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City Cast Chicago

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What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

President Donald Trump is federalizing 300 National guard troops in Illinois. The move comes after weeks of threats and goes against the wishes of Gov. JB Pritzker. Pritzker announced the news Saturday, shortly before the White House did.

What does it mean to ‘federalize’ the National Guard?

Each state maintains its own Army National Guard and Air National Guard, all under the command of the governor. However, during emergencies, 

In this case, the White House says it’s sending troops to quell “ongoing violent riots and lawlessness” and “protect federal officers and assets.”

Who are the other federal officers in Chicago?

Over the last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has ramped up operations in Illinois as part of “Operation Midway Blitz.” 

When protests broke out Saturday in Brighton Park, 

 on the crowd. The previous day, agents dropped 

 at the ICE facility in Broadview, which is functioning as a 

What is the National Guard allowed to do?

 bars federal troops from participating in civilian law enforcement unless authorized by Congress. However, 

National Guard can also directly assist ICE

 when approved by the governor — that’s not happening here, as Pritzker continues to 

Under the Illinois TRUST Act, local police aren’t allowed to aid in federal immigration enforcement. But officers have been 

Earlier this summer, when Trump federalized and deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles, 

Trump federalized 200 members of the Oregon National Guard

 to be deployed to Portland. A federal judge initially blocked the move, but on Sunday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Trump is 

both the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois sued

 the Trump administration to prevent National Guard deployment.

We don’t know yet. We also don’t know when they’ll arrive, but rest assured we'll be updating you every morning in Hey Chicago.

here’s what to do if you encounter immigration agents

President Donald Trump is federalizing 300 National guard troops in Illinois. 

Federal Troops in Chicago? What We Know So Far

April 1 brings significant elections to many 

. But why should we in the city care? Let’s break it down.

 now, with their current mayor under fire for alleged financial mismanagement. 

Incumbent mayor Tiffany Henyard lost the Democratic

. House is up against independent candidate 

Staying in the Dolton vein, the Thornton Township Supervisor is up for reelection. The current supervisor is also Henyard, who can now only be elected as a write-in after failing to win the Democratic spot.

Illinois’ second-biggest city is Aurora. You might recognize incumbent 

 because he ran for governor in 2022 as the Republican candidate. Irvin is now running against Aurora 

Arlington Heights’ election is interesting because, well, they want something of ours. 

The candidates for mayor include Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director 

want to bring the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights

April 1 brings significant elections to many suburbs around Chicago. But why should we in the city care? Let’s break it down.

Your Guide to Chicago's Suburban Elections

Your Suburban Elections Cheat Sheet

What's being decided in Chicago City Hall and why it matters. We monitor local elections, political news, and Chicago City Council. 

Chicago Election and City Hall News

Local Civics

 saying in an appearance Feb. 10, “If you ain’t with us, you gotta go.” Some high-profile departures followed, but big vacancies in city government go back a few months.

Here’s what you need to know about the current state of city leadership.

Rosa Escareño announced Feb. 26 she’s stepping down as CEO of Chicago’s parks. Two days later, 

Johnson announced Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa would take over the role

The move leaves an open City Council seat in the 35th Ward in Logan Square, which Johnson will appoint. The leading candidate is 

retirement as aviation commissioner effective April 15

. Rhee was appointed in 2018, overseeing numerous projects at O’Hare and Midway.

It’s unclear who Johnson might tap for the role as he seeks to push a major O’Hare expansion.

Office of Emergency Management and Communications

Executive Director of OEMC Jose Tirado will transition out of his position

been planned since January when the Cook County State's Attorney's office offered him a position

Francisco Velez, Deputy District Chief and Special Events Liaison, will serve as interim executive director.

Andrea Kersten resigned from her role as chief administrator of COPA in February. Her departure came shortly after a civilian oversight panel discussed 

a ‘no confidence’ vote to remove her from office amid allegations of anti-police bias

It’s up to the mayor to appoint an interim chief administrator. But the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability 

has begun a nationwide search for a replacement

, WGN reported. It’s the first time this commission has appointed a COPA leader since it was created.

 at the end of January after almost 10 years of service. 

 were marked by service and safety complaints from riders along with questions about his pay and appearances before City Council.

Nora Leerhsen, an employee at CTA since 2014 and the chief of staff since 2018, 

stepped into the role as interim CTA president on Feb. 1

unanimously voted in December to fire CEO Pedro Martinez

. Martinez was accused by the Chicago Teachers Union of 

. He also clashed with Johnson over budget issues, WTTW reported.

Because he was fired without cause, Martinez’s contract allows him to remain in the position through the end of the school year. While Johnson will appoint a new leader, it’ll be up to a new partly elected school board to approve the choice.

 in November after nearly five years. Scott faced heavy criticism for 

leaving CHA properties vacant or in poor condition

 during Chicago’s housing crisis, Block Club reported.

 has been interim CEO since Scott’s withdrawal from office.

Here’s what you need to know about the current state of Chicago's leadership.

Is Mayor Brandon Johnson 'Cleaning House' in Chicago Government?

Spring Cleaning? Chicago's Mayor Has a Lot of People to Hire

It’s been just over a month since President Donald Trump took office, and he’s already gotten to work slashing budgets, firing workers, and more.

 in January threw Chicago nonprofits into a tailspin. But while that directive has been blocked and rescinded, here are other ways Chicago’s feeling the effects of Trump’s threatened and enacted funding cuts.

These are just a few sectors of the healthcare industry already seeing impacts:

Lurie Children’s Hospital and others are 

pausing gender care surgeries on patients younger than 19

 due to concerns about funding cuts for providers.

Chicago health researchers are also facing budget cuts. 

University of Illinois Chicago workers recently protested

, saying cuts could affect cancer and HIV research along with social services. 

A federal judge has blocked these cuts for now

Illinois temporarily lost access to Medicaid portals

. A White House spokesperson alluded to a technical outage on social media.

Trump plans to award roadway grants based on marriage and birth rates. Illinois is on the 

It’s expected that the federal funding for the 

 project should remain. It remains unclear how funding cuts could impact 

the O’Hare Airport expansion or other transportation projects

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides direct aid to Chicagoans and provides funding to the city through development grants, shelter support, and more.

Trump recently requested the review of 100 HUD programs in the U.S., including section 8, which could affect tens of thousands of low-income renters in Chicago. 

And the new leader of HUD, Scott Turner, is getting right to work

Plus, Trump’s policies could affect the private sector. 

One Chicago housing development recently scaled back 80% due to concerns over potential tariffs

. Mass deportations could shrink the homebuilding workforce.

Among those fired in a recent purge of federal employees were numerous Environmental Protection Agency workers in Chicago, 

some of whom were reinstated shortly after

. Cuts to this EPA office could affect oversight of pollution not only in Chicago but also in surrounding states. Great Lakes restoration is another potential target for cuts. But some hope Vice President and former Ohio Sen. 

JD Vance will continue to advocate for protection

New guidelines for arts grants prohibit federal money from going to programs that support “diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) that violate any applicable federal anti-discrimination laws.” The rules leave some 

Chicago artists worried they won’t get promised funds

👀 On top of all that, we’re still watching to see if the Trump administration slashes funding to sanctuary cities. 

 after targeting the city for immigration enforcement.

How Are Federal Cuts Impacting Chicago?

In Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address yesterday, he said raising taxes is not on the table. But the state has faced a deficit, is running out of pandemic funds, and President Donald Trump’s administration is making cuts.

So what exactly is Pritzker’s plan? Here are four takeaways from his speech.

In the fall, the state projected a $3 billion budget gap for the next fiscal year beginning in July. New estimates indicate the state will be pulling in more revenue than initially expected. Still, the governor is proposing to limit spending increases outside of health care, education, and pensions. Plus, there could still be 

 and fewer deductions for legal cannabis businesses, WTTW reported.

Pritzker said potential federal cuts could impact the following:

700,000 Illinoians will lose coverage if Congressional Republicans gut the Affordable Care Act. Rural hospitals could also close.

Around 70 meat and poultry facilities were negatively impacted after the Trump administration stopped funding food safety inspectors for nearly a month.

, which helps feed seniors and those with disabilities, is on the chopping block. The program serves 100,000 people in Illinois.

Health Care: Making Cuts and Lowering Costs

Pritzker is proposing to eliminate a program that provides medical coverage for noncitizens ages 42-64. The governor faced significant pushback when 

Other proposals, such as a plan to forgive medical debt and a Prescription Drug Affordability Act, seek to lower health care costs for Illinoisans. If passed, the prescription drug law would target pharmacy benefit managers. These middlemen negotiate drug costs with pharmaceutical companies, and 

they are tied to chain pharmacies and insurance companies

Pritzker’s proposal would give the state the ability to audit pharmacy benefit managers. 

A separate bill reintroduced earlier this year

 would create a drug affordability board that could cap high prices.

While Pritzker’s proposal closes the state’s budget gap, the governor did not talk about plans to stave off a $770 million fiscal cliff facing Chicagoland’s regional transit agencies.

 along with the Regional Transportation Authority. A new proposal emerged earlier this month 

to give RTA more power over the other agencies

Read the full budget address here 📝

Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivered his budget address for the new fiscal year, which begins in July. Here are four takeaways from that address.

What's in Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's 2026 Budget?

Four Takeaways From Pritzker’s Budget Address 

After nearly 65 hours of deliberation, a jury delivered partial and mixed verdict Wednesday in the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the Sun-Times reports.

he was found guilty on several counts of bribery and wire fraud

. The jury found Madigan not guilty or delivered no verdict on racketeering conspiracy and other counts. No verdict was delivered against co-defendant and longtime Madigan confidant Mike McClain.

Federal prosecutors argued Madigan was behind several schemes, including arranging sham jobs at ComEd for his allies in exchange for favorable legislation, soliciting bribes from AT&T, and using his position to steer business to his private property tax firm.

The Southwest Sider held sway over Illinois politics for decades

, rising from ward committeeperson to state representative to house speaker. He was the poster child for 

, known for rewarding his allies and punishing his enemies.

But Madigan’s attorneys argued that none of Madigan’s actions in office amounted to solicitation or bribery, painting a picture of a hardworking lawmaker. 

On Wednesday morning, the jury told the judge they had reached a unanimous decision on 17 counts but were deadlocked on another 12, creating the partial verdict.

The counts Madigan has been convicted of relate to his dealings with ComEd and efforts to secure a state board seat for former Chicago alderperson-turned-federal mole Danny Solis. The not guilty and deadlocked counts related to AT&T and certain property parcels in Chicago.

previously convicted in 2023 along with three other former ComEd higher-ups

It’s unclear what kind of prison time the 82-year-old Madigan could face. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

While the trial lasted a whopping four months, Madigan’s troubles go all the way back to FBI raids in 2019 and official charges in 2022. His conviction is the latest and biggest in a string of recent corruption trials in Chicago, including 

The four-month corruption trial of the former Illinois house speaker ended with the jury deadlocking on several counts.

Madigan Found Guilty of Bribery, Wire Fraud in Mixed Verdict

The state of Illinois might be holding onto your forgotten cash. Ahead of 

 Saturday, here’s what you need to know and how to get your money back.

money you might not have collected from a business or government office

. It can be from bank accounts, payroll checks, utility refunds, uncashed checks, safe deposit boxes, and more.

The amount ranges: City Casters have gotten $5 back from college barista days and more than $100 from old car insurance.

The state holds more than $5 billion in unclaimed property

, the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office shared earlier this month.

Last year, the state returned almost $299 million in missing money, with the average amount of a claim being $902.

. Since new properties are added weekly, it’s worth regularly checking. 

Try different spellings and old addresses

see if you have unclaimed properties there

National Unclaimed Property Day is Saturday. Unclaimed property is money you might not have collected from a business or government office.

How to Find Unclaimed Property in Illinois

Do You Have Forgotten Money in Illinois? Here's How to Claim It

Tips and tricks for living your best Chicago life, by locals, for locals.

Chicago Life Hacks

Chicago’s new school board will be inaugurated Wednesday as CPS CEO Pedro Martinez is on the way out and as contract negotiations continue with the Chicago Teachers Union.

The 21-person board will consist of 10 members Chicagoans voted for in the fall and 11 members appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson. Those appointees live in opposite subdistricts of the elected members.

The hybrid body will be in place until the board is fully elected in 2027.

hiring and firing the CPS CEO and approving the district budget

Despite being backed by CTU, the former educator has 

 and opposed a short-term loan to cover CPS’ operating costs.

The Dunning resident has served on the Dever Elementary School Local School Council and 

The CTU-backed community organizer and Rogers Park resident won the 

city’s most expensive school board race

The retired teacher and former CTU staffer will remain on the board after Johnson first appointed her in the fall after the 

 amid tension between the mayor and CPS CEO and over budget concerns.

the Humboldt Park native supports school choice

Chicago’s new 21-person school board will be inaugurated Wednesday.

local politics

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

Federal Troops in Chicago? What We Know So Far

Your Suburban Elections Cheat Sheet

Latest articles

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

Federal Troops in Chicago? What We Know So Far

Your Suburban Elections Cheat Sheet

Spring Cleaning? Chicago's Mayor Has a Lot of People to Hire

How Are Federal Cuts Impacting Chicago?

Four Takeaways From Pritzker’s Budget Address

Madigan Found Guilty of Bribery, Wire Fraud in Mixed Verdict

Latest articles

Spring Cleaning? Chicago's Mayor Has a Lot of People to Hire

How Are Federal Cuts Impacting Chicago?

Four Takeaways From Pritzker’s Budget Address

Madigan Found Guilty of Bribery, Wire Fraud in Mixed Verdict

Do You Have Forgotten Money in Illinois? Here's How to Claim It

Chicago Gets a New School Board (Again)

CTA President Dorval Carter Leaves to Lead West Side Hospital