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Articles by Blake Thor
The Des Plaines Native Behind Wheel of Oscar Mayer’s Iconic Wienermobile
Lindsey Kulesza (left) and co-pilot Maile Carballo (right) at the Harvest Hoot festival in Des Plaines. (Photo submitted) This Father’s Day, longtime Des Plaines resident Lindsey Kulesza had a special surprise for her family: a 27-foot hot dog-shaped truck, also known as the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Kulesza’s family had never seen the Wienermobile in person before, and the only thing more surprising than seeing it parked in their driveway was seeing Lindsey behind the wheel. Kulesza, a 22-year-...
A Closer Look At Race For Illinois’ 56th House District
Michelle Mussman (left) and Rhys Read (right) Republican Rhys Read will challenge 15-year incumbent Democratic State Rep. Michelle Mussman in the general election Nov. 3 for Illinois’ 56th State House District. Early voting began Oct. 19. The 56th District covers parts of Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect and Schaumburg. Mussman, a veteran legislator and Schaumburg resident, grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended ...
Republicans Gear Up For Lincoln Day Dinner
Republican organizations in the Northwest suburbs are looking to fire up voters ahead of the midterm elections with their Lincoln Day Dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cotillion Banquets in Palatine.
Incumbent Grasse To Face Republican Bauer For 53rd House District
Nicolle Grasse (left) and Elizabeth Bauer (right) Incumbent Democratic State Rep. Nicolle Grasse will face Republican challenger Elizabeth Bauer in the general election Nov. 3 for Illinois’ 53rd House District covering parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Prospect Heights and Wheeling. Early voting in the northwest suburbs begins Oct. 19. Grasse was appointed to the 53rd District after former state representative Mark Walker left to run for state Senate. She st...
Mortgages Soar as Fed Hikes Interest Rates
Mortgages Soar as Fed Hikes Interest Rates The rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage surpassed 7% for the first time since January 2025 last week, according to federal lender Freddie Mac. That’s after the Federal Reserve’s first rate hike since 2023, raising rates by a quarter of a percentage point earlier this month. The Fed said the increase was necessitated by rising inflation, but it could spell bad news for an already strained housing market.
Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson on Hiring Police, Cutting Taxes and Balancing the Budget
Chicago Mayoral Candidate Willie Wilson on Hiring Police, Cutting Taxes and Balancing the Budget Chicago businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson is throwing his hat in the ring for mayor of Chicago — his fourth bid for City Hall’s fifth floor. Wilson also ran for U.S. president in 2016 and for the U.S. Senate in 2020. A former McDonald’s floor mopper, Wilson worked his way up to become a store manager and owner of several franchise locations.
As the Iran War Continues, Diesel Prices Hit All-Time High
As the Iran War Continues, Diesel Prices Hit All-Time High Diesel surpassed $6 per gallon for the first time in U.S. history earlier this month, according to data from the American Automobile Association. Today, diesel sits at $6.51 per gallon, an all-time high. A year ago, it was $3.69. The cost of diesel rose 42 cents last week alone. The recent rise in diesel prices represents the largest fluctuation since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, shocking global oil markets.
Despite Loss and Caleb Williams Injury, Fans Hope a New Chicago Bears Era Has Arrived
Despite Loss and Caleb Williams Injury, Fans Hope a New Chicago Bears Era Has Arrived Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) runs with the football during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. (AP Photo / Nam Y. Huh) The Chicago Bears ended their rainy home opener with a 9-3 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, putting them at 1-1 this season.
AI Governance Experts React to Existential Warnings, Calls for Regulation
AI Governance Experts React to Existential Warnings, Calls for Regulation Calls for increased safety regulations on artificial intelligence have reached a boiling point following a post on X from former OpenAI and Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon that warned of a potential doomsday scenario. “I resigned from Anthropic today. I spent the last three years doing pretraining research at both OpenAI and Anthropic. Neither company is acting responsibly,” Coxon wrote.
City Council Budget Chair on Pensions, Taxes and the Projected $882M Budget Gap
City Council Budget Chair on Pensions, Taxes and the Projected $882M Budget Gap A budget forecast released by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office last week shows the city faces an estimated $882.4 million budget shortfall for the 2027 fiscal year. The projected gap is $283.9 million less than what city officials estimated it would be last year and around $268 million less than the 2026 fiscal year deficit of $1.15 billion.
Bears Football Resumes This Sunday. James ‘Big Cat’ Williams on What to Watch For
Bears Football Resumes This Sunday. James ‘Big Cat’ Williams on What to Watch For The Chicago Bears will play their first game of the 2026-2027 NFL season this Sunday against the Panthers in Charlotte. The game marks the beginning of head coach Ben Johnson’s sophomore campaign after he led the Bears to an 11-6 record last season. It was the Bears’ best showing in years. The team finished atop the NFC North for the first time since 2018 and came just two wins short of a Super Bowl appearance.
As Trade Tensions Rise With Canada, American Businesses and International Credibility Stand to Suffer
As Trade Tensions Rise With Canada, American Businesses and International Credibility Stand to Suffer Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada are escalating after Canada announced $20 billion in tariffs on more than 700 U.S. goods, including steel, aluminum and dairy products. The retaliatory tariffs will take effect Sept. 8 and are a response to U.S. tariffs imposed Aug. 22 on Canadian wine, cement and hockey sticks, among other products.
Pediatricians Sound the Alarm on Trump Executive Order Targeting Childhood Vaccine Schedule
Pediatricians Sound the Alarm on Trump Executive Order Targeting Childhood Vaccine Schedule As their kids head back to school, parents are navigating conflicting messages about childhood vaccines after President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this month recommending changes to the federal vaccine schedule.
Alderpeople Weigh in on Bally’s Slowing Construction, Shaky Revenue From Video Gambling Terminals
Alderpeople Weigh in on Bally’s Slowing Construction, Shaky Revenue From Video Gambling Terminals Bally’s is slowing construction on parts of its $1.7 billion casino and entertainment complex in River West, following the Chicago City Council’s approval of video gambling terminals in bars and restaurants.
White Sox and Cubs Gear Up for Crosstown Classic, This Time With Playoff Implications
White Sox and Cubs Gear Up for Crosstown Classic, This Time With Playoff Implications This week, Chicagoans will be choosing sides: blue vs. black, North Side vs. South Side, Cubs vs. White Sox. For only the second time in 18 years, Chicago’s rival baseball teams will face off in a Crosstown Classic with both squads boasting winning records. The Cubs enter Monday’s game with a slight edge at 72-53 but must fend off a hot White Sox team coming off an impressive sweep of division rival Detroit.
UChicago Cybersecurity Expert on Water System Hacks, Critical Infrastructure Concerns
UChicago Cybersecurity Expert on Water System Hacks, Critical Infrastructure Concerns What appeared to be innocent malfunctions in municipal water systems could actually be something more serious. At the end of July, several water systems from Minnesota to Georgia suddenly went offline. While officials restored them, cybersecurity experts now say the outages may have been caused by Iranian hackers, raising larger questions about the security of America’s critical resources.
As Primary Season Wraps Up, Left-Wing and Establishment Candidates Vie for Control of the Democratic Party
As Primary Season Wraps Up, Left-Wing and Establishment Candidates Vie for Control of the Democratic Party Democrats remain mixed over what ideological direction the party should take. But across a series of closely watched primaries, they are sending a clearer message about the party’s path forward: They want change. In marquee Senate primaries in Michigan and Minnesota, progressive candidates defeated two members of Congress with significant backing from party leaders.
The FDA Approved a New mRNA Flu Vaccine. Here’s What to Know
The FDA Approved a New mRNA Flu Vaccine. Here’s What to Know The vaccine, called mFLUSIVA, is expected to be a versatile new option for people seeking protection from influenza and an important step forward for the widespread adoption of mRNA technology. Dr. Richard Novak, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Illinois Chicago, joined “Chicago Tonight” to break down the new vaccine. Here’s what to know.
State Lawmakers Talk Political Will for CPS Funding, Evidence-Based Funding Formula
State Lawmakers Talk Political Will for CPS Funding, Evidence-Based Funding Formula State lawmakers will have a new item on their agenda when they convene for the fall veto session in November — finding an extra $150 million for Chicago Public Schools. The Chicago Board of Education last week approved a budget that assumes additional state funding to avoid around 1,000 layoffs of teachers and school support personnel.
CPS Board Members Talk $10B Approved Budget, State Funding Assumption
CPS Board Members Talk $10B Approved Budget, State Funding Assumption A divided Chicago Board of Education at a meeting last week approved a nearly $10 billion budget that relies on an additional $150 million in state funding. The spending plan comes after weeks of debate among Chicago Public Schools officials, board members and labor unions over how the district should close a $732 million budget gap.
CPS CEO Macquline King on Revised $10 Billion Budget Proposal, Upcoming Board Vote
CPS CEO Macquline King on Revised $10 Billion Budget Proposal, Upcoming Board Vote The Chicago Board of Education is expected to vote on a revised $10 billion budget proposal Thursday. The new Chicago Public Schools budget avoids staff furloughs by raising the district’s expected TIF funding from the city from $200 million to $286 million.
Illinois Tollway Proposes $26.5 Billion Capital Projects Plan, 57% Toll Hike for Illinois Motorists
Illinois Tollway Proposes $26.5 Billion Capital Projects Plan, 57% Toll Hike for Illinois Motorists The Illinois Tollway board — made up of Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi and nine members appointed by the governor — is considering a 15-year, $26.5 billion construction plan to address deteriorating roads and reduce congestion across the state’s tollway system. The proposal, called , would raise passenger vehicle tolls beginning Jan.
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Chicago Board of Education Members Weigh How to Close $732M Budget Gap Chicago Public Schools is facing a $732 million budget shortfall — and hundreds of layoffs for teachers and school support staff. Last week, CPS CEO Macquline King unveiled a proposed $9.88 billion budget to close the district’s funding gap. The plan calls for $200 million in Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, funds from the city, the layoff of 760 teachers and 801 support staff, and five unpaid furlough days for CPS employees.
Chicago Alderpeople React to City’s $89M Budget Shortfall, Debate Debt Collection
Chicago Alderpeople React to City’s $89M Budget Shortfall, Debate Debt Collection Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago is staring down a midyear budget deficit, and he’s pointing the finger at City Council. Last year, alderpeople rejected Johnson’s proposed head tax on the city’s largest companies and instead approved a budget that relied on alternative revenue sources, including selling city debt to private collectors and licensing advertising on city light poles.
DOJ Targets Integration Mandate, Staple of Civil Rights for Americans With Disabilities
DOJ Targets Integration Mandate, Staple of Civil Rights for Americans With Disabilities A Justice Department memo released last month is raising new questions about decades of civil rights protections for Americans with disabilities. The memo challenges the integration mandate, a legal principle that requires states to provide services that enable people with disabilities to live in their own communities rather than in institutions.
One Big Beautiful Bill Requires States to Front SNAP Costs. Illinois Could Pay Tens of Millions Annually
One Big Beautiful Bill Requires States to Front SNAP Costs. Illinois Could Pay Tens of Millions Annually Illinois could soon have to spend tens of millions of dollars from its budget to continue receiving federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. The change comes as part of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which sought to shift SNAP costs onto states to combat alleged fraud and waste.
Faith Leaders React to Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission Targeting Separation of Church and State
Faith Leaders React to Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission Targeting Separation of Church and State A report from the Presidential Religious Liberty Commission calls for a clawback of the separation of church and state, a fundamental American legal principle for more than two centuries. Speaking at the White House Friday, Texas Lt. Gov. and Commission Chair Dan Patrick said the separation of church and state is not in the U.S. Constitution.
US Rep. Mike Quigley Announces Bid for Chicago Mayor, Targets Finances and Public Safety
US Rep. Mike Quigley Announces Bid for Chicago Mayor, Targets Finances and Public Safety Northwest Side congressman Mike Quigley is officially running for Chicago mayor. The nine-term U.S. representative from Illinois’ 5th District launched his campaign Saturday at the historic but crumbling Uptown Theatre, using the landmark as a symbol of what he said is needed to restore Chicago’s promise. “It’s tough to see the city you love so much struggle in the way that we are in Chicago,” Quigley said.
Chicago Man Charged in Connection With Planned Attack on White House UFC Event
Chicago Man Charged in Connection With Planned Attack on White House UFC Event Alex Pereira, far right, is attended to, as Ciryl Gane lays in the center of the ring during UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, June 15, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo / Alex Brandon, Pool) Authorities arrested a Chicago man Thursday in connection with an alleged plot to attack President Donald Trump’s Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House earlier this month.
Supreme Court Expected to Hand Down Rulings on Birthright Citizenship, Presidential Power and More
Supreme Court Expected to Hand Down Rulings on Birthright Citizenship, Presidential Power and More The U.S. Supreme Court’s annual “June boom” is about to begin, bringing an end to months of speculation. The justices are poised to hand down decisions in several landmark cases in the weeks ahead. Their rulings could have sweeping implications for birthright citizenship, presidential power, transgender athletes and more.
Former Federal Prosecutors Talk Andrew Boutros, Collapse of ‘Broadview Six’ Case
Former Federal Prosecutors Talk Andrew Boutros, Collapse of ‘Broadview Six’ Case More than 100 former federal prosecutors published an open letter Monday blasting Chicago’s U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, claiming he “tarnished the reputation” of the office in the wake of the botched “Broadview Six” case.
Chicago Bears Are ‘80% of the Way’ Toward Hammond Stadium: Sports Consultant
Chicago Bears Are ‘80% of the Way’ Toward Hammond Stadium: Sports Consultant The Chicago Bears will build their next stadium in Hammond, Indiana — maybe. The team made the announcement Friday after years of negotiations with Illinois state lawmakers over a deal to build a stadium in either Arlington Heights or on the Chicago lakefront. In the meantime, Indiana lawmakers quickly approved the incentives Bears leadership had long sought from Illinois.
ComEd CEO on Rate Increase, Data Centers and Bouncing Back From Scandal
ComEd CEO on Rate Increase, Data Centers and Bouncing Back From Scandal Data centers and warmer temperatures are driving up energy costs in Chicago. Commonwealth Edison, Chicago’s primary electricity distributor, announced in May that its customers should expect monthly bills to increase by $2 to $3 beginning June 1.
Change to Green Card Process Throws Immigration Lawyers, Applicants Into Tailspin
Change to Green Card Process Throws Immigration Lawyers, Applicants Into Tailspin U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced last week that immigrants applying for a green card must do so from outside the U.S. In what many immigration lawyers say is a dramatic break from longstanding case law and a misreading of the statutes governing green cards, USCIS is now requiring immigrants to apply from the consulate in their home countries.
Debate Continues Over Whether Illinois Should Join a Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program
Debate Continues Over Whether Illinois Should Join a Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program A federal tax-credit scholarship program created last summer under the “Big Beautiful Bill” could send millions to Illinois students, if Gov. JB Pritzker or the Illinois General Assembly decides to opt in. But critics say the tax credit is a school voucher program in disguise that will divert money from public to private schools.
CPS Board Member, Policy Analyst Weigh in on District’s $732M Budget Deficit
CPS Board Member, Policy Analyst Weigh in on District’s $732M Budget Deficit Some policy analysts say CPS is responsible for its own deteriorating finances, arguing the district took on long-term recurring expenses based on one-time COVID-19 relief funds. CPS leaders, meanwhile, cite rising pension payments and operating costs as factors for worsening the district’s finances. They argue those expenses would be manageable with greater support from state and federal leaders.
Immigration | Chicago News | WTTW
May 19, 2026 | Medill School of Journalism Just steps from the city’s Monument to the Revolution, a unique community is taking shape. The neighborhood, known as “Little L.A.,” is populated by people who spent decades in the U.S. and are now struggling to adapt to a country they barely remember.
Economy | Chicago News | WTTW
May 18, 2026 | Andrew Montequin Gas prices in Chicago are up 70 cents from one month ago, and nearly $1.70 compared to last year, according to data from AAA. May 18, 2026 | Blake Thor While President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached some agreement on trade deals, questions still loom large over Taiwanese independence and which country will emerge as the dominant world power for decades to come.
‘They Had a Clear Sense of Priorities’: Key Takeaways From Trump’s Beijing Summit
‘They Had a Clear Sense of Priorities’: Key Takeaways From Trump’s Beijing Summit An exchange of niceties and kicking the can down the road. That’s how analysts are describing last week’s Beijing summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. While the two leaders reached some agreement on trade deals, questions still loom large over Taiwanese independence and which country will emerge as the dominant world power for decades to come.
Documentary Traces the Journey of 7 Siblings Who Survived the Holocaust and Settled in Chicago
Documentary Traces the Journey of 7 Siblings Who Survived the Holocaust and Settled in Chicago At just 3 years old, Ginger Lane lost her mother, who was abducted by the Gestapo and taken to Auschwitz. In the years following, Lane lived on a remote farm in Worin, Germany, separated from her father. By the time she turned 6, she had experienced a whole life’s worth of instability, persecution and loss. “I didn’t know that I would never see her again,” Lane recalled of her mother.
Investigation Finds Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office Objects to 4 of 5 Petitions for Certificates of Innocence
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SAFE-T Act Once Again Under the Microscope Following Killing of CPD Officer. State Lawmakers Weigh In
SAFE-T Act Once Again Under the Microscope Following Killing of CPD Officer. State Lawmakers Weigh In The SAFE-T Act, a sweeping criminal justice reform law passed in 2021 by Illinois Democrats, is under renewed scrutiny following the April 25 killing of Chicago police Officer John Bartholomew.
DACA Recipients in Legal Limbo as Renewal Application Delays Mount
DACA Recipients in Legal Limbo as Renewal Application Delays Mount The Trump administration has put renewal applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, recipients on “processing holds.” Some of the program’s more than 500,000 beneficiaries, often referred to as “Dreamers,” have waited months for an answer only to see their deadline pass without a decision.
New Documentary Offers Fresh Look at Civil Rights Icon W.E.B. Du Bois
New Documentary Offers Fresh Look at Civil Rights Icon W.E.B. Du Bois Peabody and Emmy Award-winning producer Rita Coburn is offering a fresh way to look back on the legacy of civil rights pioneer and sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois. “I thought it was important to be expansive about this man,” Coburn said. W.E.B. Du Bois seated at desk in office at Atlanta University, 1909.
Local Agencies Adjust Their Approaches Amid Concerns Over CTA Crime
Local Agencies Adjust Their Approaches Amid Concerns Over CTA Crime The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office last month announced a new internal transit crime task force made up of 30 specially trained prosecutors focused on crimes committed on the Chicago Transit Authority’s buses and trains. The move follows years of concerns about violent crime on the CTA and efforts by local officials and the Chicago Police Department to curb incidents through increased police presence and private security.
Trump Faces Pushback From Religious Communities Following AI Post, Feud With Pope
Trump Faces Pushback From Religious Communities Following AI Post, Feud With Pope Religion is taking center stage in the Trump administration. That’s after a weeklong dispute between Trump and Pope Leo XIV; Trump posting an AI image that seemingly depicted him as Jesus Christ; and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reciting a fabricated Bible verse during a Pentagon morning prayer.
Chicago Teachers Union, Board of Education Debate Canceling Classes for May 1 Day of Action
Chicago Teachers Union, Board of Education Debate Canceling Classes for May 1 Day of Action Chicago Public Schools are expected to remain open May 1 during a nationwide pro-worker demonstration known as May Day. Mayor Brandon Johnson, representatives from the Chicago Teachers Union and some Chicago Board of Education members have been petitioning to exempt students and teachers on May Day, allowing them to participate in local demonstrations.
Coach House Ordinance Aimed at Housing Affordability Crisis Takes Effect in Chicago
Coach House Ordinance Aimed at Housing Affordability Crisis Takes Effect in Chicago An ordinance allowing 34 of Chicago’s 50 wards to build additional dwelling units, or ADUs, took effect April 1. Adopted last September, the ordinance permits Chicagoans to build small homes in their backyards, basements and attics and rent them out. Often called granny flats or coach houses, ADUs are the city’s latest effort to address rising housing costs in Chicago. Ald.
Sanjay Tailor Is First Asian American Judge on Illinois Supreme Court, Solidifies First Majority-Minority Court
Sanjay Tailor Is First Asian American Judge on Illinois Supreme Court, Solidifies First Majority-Minority Court Longtime Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sanjay T. Tailor made history in January, becoming the first Asian American justice on the Illinois Supreme Court. Now-retired former Chief Justice Mary Theis appointed Tailor to her seat. He will serve until December 2028, when Cook County voters will elect a justice to a full 10-year term.
Crowds Gather in Chicago for National ‘No Kings’ Day of Protest
Crowds Gather in Chicago for National ‘No Kings’ Day of Protest Protesters head to Grant Park in Chicago ahead of the "No Kings" rally on March 28, 2026. (Joel Ortiz / WTTW News) Thousands of people across the Chicago area joined “No Kings” protests Saturday as part of a nationwide day of demonstrations. Saturday’s events are expected to include millions of protesters in more than 3,000 planned demonstrations across the U.S., including numerous events in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
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