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WTTW News Explains: Why is Chicago’s Pension Debt So High?

You may have heard Chicago has a pension problem … to the tune of more than $35 billion of debt. Pensions affect nearly everyone — even if you’re not a public employee. Taxpayers have already been footing the bill to alleviate the pension debt.

A Kid Posed With His Pilot Dad. Almost 30 Years Later They Recreated the Photo as Co-Pilots

After rediscovering the old photo, the father and son added a goal: not only did they want to fly together, they wanted to recreate the 1990s flight deck photo, over two decades later. Not just as father and son, but as colleagues and co-pilots.

Federal Prosecutors May Seek to Put ‘ComEd Four’ Behind Bars for Life, Defense Attorney Says

At a hearing Wednesday morning, attorneys for the so-called “ComEd Four” argued that the scheduled January sentencing dates should be pushed back by a month in order to allow their defense teams to better prepare their sentencing briefings.

3.6 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Illinois, 100 Miles From Chicago

A 3.6 magnitude earthquake hit north central Illinois Wednesday morning, shortly before 5 a.m., the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is reporting.

Nov. 14, 2023 - Full Show

Mayor Johnson’s $16 billion budget is set for a final vote — what to expect. And Northwestern sweetens the deal to try to get approval for its Ryan Field renovations.

Despite Northwestern’s Sweetened Deal for Ryan Field Renovation, Opposition Remains

The $800 million proposal to revamp Ryan Field has been controversial from the very beginning. The plans call for a new state-of-the-art stadium that will be smaller in size than the nearly century-old structure it would replace, moving from a capacity of 47,000 to 35,000 for football games.

Looking for a Wrench? There’s a Bag of Tools Orbiting Earth and Here’s How You Can Track It Down

During their first-ever spacewalk, astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O’Hara spent hours outside the International Space Station, successfully replacing hardware on the station’s solar array. But a tool bag became untethered and is now orbiting Earth.

Spotlight Politics: City Budget Approval; Proposal Could Remove Chicago’s Sanctuary Status

Chicago's City Council members are preparing to vote on Mayor Johnson's spending plan. The latest on a measure that would remove Chicago's sanctuary city status. And former Ald. Ed Burke's trial could finally resume this week following a COVID-19 delay.

2023 Chicago Holiday Events Guide

Whether you’re interested in theater or light shows, ice skating or shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the season’s highlights in Chicago and the suburbs.

Consumer Inflation Eased in October, Driven Lower by Cheaper Gas, Cars and Airfares

Tuesday’s report from the Labor Department showed that prices either fell or rose more slowly across a broad range of goods and services, including gas, new and used cars, hotel rooms and housing. 

UN Mourns Deaths of More Than 100 Aid Workers in Gaza, the Highest Number Killed in Any Conflict in Organization’s History

More United Nations aid workers have been killed in Gaza than in any other single conflict in the organization’s 78-year history, a stark reminder that humanitarian staff have not been spared from Israel’s relentless bombardment of the besieged strip.

Evanston Delays Vote on Ryan Field Renovation, Additional Concerts Amid Push for More Community Benefits

The move to table the measure until next Monday allows more time to negotiate and consider a community benefits agreement with the university. 

Nov. 13, 2023 - Full Show

Evanston is set to decide the fate of Northwestern’s Ryan Field renovation. A statewide push to allow terminally ill people to decide when they die. And renaming North America’s birds. 

Police Commission Votes to Ban Chicago Police Officers from Joining Extremist Groups

The policy approved by the commission bans officers from belonging to hate groups that promote prejudice or those that aim to overthrow the government or interfere with police duties.

Advocates Push for Illinois Legislation That Would Allow Terminally Ill Adults to End Their Own Lives With Medical Assistance

The name of the practice is debated — “medical aid in dying” to some, and “physician-assisted suicide” to others. Either way, advocates are hoping the issue comes up in Springfield soon.