an agreement that a powerful alderperson said should serve as a partial apology for the much-loathed deal to sell the city’s meters in the first place. @wttw.bsky.social

‘Deal of the Century’: Sale of Chicago Parking Meters to Investment Firm Advances

“We have an opportunity to not only apologize to Chicagoans for the city’s past mistakes, but to back that apology with real, tangible benefits for taxpayers for the first time,” Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd ...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Enrollment across Chicago Public Schools has fallen by more than 11,000 students this academic year compared to last, according to district officials, who pointed to migration trends and declining birth rates as root causes for the decline.

CPS Enrollment Drops by 11K Students Amid Questions Over Possible Future School Closures

Chicago Public Schools CEO Macquline King said the district’s 20th day enrollment — which is typically used as the official student count in a given year — has fallen to 304,687 students in the 2026-2...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

BREAKING: Illinois Supreme Court justices pressed lawyers for the city of Chicago and its largest police union on Thursday about whether officers accused of serious misconduct must have their fates decided in public proceedings. @wttw.bsky.social

Illinois Supreme Court Set to Decide Whether Serious CPD Discipline Hearings Must Take Place in Public

The Supreme Court could decide the case that has frozen the system Chicago officials used for 60 years to hold accountable officers accused of the most egregious misconduct before the end of the year,...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The IL Supreme Court could decide by year’s end a case that has frozen Chicago’s 60-year-old system for holding officers accountable for the most egregious misconduct, potentially ending a two-year legal battle between the city and its largest police union. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)

Illinois Supreme Court Set to Decide Whether Serious CPD Discipline Hearings Must Take Place in Public

The Supreme Court could decide the case that has frozen the system Chicago officials used for 60 years to hold accountable officers accused of the most egregious misconduct before the end of the year,...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Mayor’s race: Chicago businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss his candidacy, city finances and public safety.

Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson on Hiring Police, Cutting Taxes and Balancing the Budget

Chicago businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson is throwing his hat in the ring for mayor of Chicago — his fourth bid for City Hall’s fifth floor. Wilson also ran for U.S. president in 2016 and f...

Reposted by Jared Rutecki

Heather Cherone @heathercherone.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

NEW: As the City Council's Finance Committee begins to consider the agreement to approve the sale of the city's parking meters to a New York-based investment firm, Chair Ald. Pat Dowell says today is a "historic day for Chicago." Background for @wttw.bsky.social:

Deal Reached to Sell Chicago Parking Meters to Investment Firm, Alderpeople Say

The deal requires Stonepeak to sell Omni Air International, which has a contract with the Trump administration to carry out deportations, according to the City Council members.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Healthcare providers and community health workers gathered at the South Shore Cultural Center to celebrate the formal launch of a citywide street psychiatry pilot program that aims to directly reach unhoused Chicagoans living with complex mental health needs.

Chicago Launches Street Psychiatry Pilot Program to Bring Care to Unhoused Patients

The city’s street psychiatry pilot program is administered by teams of specialized healthcare workers who engage with people at shelters, parks, encampments, CTA transit areas and other community loca...

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Chicago City Council approved plans to build nearly 200 new homes and set them aside for low- and moderate-income Chicagoans in Edgewater and Humboldt Park.

City Council Approves Plans for 200 Affordable Homes in Edgewater, Humboldt Park

The two long-in-the-works developments will get city subsidies totaling $57.6 million, including the first large chunk of funds from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s signature economic development effort.

Jared Rutecki @jaredrutecki.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The proposed change would prevent employers from cutting pay or benefits while allowing workers to earn overtime pay starting at 32 hours a week instead of 40.

New Bill Would Create a 32-Hour Workweek in the US. Here’s What to Know

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-California) reintroduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act. The bill has undergone several revisions since it was first introduced in 2...