iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

WBEZ @wbez.org · 10h

The team gave the Lady Phoenix a dolly full of brand new equipment: cleats, pads, helmets, sports bras and more.

wbez.org

Bears surprise North Lawndale College Prep girls flag football team with equipment, gear

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 12h

The group donned blue mariachi suits and bows with the Bears colors and logo to perform a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," marking the first time a mariachi band played the national anthem in Chicago Bears history.

wbez.org

Move over, Case Keenum: Mariachi Herencia de Mexico is having a moment

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 14h

In an open letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson, Arts Alliance lllinois says that even in a tough budget cycle, “The arts should be a key part of Chicago’s FY2027 economic strategy.”

wbez.org

Arts group seeks $15 million boost in cultural grants from city

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 16h

Ensemble members Ericka Ratcliff and David Catlin have been named co-artistic directors, while Schwimmer will take on a job as producing director.

wbez.org

Lookingglass Theatre announces new leadership, including permanent role for David Schwimmer

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 18h

On 10/18, join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of “The Selfish Gene.” Dawkins and Chicago Booth's Nicholas Epley will explore the world-famous ideas that established his name at 35 and changed the life sciences forever. Tickets at: mrf.lu/20xN9

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 20h

On 10/14, Michael Lewis goes inside DOGE in “Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State.” Hear how seven public servants stood their ground when their jobs were and what such reform could dictate the future. Get Tickets: mrf.lu/205MC

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 21h

The former school board vice president says he doesn’t want to try to keep up with the flood of money from special interest groups and their messaging “that’s completely unrelated to student success.”

wbez.org

CPS School Board candidate Sendhil Revuluri drops out, making it a three-way race

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 22h

The Chicago author and artist said it took her 12 years to write “Life Out of Order,” which expands her multiverse and introduces a new cast of time-jumping protagonists.

wbez.org

Audrey Niffenegger gives ‘The Time Traveler’s Wife’ a second life in new, generation-spanning sequel

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23h

Now in its 25th year, the awards recognize excellence in categories like Restaurant of the Year, Best Hospitality and Best Counter Service.

wbez.org

These Chicago chefs and restaurants are finalists for the Banchet Awards, the top local food honor

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 30/09/2026

A $30 painting purchased at a Michigan estate sale over the summer turned out to be a historic Gertrude Abercrombie piece originally completed in 1951 for a Chicago alderman. The expected price tag at auction? Over $150,000.

wbez.org

Gertrude in a garage: A $30 Michigan estate sale find heads to major art auction Thursday

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 30/09/2026

Keenum delivered an overwhelming argument to keep the job for another week, and whether that’s fair to Bagent isn’t part of the equation. All that matters is winning, and the Bears can’t overlook a Jets team that, while still early in a rebuild, has a decent defense.

chicago.suntimes.com

Bears 3rd-string Case Keenum leaves no doubt he should start vs. Jets, even with Tyson Bagent healthy

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 29/09/2026

New York investment firm Stonepeak Partners’ gets to acquire Chicago parking meters after Council leaders brokered a compromise to sweeten the sour deal for the city.

wbez.org

City Council signs off on $2.5B parking meter sale — after making it a little better

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 29/09/2026

A number of high-profile injuries at the start of the 2026 NFL season have revived conversations and concerns about the danger of tackle football. Say More spoke with a sports neurologist and a representative from the Illinois High School Association about the risks and rewards of youth football.

wbez.org

Would you let your kids play tackle football?

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 29/09/2026

University of Illinois scientist Kaiyu Guan’s research is focused on making sure the world’s food systems are resilient enough to keep pace with ever-growing demand.

wbez.org

Illinois environmental scientist wins prestigious 'genius grant'

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 29/09/2026

Vincenzo Vitelli's work focuses on a new way of thinking of collections of "agents" — such as robots — as a form of material.

wbez.org

University of Chicago theoretical physicist honored as MacArthur Fellow

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 29/09/2026

The $1.3 million project will bring a first-in-the-city pedestrian-activated "hybrid beacon" to the five-way intersection at Ridge, Wayne and Hollywood avenues in Edgewater. Other improvements include realigning the intersection and accessible pedestrian signals for the visually impaired.

wbez.org

New crosswalk beacon, other signal upgrades intended to make Ridge Avenue intersection safer

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 29/09/2026

Steppenwolf ensemble members Glenn Davis and Namir Smallwood deliver an intimate, entertaining repartee as conning brothers.

wbez.org

Review: Steppenwolf’s intense “Topdog/Underdog” gives a layered look at a sibling rivalry

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 29/09/2026

Corn mazes, cider doughnuts, petting zoos and plenty of u-pick apples (as well as sunflowers, raspberries and pumpkins in some cases) await at farms in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin within driving distance of Chicago.

wbez.org

Apple-picking 2026: Your guide to 9 orchards in Illinois and beyond

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 28/09/2026

Mäkelä and the CSO stumbled a bit out of the gate Thursday during Sibelius’ Symphony No. 7 but the maestro delivered when it came to the main attraction.

wbez.org

Review: Klaus Mäkelä brings forth the innately raw, edgy intensity of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 4

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 28/09/2026

It's the president's first appearance in Illinois since winning reelection in 2024. He presented the Presidents Cup trophy to the winning U.S. team.

wbez.org

Trump says U.S. is doing ‘better than ever before’ at Presidents Cup golf tournament in suburban Medinah

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 28/09/2026

Climate disasters could spur mass migration to places like Illinois. How would the state handle that? WBEZ's Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco reports on what's being done now to prepare for the possibility.

wbez.org

Illinois passed the nation’s first climate migration law. The effort has languished since

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 27/09/2026

As part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill," refugees no longer will be eligible after Wednesday for Medicaid, a state-federal program that provides health insurance coverage to low-income households and people with disabilities.

wbez.org

For Syrian refugee with genetic disorder in suburban Chicago, looming Medicaid cutoff has his parents worried

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 26/09/2026

Rising fuel prices are pushing airfare skyward — meaning travelers will need to plan even earlier for holiday trips.

wbez.org

As oil prices rise, so will airfare for holiday travelers, experts say

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 26/09/2026

By filing his intent with the city clerk’s office to call for a vote on both proposed ordinances, one of them crafted by him, Ald. Gilbert Villegas is starting a clock on negotiations and signaling to his opposition that he believes his ordinance has the votes to pass without further compromise.

wbez.org

Dueling renters protection measures slated for a City Council vote Tuesday

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 26/09/2026

In a unanimous decision, the state's high court rejected Uber's argument that the woman's claims for damages in her lawsuit against the ride-share company be settled by arbitration instead of a jury.

wbez.org

Illinois Supreme Court sides with widow of killed Uber rider in wrongful death case

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 26/09/2026

Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s Hospital have a new game room sponsored by Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey.

wbez.org

Josh Giddey, Bulls unveil new game room at Ronald McDonald House

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 25/09/2026

The Moth Mainstage season tour is reaching new heights on 12/5 at The Auditorium! Join us and The Moth for TIGHTROPE, an evening of true stories about what happens when there's no clear path—only the courage to keep moving forward. Tickets at: mrf.lu/2mHqT

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 25/09/2026

Enrollment had stabilized — even increasing briefly — with an influx of immigrant students in 2023 and 2024. But the trend proved short-lived. CPS enrollment has been on the decline for more than two decades.

wbez.org

CPS enrollment drops again amid low birth rates and immigrant fears

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 25/09/2026

Asylum was historically hard to obtain but since Trump returned to office, a shake-up at immigration courts in Chicago and across the country has put judges under pressure to deny asylum petitions.

wbez.org

It’s now nearly impossible to get asylum in Chicago immigration court

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 25/09/2026

Just over 140 miles west of Chicago, Clinton has seized on the power of outdoor exhibitions to attract visitors and instill pride in the locals.

wbez.org

Reviving a 19th-century lumber hub through art in Clinton, Iowa

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 25/09/2026

On 10/17, we’re giving Nosferatu a second life with a live original score by Chicago local Circuit Des Yeux, feat. Alan Sparhawk. This one-night-only performance serves as the perfect sonic counterpart to Count Orlok’s shadow. Tickets: mrf.lu/2mfy7

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 25/09/2026

A survey by My Block, My Hood, My City reveals that young people are also contending with a lack of businesses and mental health resources in their communities on the South and West sides.

wbez.org

Chicago teens want more jobs and businesses in their neighborhoods, survey shows

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 25/09/2026

The Cubs and Sox, who last made the postseason together in the 2020 COVID-shortened season, both clinched playoff berths Thursday. It's the first time that's happened on the same day.

wbez.org

What do I need to know about the Chicago Cubs and White Sox both being in the MLB playoffs?

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 25/09/2026

The two-story, 458-foot long entry pavilion threatens to visually overpower the landmark museum's historic entrance and great lawn.

wbez.org

Griffin MSI’s new design must go back to the drawing board: ‘Carbuncle in the park’

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

About a month after she died, work from the wildly popular avant-garde artist is on view in Chicago, alongside two of her trailblazing art-world peers, Mary Bauermeister and Niki de Saint Phalle.

wbez.org

Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms return to Chicago this fall at Wrightwood 659

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

CPS enrollment has been on the decline for more than two decades. This year's drop of 11,500 students, one of the largest one-year drops in more than a decade, comes amid the federal immigrant deportation campaign. The biggest enrollment drops came in predominately Latino neighborhoods.

wbez.org

Chicago Public Schools enrollment drops by more than 11,000, accelerating downward trend

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

Fall's dance card is filled with action and surprises — from immersive works, to those that require content warnings to a full piece set to the iconic music of Leonard Cohen. Read on for our recommendations.

wbez.org

We’re stepping into dance season. Here are 8 performances to see this autumn.

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

The What’s Funny Comedy Festival, which Lil Rel cofounded with his former manager Knowledge Beckom, runs through Saturday.

wbez.org

Comedian Lil Rel on why he chose his native Chicago for his next comedy special and a weeklong laugh fest

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

We’re heading to three theaters to see two world premieres and one Chicago premiere. Oh, and did we mention the tickets are discounted?

wbez.org

WBEZ’s Theater Club returns for the fall season to see new productions at TimeLine, Raven, Northlight

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

Biggs was fired from her job as principal of Burke Elementary and put on the Chicago Public Schools’ "Do Not Hire" list in 2018. Now, with that employment ban overturned, she’s running for the school board’s top position.

wbez.org

Chicago School Board member Jessica Biggs faces scrutiny over 2018 firing as she runs for president's seat

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

Zayd Ayers Dohrn’s new play “The Humanities," premiering at Victory Gardens, feels like it is afraid to truly examine the subjects at the heart of debate.

wbez.org

Review: ‘The Humanities’ looks away from the campus culture wars it purports to interrogate

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

Move over CSO, it's now officially the Chicago Symphony as part of a rebrand that also includes a new logo and new uniforms for ushers.

wbez.org

CSO debuts new logo, bold red usher uniforms in next-generation rebrand

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 24/09/2026

The questions that emerge here go much deeper than siblings having a difference of opinion. Lank wants to see Black people have a real stake in Detroit while Chelle believes the inheritance and home their parents left behind is itself a legacy.

wbez.org

Review: eta Creative Arts Foundation's staging of ‘Detroit 67’ examines conflict between two siblings amid the backdrop of civil unrest

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23/09/2026

Biggs was fired from her job as principal of Burke Elementary and put on Chicago Public Schools’ ‘Do Not Hire’ list in 2018. Now, with that employment ban overturned, she’s running for the school board’s top position.

wbez.org

Chicago School Board member Jessica Biggs faces scrutiny over 2018 firing as she runs for president's seat

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23/09/2026

With a growing number of experts warning of a potential AI doomsday for humanity, the governor's cabinet will evaluate risks and potential regulations.

wbez.org

Gov. JB Pritzker assembling Illinois Artificial Intelligence Cabinet to assess AI threats

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23/09/2026

Parents and other members of a Local School Council are asking Chicago Public Schools to sanction an organization that they say violated the district’s rules by electioneering at a back-to-school festival on school grounds.

wbez.org

As school board election nears, CPS parents incensed by political group at school event

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23/09/2026

The actor Martin Starr and musicians and identical twins Ezra and Adeev Potash cofounded Sweet Stash last fall with an additive-free gummy with the complex flavor and texture dimension of candies they discovered over years of globe-trekking.

wbez.org

A trio of candy-obsessed artists relocate its Wonka-esque gummy production to Chicago

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23/09/2026

The idea is simple: Once a week, a group of kids and parents bike to school together. It's a replacement for driving to school or taking the bus. Parents say people ride for safety in numbers, to socialize and to push back against the city's car-centric culture.

wbez.org

Instead of driving to school, more kids are taking the 'bike bus'

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23/09/2026

From hot dogs and brats to saucy Coneys, get to know the Midwest’s signature encased meats in our limited series “Curious Midwest.”

wbez.org

Milwaukee, Detroit or Chicago: Which city has the best encased meats?

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WBEZ @wbez.org · 23/09/2026

The new computer-aided dispatch system will operate alongside the older system “in order to maintain and ensure Chicago’s public safety infrastructure,” Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office said on Tuesday.

wbez.org

OEMC begins rollout of new 911 dispatch system despite concerns from City Council members

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