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.

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. These investigations shed new light on the financial toll of police misconduct settlements, reports of misconduct at an internationally renowned laboratory and how trash pickup complaints work (or don’t). As the year draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of our news investigations. Adam Ballard is pictured on a cracked sidewalk in front of a beauty salon near his Pilsen home.

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