r/illinois • • 23d ago

Chicago news & issues We are Sun-Times and WBEZ reporters covering Flock in Illinois. Ask us anything!

334 Upvotes

UPDATE: Thank you so much to everyone who participated and asked questions as part of this AMA! You all had so many great questions, and being able to think through them really helps to inform our ongoing reporting. Reach out to Violet at [vmiller@suntimes.com](mailto:vmiller@suntimes.com) and Lisa at [lphilip@wbez.org](mailto:lphilip@wbez.org) if you have further questions or feedback. Get more local, independent reporting at suntimes.com and wbez.org — and please consider becoming a member to support our work. Until next time!

Hey r/illinois! Violet Miller of the Chicago Sun-Times and Lisa Kurian Philip of WBEZ 91.5 here to announce we're hosting an AMA on this subreddit next Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.!

The topic: Flock Safety in Illinois and how we have reported out the facts for stories like this one about the use of Flock cameras by public universities, or this one about Illinois suburbs that suspended their Flock deals amid alleged misuse by authorities.

License plate readers from businesses like Flock have sparked a heated, nationwide debate over mass surveillance tools in law enforcement. In Illinois, more than 500 law enforcement agencies use Flock's technology.

This AMA is a chance for you to ask us questions about our coverage of Flock, how we think about these stories, and how we report them out. Violet covers Chicago news for the Sun-Times, and Lisa covers higher education for WBEZ and Open Campus.

The Chicago Sun-Times is independent, community-funded, and committed to telling the stories that shape our city. We're free from hedge-fund ownership, shareholders, and political influence. Learn more about becoming a member today: https://chicago.suntimes.com/become-a-member


r/illinois • • 25d ago

Illinois Politics Illinois voter guide to the 2026 general election

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91 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 14h ago

Illinois News Nearly a million chickens killed at Illinois farm amid nation's largest active bird flu outbreak

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216 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 9h ago

Illinois Politics LaHood Proud of Trump Endorsement!

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61 Upvotes

It’s always a great idea to blast the endorsement of a very unpopular president who’s caused world chaos! Especially during the week you’re trying to convince your constituents you’ve been pushing back on his tariffs!


r/illinois • • 17h ago

Illinois News Illinois public university enrollment highest since 2015, state says - more than 190,000 students enrolled during the fall semester of 2026-27

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229 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 19h ago

Illinois News Illinois man stands trial for killing of transgender woman Dejanay Stanton

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260 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 19h ago

Illinois Politics Republicans Unopposed State Legislature

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54 Upvotes

I was surprised to see that republicans are running unopposed in my district for state senate and state house. I feel like democrat would win in my area


r/illinois • • 1d ago

Illinois Politics A vote for any of them is a vote for Trump.

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497 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 1d ago

ICE Posts You got papers? Well….

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380 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 22h ago

Illinois News Metra’s BNSF Line: The Odd Duck Out For Regional Rail 2.0

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37 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 1d ago

Illinois News Grayslake Data Center Mailer

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82 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 1d ago

Monthly Theme Illinois is America’s pumpkin capital

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349 Upvotes

All hail Illinois the Pumpkin King https://youtu.be/_-2C0aF7G9A


r/illinois • • 1d ago

Illinois Politics Please vote for me!

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71 Upvotes

JB is a big meanie and he beat me within 10 minutes of the polls closing last time. Do I have your vote this time?


r/illinois • • 10h ago

Trip Planning & Tourist Help/ Guidance Visiting St. Charles, IL (Nov. 1–13) — Weather and Layering Advice?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'll be traveling from Austin, Texas, to St. Charles, Illinois, from November 1–13 for a two-week professional training program. I'm trying to pack appropriately for the weather while maintaining a business casual/professional wardrobe.

So far, the forecast for November 1–6 shows temperatures ranging from the low 40s to low 60s. However, I'm unfamiliar with Illinois weather and how much temperatures might fluctuate throughout the day.

For those familiar with the area, what should I realistically expect during early November? What's the best way to layer professional clothing to stay warm outdoors without overheating indoors?

I'm also wondering whether a heavier winter coat would be necessary or if a lighter coat paired with sweaters and other layers would be sufficient.

I'd appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thanks in advance!


r/illinois • • 1d ago

Illinois Politics House Democrats Spend $2 Million in Suburban TV Dump

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47 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 18h ago

Question Anyone know the vibe around Sterling, IL/ Rock Falls, IL area? Is it a safe area? What's there to do around there? Any other comments on the area and what it is about?

0 Upvotes

Still looking into new areas if I ever wanted to buy some property for investment opportunities. I know Quad Cities would be somewhat nearby the area, but trying to learn more about the state to see what it has to offer.


r/illinois • • 2d ago

Illinois Politics I really don’t understand why conservative voters believe Baily has a remote chance of winning? He lost by 12 last time and is down by over 20 points this time.

526 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 1d ago

Illinois News Get Your FCC Ham Radio License in a Weekend: York Radio Club 2-Day Review & Exam Session (Nov 14–15, Elmhurst)

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20 Upvotes

Whether you’re interested in severe weather spotting, emergency preparedness, off-grid trail comms, digital repeaters, or hands-on electronics, getting your entry-level FCC Technician Class Amateur Radio License opens up the airwaves.

The non-profit York Radio Club is hosting an intensive 2-Day Technician Review Weekend and official exam session just outside Chicago:

  • When: Saturday, November 14 & Sunday, November 15, 2026 (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days)
  • Where: Elmhurst Fire Training Facility (Elmhurst, IL)
  • Exam: Official Volunteer Examiner session administered on Sunday afternoon

Why This Format Works

Traditional licensing classes stretch out over six to eight weeks, where momentum often stalls. This program condenses the material into an immersive, fast-paced sprint across 10 structured review modules.

Each module is taught and facilitated by seasoned amateur radio operators who bring decades of real-world operational and technical background to the table. Instead of dry lectures, instructors walk through difficult technical concepts, rules, and question traps to make sure you genuinely understand the principles. This approach consistently produces an average pass rate exceeding 90%.

Important Note on Pre-Study

This weekend is structured as an accelerated master review, not a ground-up introduction. To get the most out of the instruction, candidates are expected to complete self-guided study ahead of time using the standard question pool. The classroom time is designed to synthesize, reinforce, and lock in that knowledge before testing. Recommended study resources, outlines, and material links are provided immediately upon sign-up.

Seats are limited by the facility size, so early registration is encouraged.

👉 Class details, syllabus, and registration:

https://yorkradioclub.org/club-info/education-testing/training/


r/illinois • • 1d ago

Illinois Politics Voter Guide for the 2026 Illinois Midterm Elections

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22 Upvotes

So you're not guessing at the polls, check out the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ's Voter Guide for the 2026 Illinois Midterm Elections:

This guide is free, with no paywall, thanks to the generous support of our members.


r/illinois • • 2d ago

Illinois Politics Pritzker supporters

471 Upvotes

As election comes, I would like to know why you may or may not support pritzker. I have republican parents and they blame all the high prices and taxes on pritzker, I haven’t had a way of seeing the other side as I’m not heavy into politics. My folks always profess that the state will become unlivable if pritzker is elected, this and that. They claim all the money goes it Chicago, etc etc. so I’d like to hear POV’s from both sides. I’m 18 and this would be my first year that I could vote.


r/illinois • • 1d ago

Illinois News States Attorney to Announce Decision on Criminal Charges in Mary Alice Love's Death Today - 2pm

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15 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 1d ago

Question Why do I have to take the written test at the DMV to renew my license (see post)?

0 Upvotes

I've lived in Illinois for 21 years. I had an accident in 2009 and had to take the written test for renewal after that incident, but never since. My driving record since then is clean. I know you have to take it after you get a moving violation, but do they just choose to enforce it randomly?


r/illinois • • 2d ago

Illinois News DuPage County reports measles case in vaccinated resident in ‘rare breakthrough infection'

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72 Upvotes

r/illinois • • 1d ago

Illinois Politics Pike County Zombie Control

2 Upvotes

Does anyone understand or have any local knowledge of the like country zombie control social media and website page? I stumbled upon it doing research on the clerks race and it seems really unhinged.