Daily Chicagoan

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Good news: this freezing weather is almost over. Brew a pot of coffee and cozy up with these stories from WTTW News.  President Donald Trump signs an executive order on TikTok in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan.

Monday, January 20, 2025

For a national holiday, it's a busy day. Today Donald Trump returns to office, and we remember the spirit and mission of Martin Luther King Jr. Trump International Tower and Hotel on the Chicago River.

Friday, January 17, 2025

It’s the weekend. Brace for an arctic blast of freezing, near-zero temperatures coming soon. 

Thursday, January 16, 2025

It’s warming up but don’t get too comfortable. It’ll be even colder soon enough.  Chicago's new hybrid Board of Education meets for the first time at the Chicago Public Schools Loop headquarters on Jan. 15, 2025.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Another cold day. When will it end? Maybe tomorrow.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

It’s another day of blistering cold temps. Warm up with these local stories from WTTW News.  State Rep. Will Guzzardi speaks during a Jan. 13, 2024 news conference on new legislation.

Monday, January 13, 2025

Hope you had a good weekend, Chicago. Today, a City Council committee will vote on millions in police misconduct and wrongful conviction settlements. Plus, the latest on the medical marijuana qualification list. 

Friday, January 10, 2025

Happy Friday. This snowy day marks the 2025 return of Patty Wetli’s weekly City in a Garden column and more local stories from WTTW News. Devoted stewardship turned a stretch of Montrose Beach into an incredible natural area.

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Today we tackle the drama between Springfield and City Hall, the Madigan trial and new settlements paid out by Chicago taxpayers.  Left: Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pictured in a July 2023 file photo.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Yesterday was a busy day for WTTW News. Catch up with these stories on all things Chicago.  Mayor Lori Lightfoot appears on "Chicago Tonight" on Jan. 3, 2023.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Good news, Chicago: While it's still icy today, it's not as slippery as it was yesterday. Stay on firm ground with these stories from WTTW News.  Mayor Brandon Johnson appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Monday, January 6, 2025

It’s back to a full work week, Chicago. Get back into the swing of things with WTTW News.

Friday, January 3, 2025

It's Friday and no, there aren't any holidays next week. Welcome to the long winter.

Thursday, January 2, 2025

The holidays are officially over and it's now that time of year when you have to remind yourself to write 2025 multiple times a day. Here's what we have in store for you this Thursday.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Happy New Year, Chicago. If you were up past midnight, you might be a bit sleepy, so we decided to give you some stories on Chicago history to help you ease into 2025.

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Over the past year, WTTW News reporters have delved into stories on everything from prison conditions to the city’s complicated system for sidewalk repairs.

Monday, December 30, 2024

Have you been wondering how Chicago's new budget will impact your wallet in 2025? We've got answers. Start your Monday off with WTTW News.

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Friday, December 27, 2024

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Monday, December 23, 2024

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Friday, December 20, 2024

Patty Wetli looks back on the year in nature. Plus, more local stories from the staff at WTTW News. 

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Monday, December 16, 2024

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Every Saturday morning, Daily Chicagoan gives you a quick rundown of the WTTW News coverage you need to know.

Friday, December 13, 2024

It’s 12 days until Christmas, Chicago. Take a few minutes from your holiday preparations to read the latest news about your city from WTTW News.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Happy Wednesday. Stay informed on what’s happening in Chicago today from WTTW News.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Not even Chicago’s light pollution can dim the glow of Jupiter.

Friday, December 6, 2024

This job has ruined road trips for me.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Chicagoans just shivered through one of the coldest Thanksgivings in a decade.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Get over the cold weather and hump day blues with these local stories from WTTW News.   Sucker fish enter a stream in droves as they prepare to spawn. (Courtesy Shedd Aquarium) The Great Lakes are teeming with fish.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

It’s Tuesday, Chicago. Bundle up and start your day right with these local stories from WTTW News. Kim Foxx, left, and new Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke, right.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Well, it’s back to reality this Monday. WTTW News hopes you had a nice holiday weekend. We have you covered with stories ranging from the city budget to museum exhibits.  Mayor Brandon Johnson delivers his budget address on Oct. 30, 2024.

Saturday, November 30, 2024

This Saturday, WTTW News is sharing highlights from our nature beat.

Friday, November 29, 2024

It’s a holiday weekend. If you have the day off or are trying to find a break from work, check out these stories from WTTW News and find some holiday cheer.  Ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Need a break from holiday festivities? Want a fun fact for your family get-together?

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

We hope you have a lovely day of rest, good food and plenty of time with loved ones tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Thanksgiving is on the horizon. Before you take some needed rest, catch up on these local stories from WTTW News.  Chicago Police Department Headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan Ave.

Monday, November 25, 2024

Happy Monday, Chicago. Hope you’re looking forward to Thanksgiving. Here are the stories you need to know as you prep your holiday meal plan.  A southbound CTA Red Line train is pictured in a file photo.

Friday, November 22, 2024

Well, yesterday’s snow was a winter wonderland if you work from home and not ideal if you had to commute.

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Good morning, Chicago. Did you get snow this morning? Warm up with these essential local stories from WTTW News.  A rendering of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park proposed for the Southeast Side.

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

A new collaboration between ProPublica and WTTW News dives into the five and a half years since CPD agreed to judicial oversight and why the consent decree has done so little for reform.  A police vehicle passes by the 12th District Chicago

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

To gain insight into the impact of prison closures, WTTW News looked back on the last prison the state shut down: Dwight Correctional Center.

Monday, November 18, 2024

WTTW News hopes you had a nice weekend, Chicago. Read on for an update on a Cook County osprey found in South America and a heartwarming story about a fantastic artist with an unconventional and resilient approach.

Friday, November 15, 2024

It’s the weekend, Chicago. Read on for a new column from Patty Wetli, a wrongful death lawsuit from the family of a man who was incarcerated at Stateville, and more from WTTW News. 

City in a Garden: Back to the Future 

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Good morning, Chicago. We have stories on the CTA’s just-approved budget for 2025 and a look at how Illinois Dems are preparing for another Trump presidency. 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Good morning, Chicago. We have stories on Mayor Brandon Johnson’s statements on immigration and the status of property tax hikes for the city.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

After last week’s ruling striking down an assault weapons ban, we take a look at what happens next. And it’s never too early to start planning for the holidays with our just-published events guide.

Monday, November 11, 2024

Happy Monday. Today, we introduce you to local researchers who are trying to rethink the traditional lawn. Plus, we'll get you caught up on the ongoing Michael Madigan trial. 

Friday, November 8, 2024

This Friday, we dive into how Gov. J.B. Pritzker is preparing for a second Donald Trump presidency. And then there is this fractious debate: Do you need to rake your leaves? 

Thursday, November 7, 2024

It’s Thursday. As we continue to examine the impact of Donald Trump's election, we also take a look at some very local stories. Read on for more news affecting our city and state. 

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Donald Trump has won the presidential election as a Republican wave swept the country. Read on for the results and more updates on yesterday’s local elections from WTTW News. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

It’s Election Day, Chicago. WTTW News has you covered with our Voter Guide and all the stories to get you caught up on local races.  

Monday, November 4, 2024

It’s the day before the 2024 Presidential Election. Preview the race and get caught up on all the local stories you need to know about from WTTW News. 

(Kenishirotie / iStock)

Friday, November 1, 2024

Start off the new month and prepare for the weekend with these essential and outdoorsy stories from WTTW News.

Thursday, October 31, 2024

Don’t be spooked. It’s Halloween but you’re informed on what’s happening in Chicago thanks to these local stories. 

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Hold onto your hats. It’s a windy Wednesday but stand firm knowing you’ve read the essential local stories from WTTW News. 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Eighty-degree weather right before Halloween feels a little spooky but that won't stop us from enjoying the fall heat. Before you go outside, check out the WTTW News Voter Guide and catch up on the latest from the Madigan trial. 

Monday, October 28, 2024

Happy Monday, today we take a look at a ballot question all Illinois voters will see, dive into Chicago finances and take a look back at the 2020 presidential race.

Friday, October 25, 2024

The latest on the city’s school board, a United Nations declaration about Chicago, and the little-known way bees catch a nap. WTTW News has those stories and more this Friday morning.

Thursday, October 24, 2024

This city might be home to the neighborhood tavern and Jeppson’s Malört, but some areas of Chicago still ban alcohol sales. Read on for this and more stories from WTTW News. 

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Happy hump day. This Wednesday, WTTW News has stories on alleged police misconduct, a political corruption trial and swarms of ladybugs spotted in the Chicago area. 

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

The city’s looming budget crisis hangs over stories on Chicago’s shelter space and a lawsuit alleging inaccessible public housing. Read on for more from WTTW News. 

Monday, October 21, 2024

We’re past peak fall color but it’s still stunning outside. Jump into the new week with these stories on butterflies, charter school closures and Halloween events. 

Friday, October 18, 2024

Another beautiful Friday, another newsletter with all the local stories you need to know from WTTW News.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

City Council met to discuss Chicago Public Schools. We recap that meeting and detail the city’s budget crisis. 

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

We hope you dried off from yesterday’s hail storm and are now enjoying today's sunny weather. Today we bring you stories on a comet you can see this month and the state legislature’s work on public transit. 

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

There are 21 days until the November elections. Read on for detailed and useful guides to help you make the most informed decisions at the ballot box. 

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Monday, October 14, 2024

Good morning, Chicago. Ease into the week with stories about public transit’s uncertain funding future, the power of organ donation and more.

Friday, October 11, 2024

It’s Friday, let’s get outdoors, savor the remnants of warm weather and catch up on what’s happening in Chicago.Let us know what you think about this newsletter by emailing us at [email protected].

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Look up, conditions are favorable for Chicagoans to catch the Aurora Borealis again tonight.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

In the midst of CPS turmoil and a budget crunch, we sat down with Mayor Brandon Johnson for a one-on-one interview.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Don’t miss Mayor Brandon Johnson on “Chicago Tonight” at 5:30 and 10 p.m.

Monday, October 7, 2024

WTTW News hopes you had a good weekend.

Friday, October 4, 2024

Happy Friday. Keep reading to the end for six great picks for things you can do outside over the weekend.  Let us know what you think about this newsletter by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Enjoy the sunshine and warm weather today.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Did you stay up late watching last night’s VP debate? Pour yourself a cup of coffee and read the latest headlines from WTTW News.Let us know what you think about this newsletter by emailing us at [email protected]. 

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Start October off right by staying updated on what’s happening in your city and state with stories on a prison population transfer, police pursuit settlements and yes, Christmas.Let us know what you think about this newsletter by emailing us at

Monday, September 30, 2024

Good morning, today we bring you the latest on city overtime spending, a major new exhibit at the Field Museum and gentrification concerns in Pilsen.Let us know what you think about this newsletter by emailing us at DailyChicagoan@wttw.

Friday, September 27, 2024

New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams was hit with federal corruption charges. Given our city’s long history with corruption, it might come as a surprise that no Chicago mayor has ever been indicted for public corruption.

Thursday, September 26, 2024

This Thursday, WTTW News sits down with Marcel Brown for his first interview. Plus, all the stories you need to know about today as a curious Chicagoan. 

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Each Wednesday, Via Chicago presents select shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.  Wednesday, Sept. 25: GIFT, Sharp Pins, Chaepter at Schubas.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

From budget savings to public safety, start the first few days of fall catching up on the biggest issues facing Chicago. Know someone who might like this newsletter? Forward this email and they can sign up right here.

Monday, September 23, 2024

The good news is that we’re back to seasonally appropriate weather. The bad news is that it’s Monday. Start the workweek right with these local stories. Know someone who might like this newsletter? Forward this email and they can sign up right here.

Friday, September 20, 2024

It’s Friday. Whether you’re going to Riot Fest or relaxing around your neighborhood, here are the Chicago stories that will help you keep up with your city.  Know someone who might like this newsletter? Forward this email and they can sign up right here.

Thursday, September 19, 2024

We have the latest updates from yesterday’s eventful City Council meeting. Plus, stories on dangerous lies targeting immigrant communities and the potential new White Sox stadium in the South Loop.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Each Wednesday, Via Chicago presents select shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.  Wednesday, Sept. 18:Royal Otis, Johnny Cheddar (Friko) at Salt Shed.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

A new autopsy report revealed that heat stress was a “significant contributing condition” in the death of Michael Broadway, who died while incarcerated at Stateville Correctional Center earlier this summer.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Happy Mexican Independence Day. Today, we take a deeper look at a potential wrongful conviction settlement 33 years in the making and the environmental controversy surrounding Trump Tower's impact on the Chicago River. 

Friday, September 13, 2024

Happy Friday. This weekend, try exploring a new neighborhood or maybe catch some live music around the city. Today, we talk about the impending anniversary of the Pretrial Fairness Act, legionella levels at Dirksen courthouse, and Patty Wetli talks birds and bats. 

Thursday, September 12, 2024

This Thursday, WTTW News dives into a discussion on how to address gun violence, an indicted ex-alderperson might stand trial and Brookfield Zoo’s effort to save a near extinct bird population. 

File photo of seized guns (WTTW News) 

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Congratulations on making it halfway through the work week. Today, WTTW News speaks to the incarcerated men at the soon-to-be-closed Stateville Correctional Center, and we have news that the city will be closing three migrant shelters. 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Just when you thought fall was imminent, Chicago gets hit with some mid-80s temperatures. Today, WTTW News explains the state’s assault weapons ban and asks Chicagoans what they think about immigration policy. 

Monday, September 9, 2024

There are only 16 more Mondays left in 2024.

Friday, September 6, 2024

Celebrate the end of the week and get caught up on the top stories from WTTW News, including an August crime recap, what’s going on with Superdawg’s mascots and more. 

A street tree planted in Chicago in 2022. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News)

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Brave today’s heat and brush up with the latest stories from WTTW News. Today we have the fight to bring parole back to Illinois, more details on the Blue Line shooting and a state tax credit you should know about for some K-12 education expenses. 

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

The first day of work after a three-day weekend is always a challenge, but we hope you adjusted nicely yesterday.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Welcome back to reality. We hope your holiday weekend was restful and rewarding. Today, we look at CPD’s big picture response to DNC protests, Stateville workers rallying against the planned prison closure, and more.

Monday, September 2, 2024

Hey Chicago, we know it’s a holiday but one of the reasons we launched Daily Chicagoan is to get outside, explore this city more deeply and feel closer to this great community we live in.

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Help us make the Daily Chicagoan better.

Friday, August 30, 2024

The only things better than the Friday of Labor Day weekend are the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend. Today, we have stories on flirting turtles, the proposed DuSable Lake Shore Drive redesign, and more. Help us improve the Daily Chicagoan.

Thursday, August 29, 2024

Smile because there’s only one more day until the holiday weekend. This Thursday, we have stories on the city’s alarming budget forecast, a redlining explainer and our interview with CTU’s Stacy Davis Gates.Help us improve the Daily Chicagoan. Take this brief survey.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Breathe easy: the heat wave is over. Today, we you bring stories on HOAs vs. native plants, Illinois Republicans and Democrats preparing for the general election and a Bally’s Casino update.   Help us improve the Daily Chicagoan. Take this brief survey. 

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

It’s brutally hot outside right now, so cool down with the latest headlines and reporting from WTTW News. We have pressing stories from our Spotlight Politics team, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez appears on "Chicago Tonight," and more.

Monday, August 26, 2024

We hope you had a good weekend and your DNC news hangover has subsided. Today, WTTW News recaps last week’s convention and we have a heartwarming story about balloons that’s not full of any hot air. Help us improve the Daily Chicagoan. Take this brief survey. 

Friday, August 23, 2024

We made it, Chicago. The DNC is over. This Friday, WTTW News looks at Kamala Harris’ historic campaign, Patty Wetli writes about the magic of piping plovers, and more.  WTTW News was at the DNC and around the city all week.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling addresses the news media, flanked by Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood on Aug. 21, 2024. (Heather Cherone / WTTW News)

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

This Tuesday, our live coverage of the DNC continues. Plus, what a Kamala Harris presidency would mean for this city. And unpacking Jesse Jackson's national and local legacy.  Help us improve the Daily Chicagoan. Take this brief survey. 

Monday, August 19, 2024

This Monday, there will be a “Blue Full Supermoon” gracing the night sky. Also blue and taking over the city? The Democratic National Convention begins today, the first in Chicago since 1996.  Help us improve the Daily Chicagoan. Take this brief survey. 

Saturday, August 17, 2024

It's the weekend. Sit back, relax and get caught up on the biggest news stories of the week.

Friday, August 16, 2024

This Friday, WTTW News science and nature reporter Patty Wetli explains how green darner dragonflies are migrating south and stopping in Illinois. Plus, stories on local Black businesses hoping for a DNC boost and the paratransit drivers' strike.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

This Thursday, WTTW News digs into Riot Fest's sudden return to Douglass Park, the CTA Red Line extension and how Cook County judges will handle DNC arrests. Help us improve the Daily Chicagoan. Take this brief survey.

Credit: (Riot Fest) 

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

This Wednesday, we take a look at how CPD is bracing for next week's DNC. Plus, an update in the Michael Madigan case and concert recommendations. 

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

This Tuesday, WTTW News' Spotlight Politics team previews the DNC and looks back at Chicago's convention history. Plus, Stateville is transferring its prison population, and '44: The Obama Musical.' 

Monday, August 12, 2024

Welcome to the first installment of the Daily Chicagoan, the newsletter from WTTW News.