© 2026 NPR Illinois
For your right to be curious.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Build a transformational philanthropy program for this trusted NPR affiliate.
Seeking a 100% major gift fundraiser passionate about public media to develop relationships with people who support an informed and civil central Illinois.
Hire will have community visibility, many prospects, and professional resources.
Interviews in progress, open until filled. Apply now.

America's Second City has come in first for an honor it might not want: rats

A MARTÍNEZ, HOST:

Good morning. I'm A Martínez.

America's Second City has come in first for an honor it might not want - rats. According to pest control company Orkin, Chicago has earned the top spot on its annual list of America's rattiest cities, beating out LA and New York, which came in second and third. Orkin says the rankings are based on its treatment demand data for residential and commercial properties. The company, though, has no data, however, for the rat race of life, and rats to that.

It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.