In a new motion today, federal prosecutors tell U.S. District Judge John Blakey they want to call former Chicago Ald. Michele Smith to testify in the trial of ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan:

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…

‘A gift to Madigan’s defense': Judge has harsh words for key witness who gave false answer on gun form: chicago.suntimes.com/2024/04/05/a-g…

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.

'The job cuts coincide with the debut of a $6.4 million, state-of-the-art studio … and follows a double-digit-percentage pay increase for Chicago Public Media’s top executive.'

Chicago Public Media lays off 14, citing money trouble; Dave McKinney reports wbez.org/stories/chicag…

This news comes, in part, from Matt Moog, who announced his resignation as CEO of Chicago Public Media four months ago: wbez.org/stories/chicag…

'Fourteen roles are being eliminated from WBEZ’s Content Development Unit, Vocalo’s radio broadcast, and Chicago Sun-Times business roles. … Impacted staff members have been notified.': wbez.org/pressroom/prog…

I am outraged by this shortsighted decision that leaves a gaping hole at our station. I don’t believe this was inevitable and I’m imploring WBEZ management to change course.

Chicago area man who joined mom, aunt at Jan. 6 Capitol riot gets probation: chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2024/…

'At least 120 children under age 16 have been shot to death in Chicago since 2018, according to data kept by the Sun-Times. In more than half the cases — 85 — no arrests have been made.'

From Sophie Sherry:

Had a good chat with Melba Lara on WBEZ about how the Supreme Court’s 2022 Bruen decision is playing out on the ground in Chicago, including in the case below. You can listen here: one.npr.org/i/1241787378:1…

O’Neill Burke declares victory in Democratic state’s attorney primary after AP calls her winner: ‘It was worth the wait’. Mitchell Armentrout and Matthew Hendrickson report: chicago.suntimes.com/elections/2024…