Jared Rutecki
@jaredrutecki.bsky.social
Investigative Reporter at WTTW 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.
Pinned
‘Just Violence, Confusion’: Federal Immigration Raids Also Bring Fear to Suburban Streets
As national attention focused on Chicago, federal immigration agents carried out a wave of raids across the suburbs, sparking outrage and fear in communities including Aurora and Evanston. Local leade...
news.wttw.com
“Imagine dropping your kids off and wondering if it’s the last time you’ll see them.”
From Waukegan to Evanston to Aurora, suburban families are living in fear as ICE raids escalate.
My latest story explores the toll.
From Waukegan to Evanston to Aurora, suburban families are living in fear as ICE raids escalate.
My latest story explores the toll.
Bears bears bears bears bears
November 28, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Bears bears bears bears bears
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Here’s what is open and closed this Thanksgiving, along with a travel forecast from the experts at AAA auto club.
https://to.wttw.com/3M1RdOY
https://to.wttw.com/3M1RdOY
What’s Open on Thanksgiving? Not Much, as Many Stores Rest Ahead of Black Friday
Most big U.S. retailers are closed on Thanksgiving Day. However, many will open early the following day, Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday gift-buying season and the biggest shopping d...
to.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Here’s what is open and closed this Thanksgiving, along with a travel forecast from the experts at AAA auto club.
https://to.wttw.com/3M1RdOY
https://to.wttw.com/3M1RdOY
“We will continue to work closely with our justice-system partners to assess current procedures and determine whether additional safeguards or policy adjustments are warranted. The Office of the Chief Judge remains committed to fairness, accountability and the highest standards of public trust.”
Cook County Chief Judge Launches Review After Man on Pretrial Release Charged in CTA Arson Attack
Cook County Chief Judge Tim Evans said his office is “reviewing all actions” after a Chicago man who had been out on pretrial release allegedly doused a woman in gasoline and lit her on fire on board ...
news.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:36 PM
“We will continue to work closely with our justice-system partners to assess current procedures and determine whether additional safeguards or policy adjustments are warranted. The Office of the Chief Judge remains committed to fairness, accountability and the highest standards of public trust.”
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
To help cope with what they call “unprecedented circumstances,” the Cook County Board of Review announced that everyone who lives in a Cook County township that’s already closed its 2025 property tax appeal window will have another shot to file.
https://to.wttw.com/4onauaS
https://to.wttw.com/4onauaS
November 26, 2025 at 7:28 PM
To help cope with what they call “unprecedented circumstances,” the Cook County Board of Review announced that everyone who lives in a Cook County township that’s already closed its 2025 property tax appeal window will have another shot to file.
https://to.wttw.com/4onauaS
https://to.wttw.com/4onauaS
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
BREAKING from New York Times: Northwestern is nearing a $75 million deal with the Trump administration to free up federal funding and close out ongoing antisemitism investigations
The find would be the second largest after Columbia's $200m payment www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
The find would be the second largest after Columbia's $200m payment www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
Northwestern University Nears Deal to Resolve Its Conflict With the White House
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:08 PM
BREAKING from New York Times: Northwestern is nearing a $75 million deal with the Trump administration to free up federal funding and close out ongoing antisemitism investigations
The find would be the second largest after Columbia's $200m payment www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
The find would be the second largest after Columbia's $200m payment www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis wrote the footnote in a 223-page opinion issued last week, noting that the practice of using ChatGPT to write use-of-force reports undermines agents’ credibility and “may explain the inaccuracy of these reports.”
Judge’s Footnote on Immigration Agents Using AI in Chicago Area Raises Accuracy and Privacy Concerns
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis wrote the footnote in a 223-page opinion issued last week, noting that the practice of using ChatGPT to write use-of-force reports undermines agents’ credibility and “ma...
news.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:09 PM
U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis wrote the footnote in a 223-page opinion issued last week, noting that the practice of using ChatGPT to write use-of-force reports undermines agents’ credibility and “may explain the inaccuracy of these reports.”
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
The Chicago Park District's budget proposal for next year includes a new fieldhouse, turning a toxic waste site into a lakefront park and plans to address homelessness.
Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joined “Chicago Tonight” discusses the proposal. https://to.wttw.com/43RkhyB
Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joined “Chicago Tonight” discusses the proposal. https://to.wttw.com/43RkhyB
November 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The Chicago Park District's budget proposal for next year includes a new fieldhouse, turning a toxic waste site into a lakefront park and plans to address homelessness.
Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joined “Chicago Tonight” discusses the proposal. https://to.wttw.com/43RkhyB
Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joined “Chicago Tonight” discusses the proposal. https://to.wttw.com/43RkhyB
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations: Saba/Pivot Gang, Billy Corgan at Lyric Opera House, Snocaps/Bonny Doon and more.
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for Nov. 26-Dec. 2
Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
news.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations: Saba/Pivot Gang, Billy Corgan at Lyric Opera House, Snocaps/Bonny Doon and more.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
The National Weather Service is warning of wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour Wednesday, which will have the greatest impact on motorists on north/south roads.
https://to.wttw.com/49GoxEX
https://to.wttw.com/49GoxEX
Thanksgiving Weekend Forecast Calls for High Winds and Winter Storm With ‘Plowable’ Levels of Snow Possible
High winds and the potential for significant snowfall are likely to affect travelers on the front and back ends of the Thanksgiving weekend.
to.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The National Weather Service is warning of wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour Wednesday, which will have the greatest impact on motorists on north/south roads.
https://to.wttw.com/49GoxEX
https://to.wttw.com/49GoxEX
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
BREAKING: The Illinois Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to decide whether Chicago police officers accused of serious misconduct have the right to ask an arbitrator — and not the Chicago Police Board — to decide their fate, but those proceedings must take place in public. @wttw.bsky.social
Illinois Supreme Court to Decide Whether Serious CPD Discipline Hearings Must Take Place in Public
The decision by the state’s highest court keeps the system Chicago officials used for 60 years to hold officers accused of the most egregious misconduct in a deep freeze. Oral arguments will take plac...
news.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:34 PM
BREAKING: The Illinois Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to decide whether Chicago police officers accused of serious misconduct have the right to ask an arbitrator — and not the Chicago Police Board — to decide their fate, but those proceedings must take place in public. @wttw.bsky.social
The Rev. Jesse Jackson has been released from a Chicago hospital where he was treated for a rare neurological disorder, his son said. news.wttw.com/2025/11/25/c...
Civil Rights Leader Jesse Jackson Leaves Hospital After Treatment for Neurological Disorder
The 84-year-old civil rights leader was discharged Monday from Northwestern Memorial Hospital, his son and family spokesperson Yusef Jackson said.
news.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:25 PM
The Rev. Jesse Jackson has been released from a Chicago hospital where he was treated for a rare neurological disorder, his son said. news.wttw.com/2025/11/25/c...
To help cope with what they call “unprecedented circumstances,” the Cook County Board of Review, the office tasked with settling appeals, announced that everyone who lives in a Cook County township that’s already closed its 2025 property tax appeal window will have another shot to file.
Cook County Board of Review to Reopen 2025 Property Tax Appeals Window
The Cook County Board of Review, the office tasked with settling appeals, announced that everyone who lives in a Cook County township that’s already closed its 2025 property tax appeal window will hav...
news.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:06 PM
To help cope with what they call “unprecedented circumstances,” the Cook County Board of Review, the office tasked with settling appeals, announced that everyone who lives in a Cook County township that’s already closed its 2025 property tax appeal window will have another shot to file.
Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the Chicago Park District budget proposal.
Chicago Park District Budget Proposal Aims to Tackle New Projects, Address Homeless Encampments
A long-awaited new fieldhouse, the transformation of a toxic waste site into a lakefront park and plans to address homelessness are all on the list of priorities for the Chicago Park District.
news.wttw.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Superintendent Carlos Ramirez-Rosa joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss the Chicago Park District budget proposal.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
NEW: Civil rights and weapons experts cite the consequences of federal agents’ use of crowd control weapons: religious leaders shot with pepper balls and noxious chemicals. A nurse nearly blinded by tear gas. Protestors trapped, struggling to breathe.
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social
Trump’s Immigration Forces Deploy “Less Lethal” Weapons in Dangerous Ways, Skirting Rules and Maiming Protesters
Civil rights and weapons experts cite the consequences of federal agents’ use of crowd control weapons: religious leaders shot with pepper balls and noxious chemicals. A nurse nearly blinded by tear g...
www.propublica.org
November 25, 2025 at 6:36 PM
NEW: Civil rights and weapons experts cite the consequences of federal agents’ use of crowd control weapons: religious leaders shot with pepper balls and noxious chemicals. A nurse nearly blinded by tear gas. Protestors trapped, struggling to breathe.
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social
With @frontlinepbs.bsky.social
A GoFundMe launched by the family of Bethany MaGee has raised more than $12,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. Her family confirmed the fundraiser is authentic through a Cook County Health spokesperson.
Family of Blue Line Burn Victim Launches Fundraiser to Aid in Her Recovery
The family of a woman who was set on fire on board a CTA Blue Line train last week has launched an online fundraiser to aid in her medical bills as she recovers from the severe burns she sustained.
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:40 PM
A GoFundMe launched by the family of Bethany MaGee has raised more than $12,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. Her family confirmed the fundraiser is authentic through a Cook County Health spokesperson.
O’Hare is likely to see its busiest Thanksgiving travel week in the airport’s history, according to the city’s aviation department. The peak day for travel at O’Hare and Midway is expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Travelers Expected to Pass Through O’Hare, Hit the Road in Record Numbers This Year
O’Hare is likely to see its busiest Thanksgiving travel week in the airport’s 70-year history, according to the city’s aviation department. In Illinois, more than 4.1 million residents are expected to...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:01 PM
O’Hare is likely to see its busiest Thanksgiving travel week in the airport’s history, according to the city’s aviation department. The peak day for travel at O’Hare and Midway is expected to be the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Clean Slate Act: More than 2 million people in Illinois are eligible to have their records sealed but haven’t acted on what is currently a cumbersome, lengthy process.
For Some People With Criminal Records, Illinois’ Clean Slate Act Could Offer a New Beginning
More than 2 million people in Illinois are eligible to have their records sealed but haven’t acted on what is currently a cumbersome, lengthy process.
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Clean Slate Act: More than 2 million people in Illinois are eligible to have their records sealed but haven’t acted on what is currently a cumbersome, lengthy process.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center disclosed late Sunday that it had purchased the barn located in a rural area outside the city of Drew, aided by a $1.5 million donation from television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes.
https://to.wttw.com/48jyFkH
https://to.wttw.com/48jyFkH
New Owner to Open Mississippi Barn Where Emmett Till Was Killed as a Memorial Site
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center disclosed late Sunday that it had purchased the barn located in a rural area outside the city of Drew, aided by a $1.5 million donation from television producer and...
to.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The Emmett Till Interpretive Center disclosed late Sunday that it had purchased the barn located in a rural area outside the city of Drew, aided by a $1.5 million donation from television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes.
https://to.wttw.com/48jyFkH
https://to.wttw.com/48jyFkH
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Elianne Bahena, a member of the 10th Police District Council, who was one of two city employees detained after an ICE raid in Little Village, said a lot of her work has been focused on making sure residents in Little Village and North Lawndale know their rights amid ICE raids.
November 25, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Elianne Bahena, a member of the 10th Police District Council, who was one of two city employees detained after an ICE raid in Little Village, said a lot of her work has been focused on making sure residents in Little Village and North Lawndale know their rights amid ICE raids.
A Mauritanian man told a Cook County judge that a former Chicago police detective brutally tortured him, nearly killing him, while being held at Guantánamo Bay in a case that could overturn a 1992 Chicago murder case. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)
Man Testifies Ex-CPD Detective Brutally Tortured Him at Guantanamo Bay
Mohamedou Ould Slahi testified he was treated well at the U.S. detention camp at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, until then-CPD Detective Richard Zuley took command of the investigation into his ties to al-Qaid...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:16 PM
A Mauritanian man told a Cook County judge that a former Chicago police detective brutally tortured him, nearly killing him, while being held at Guantánamo Bay in a case that could overturn a 1992 Chicago murder case. (via @heathercherone.bsky.social)
Remel Terry, new president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, joined @wttw.bsky.social “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her new role and the search for new COPA leadership.
Police Oversight Board’s New Leader on Welcoming City Ordinance, CPD Traffic Stop Policy
Remel Terry is now president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. Terry has been a member of the commission, better known as the CCPSA, since it was launched in 2022.
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Remel Terry, new president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, joined @wttw.bsky.social “Chicago Tonight” to discuss her new role and the search for new COPA leadership.
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
“I was ready to give him anything he wanted,” Mohamedou Ould Slahi testified about his treatment at the hands of ex-CPD Detective Richard Zuley. “When I told him I was not involved, he tortured me. When I told him I was involved, they treated me better.” @wttw.bsky.social
Man Testifies Ex-CPD Detective Brutally Tortured Him at Guantanamo Bay
Mohamedou Ould Slahi testified he was treated well at the U.S. detention camp at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, until then-CPD Detective Richard Zuley took command of the investigation into his ties to al-Qaid...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
“I was ready to give him anything he wanted,” Mohamedou Ould Slahi testified about his treatment at the hands of ex-CPD Detective Richard Zuley. “When I told him I was not involved, he tortured me. When I told him I was involved, they treated me better.” @wttw.bsky.social
In Englewood, the history of disinvestment and overpolicing still lingers and many people don’t trust law enforcement. Dion McGill said his role as a district council member is to challenge the policing system.
Police District Councils Work to Rebuild Trust in Law Enforcement, Push for CPD Accountability
Police district councils work in each of the city’s 22 police districts, hearing out residents’ public safety concerns and advocating for accountability in the Chicago Police Department. The first mem...
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:05 PM
In Englewood, the history of disinvestment and overpolicing still lingers and many people don’t trust law enforcement. Dion McGill said his role as a district council member is to challenge the policing system.
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose Beach.
In response, the Chicago Park District on Monday announced the temporary closure of access to Montrose pier. ❄️🦉
In response, the Chicago Park District on Monday announced the temporary closure of access to Montrose pier. ❄️🦉
Chicago Park District Limits Access to Snowy Owls, Citing Safety Concerns. Here’s What to Know About the Arctic Visitors
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose beach. Maybe a little too gaga.
news.wttw.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose Beach.
In response, the Chicago Park District on Monday announced the temporary closure of access to Montrose pier. ❄️🦉
In response, the Chicago Park District on Monday announced the temporary closure of access to Montrose pier. ❄️🦉
Reposted by Jared Rutecki
Snowy owls were a bit of magic Chicagoans needed. But the birds need their space more. Read on for my interview with a snowy researcher who busted some myths and talked about the many, many threats these birds face in the wild.
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...
Chicago Park District Limits Access to Snowy Owls, Citing Safety Concerns. Here’s What to Know About the Arctic Visitors
Chicagoans have been going gaga over a pair of snowy owls that have settled in at Montrose beach. Maybe a little too gaga.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Snowy owls were a bit of magic Chicagoans needed. But the birds need their space more. Read on for my interview with a snowy researcher who busted some myths and talked about the many, many threats these birds face in the wild.
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...
news.wttw.com/2025/11/24/c...