Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Complaints of smoking on trains and buses in Chicago are dropping. The federal government has asked a judge to halt the country’s first reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. The Chicago Blackhawks opened free agency Wednesday by signing new defenseman Bowen Byram to a six year extension. Plus, the hit Chicago-based NPR quiz show “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” sounds a little different these days. Former panelist Alzo Slade is replacing scorekeeper Bill Kurtis, who retired after 12 years on the show. We go behind the scenes at the Studebaker Theater to meet the newest cast member.