Fallout reporting from Dave McKinney : Chicago Public Media faced public pushback and criticism from a city council member after ending the Vocalo broadcast and the podcast unit. wbez.org/stories/chicag…

ICYMI: Here’s a link to the GoFundMe started by Patrick Smith for union members who were laid off by WBEZ this week: gofundme.com/f/raising-fund…

We are losing many incredible colleagues at WBEZ & our sister station Vocalo. H/t to Patrick Smith for starting a GoFundMe to help. Please contribute if you can, and spread the word: tinyurl.com/58xbmaaw

Here's the full letter our union leaders sent to the Chicago Public Media and Sun-Times Media boards of directors this afternoon regarding today's announcement.

Bacon and pork sold in California and Massachusetts must come from producers who don't use gestation crates -- cramped 2x7-foot crates where the mother pig can't turn around.
But what about pork sold in Illinois? Well, that's hit-or-miss.
More details:
chicago.suntimes.com/2024/2/9/24065…

The creepy feeling you get when ads follow you around online? Or the frustrating way third-party marketers obtain your info?
Here's an interesting story by David Struett Chicago Sun-Times about the coming fight in Illinois over creating a strong data privacy law here:
chicago.suntimes.com/2024/2/1/24057…

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has recalled millions of anchoring kits that came with popular furniture last week. Learn more about the dangers from Chicago Sun-Times: chicago.suntimes.com/2024/1/19/2404…

An Illinois bill would ban five food and drink additives linked to possible health risks. They include red dye 3 and three others already banned by California, plus titanium dioxide. Details in my Chicago Sun-Times story:
chicago.suntimes.com/2024/1/22/2404…

🎧Listen: Catch up on all the news you missed in the past week with local journalists Paris Schutz, Stephanie Zimmermann and Ravi Baichwal.
wbez.org/stories/wbezs-…

Today, the city of Chicago came together to restore our finest landmark: the Chicago Rat Hole.

'We take care of our own'

Story via Chicago Sun-Times.
chicago.suntimes.com/news/2024/1/19…

Millions of homes have defective furniture anchors, installed by well-meaning parents to prevent tip-over deaths & injuries.
What you need to know about the recall-- and about tip-overs that have already claimed nearly 600 lives.
ParentsAgainstTipovers Kids In Danger
chicago.suntimes.com/2024/1/19/2404…

I am happy to report the Chicago Rat Hole has been restored!

Story to come via Chicago Sun-Times

Need to catch up on the week's news in Chicago? I'll be on WBEZ WBEZreset with S A S H A for the weekly news recap panel -- at NOON TODAY on 91.5 FM or streaming online

Hey, Chicago -- I'll be talking about those door-to-door discounted gas and electric offers we all get -- at 11 a.m. today on 'Reset' with S A S H A on WBEZ.
(91.5 FM for those of you driving in the slush😘)
See you there! Chicago Sun-Times Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

Despite new consumer protections, people are still complaining about higher gas bills and questionable business tactics. Sticking with your gas or electricity utility is usually a better deal, experts say. trib.al/GGANRPo

Alternative gas and electric suppliers want your accounts, whether by ringing your doorbell, offering gift cards or touting clean energy. But is it a better deal? Experts say no.
And some people say they were signed up without their knowledge.
Chicago Sun-Times chicago.suntimes.com/2024/1/6/24026…

Obama — donning a Santa cap with a red sack full of presents slung over his shoulder — smiled as he greeted a pre-K students at Parkside Community Academy, who were unaware that they’d be visited by the former president.

trib.al/oAwXe4H

This is why I don't have these on my phone.
Great story by Frank Main Tom Schuba Matthew Hendrickson about the unfortunate, growing trend of 'bank jackings,' where robbers steal your phone and get access to all your payment apps -- and your money.

chicago.suntimes.com/2023/12/8/2398…

Supreme Court hears arguments in veteran’s case that could open up additional GI Bill benefits -- by Stephanie Zimmermann chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/8/2395…

Supreme Court arguments today in Army veteran James Rudisill's GI Bill case, in which he says the VA shortchanged him on college money.
In questions, Chief Justice John Roberts said it seems Rudisill got a 'raw deal.'
My Chicago Sun-Times story explains it all:
chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/8/2395…