This Tuesday, we have an interview with Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly. Plus, an update on Chicago’s piping plovers and snacks to buy from local Asian grocers. And yes, if you felt something in central Illinois last night, that was in fact an earthquake. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly appears on the May 12, 2025, episode of "Chicago Tonight." (WTTW News) The race to replace retiring Sen. Dick Durbin is heating up.
It’s a new week, today we have stories on criminal justice, wetland protection and a handy explainer on TIF districts. (WTTW News) Several family members and advocates with loved ones across prisons in Illinois told WTTW News that their in-person visits have been canceled by the Illinois Department of Corrections due to short staffing or lockdowns. Those visits are crucial for those inside and their loved ones, serving as a reminder to the outside world and relationships, they say.
Today’s Daily Chicagoan is brought to you, in part, by: Happy Friday. Yesterday, the Chicago-born and Dolton-raised Robert Francis Prevost was selected by the papal conclave to lead the Roman Catholic Church. We have stories on the first American Pope, a birding column from Patty Wetli and a look at a new law going into effect on Mother's Day. An elusive Sora, with its tell-tale “candy corn” beak.
Today’s Daily Chicagoan is brought to you, in part, by: It’s Thursday, and you know what that means: one more day until Friday and another WTTW News newsletter with essential Chicago stories. A file photo of a Chicago residential street. (stevegeer / Stock) The Chicago City Council voted 30-18 to create a city-owned nonprofit housing developer — approving the centerpiece of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s effort to reduce Chicago’s massive affordable housing shortfall after weeks of intense debate.
Today’s Daily Chicagoan is brought to you, in part, by: It’s Wednesday, and the Real ID deadline finally goes into effect. Plus, more stories on gun violence, a West Side art gallery and the beloved fried chicken institution Harold's Chicken Shack. Left: Jens Ludwig appears on “Chicago Tonight” on May 5, 2025. Right: The cover of “Unforgiven Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence” The U.S. gun homicide rate is 26 times higher than in other developed countries.
Today’s Daily Chicagoan is brought to you, in part, by: It’s Tuesday. WTTW News has stories on Illinois wildlife, a new housing initiative and a longtime local progressive stalwart leaving Congress. And scroll to the bottom for some very good sandwich recommendations. The white lady slipper orchid was de-listed as endangered after monitors found it was more abundant than thought. (U.S.
Today’s Daily Chicagoan is brought to you, in part, by: It’s Monday, and summer is approaching. Plan your season with our handy guide to all the festivals, outdoor concerts and neighborhood events happening soon. Plus, more stories from WTTW News. (AlbertPego / iStock) The Chicago Transit Authority’s reliance on bus and train operator overtime dropped in 2024, a sign the agency’s hiring efforts have eased a once-massive staffing shortfall.
Today’s Daily Chicagoan is brought to you, in part, by: It’s Friday. End a long work week with these stories from WTTW News. The author’s parkway plantings. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) Patty Wetli: I spent a lot of time this past week watching a robin attempt to build a nest in what struck me as the dumbest place possible — a weird nook in our building’s rear porch stairs. “There are trees. In a park. Right … next … door,” I said to my husband. “I don’t get it.” “Remember, the bird has a pea brain,” he replied. Well then, what’s my excuse?
Today’s Daily Chicagoan is brought to you, in part, by: It’s May Day today and local organizers have a demonstration planned. That story and more from WTTW News. Protesters gather at Union Park the morning of May 1, 2025. (Eunice Alpasan / WTTW News) As Gov. JB Pritzker calls on Democrats to be more aggressive in their fight against the Trump administration, organizers in Chicago and across the national are planning May Day protest rallies today.
Today’s Daily Chicagoan is brought to you, in part, by: Today we bring you stories on the local impacts of tariffs, the latest on the Michael Madigan case and a look at how the new clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court is looking to modernize the system. (Courtesy of Northwestern University) President Donald Trump has made moves to freeze federal funding to elite universities, citing a rise in antisemitic attacks and institutions’ inadequate responses to fight against the hateful rhetoric and acts.
