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Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Harriet the Spy’ Star, Dies at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, a former child star who appeared in the 1996 “Harriet the Spy” hit movie and went on to co-star in two buzzy millennial-era TV shows — “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl” — has died. She was 39.

Chicago Man in Jail on Murder Charge Since 2020 Now Accused of 5 Additional Killings

Antonio Reyes — who was charged this week with five new counts of first-degree murder as well as four counts of attempted first-degree murder — now stands accused in six separate fatal shootings.

Local Live Music Recommendations for Feb. 26-Mar. 4

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Feb. 25, 2025 - Full Show

The mayor’s $830 million borrowing proposal faces pushback. A look at plans to rid the Chicago Police Department of extremist officers. And remembering legendary soul singer Jerry “Iceman” Butler.

Dozens of Illinois Communities Vote to Reinstate Grocery Tax, Many More Expected to Follow

Illinois is giving municipalities the ability to reinstitute the 1% grocery tax locally starting in January, when the state one disappears. Municipalities are now asking the state to give them more taxing authority.

Why a Plan to Borrow $830M to Repair Streets, Sidewalks, Bridges Touched Off a Political Firestorm

The Chicago City Council is set to vote on the proposal Wednesday, after a week-long delay fueled by outrage whipped up on social media, the budding 2027 race for mayor and the lack of trust many alderpeople have in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ability to steer the city through rough financial seas.

Nearly 40% of Contracts Canceled by Musk’s DOGE Are Expected to Produce No Savings

The Department of Government Efficiency, run by Trump adviser Elon Musk, published an updated list Monday of nearly 2,300 contracts that agencies terminated in recent weeks across the federal government.

Mother of Palestinian American Boy Slain in Suburban Chicago Hate Crime Testifies at Trial

Joseph Czuba is charged in the fatal stabbing of six-year-old Wadee Alfayoumi and the wounding of Hanan Shaheen. Authorities said the family was targeted because of their Islamic faith and as a response to the war between Israel and Hamas.

CPS Now Expected to Save 4 of 7 Acero Charter Schools Slated for Closure

The Acero charter network announced last year plans to shutter Cruz K-12 as well as Casas, Cisneros, Fuentes, Paz, Santiago and Tamayo elementary schools due to declining enrollment, increasing personnel and facilities maintenance costs.

Cook County Launches $2 Million Grant Program to Support Community-Based Arts Projects in the Suburbs

The Cook County Creative Placemaking program will award grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to suburban-based nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted through April 7.

Southwest Airlines Plane Aborts Landing to Avoid Colliding With Private Jet at Chicago Midway Airport

Southwest Flight 2504 landed safely at the Chicago airport after the flight crew had to perform a go-around to prevent a potential incident, according to Southwest. The FAA is investigating the incident, which took place at around 8:50 a.m. local time.

Paczki Day Is Next Week. Here Are 5 Bakeries to Place Your Next Order

Come Fat Tuesday every year, “Paczki Day” is celebrated across Chicago and the Midwest, and the doughnuts are recognized as a symbol of Polish culture and pride.

Upcoming ‘Rare 7-Planet Parade’ Is Mostly Hype. Here’s What’s Actually Happening in the Sky

We separate fact from hype about the upcoming “planet parade.”

Feb. 24, 2025 - Full Show

The trial begins for the accused gunman in the Highland Park parade shooting. And the head of the Chicago Fed on inflation, tariffs and Chicago’s economy.

3 Years Into Russia-Ukraine War, Chicago’s Ukrainian Community Continues to Speak Out and Organize Aid

Monday marks three years since Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, resulting in thousands of people being killed and millions displaced. Chicago’s Ukrainian Village is home to one of the largest populations of Ukrainians in the U.S.