Happy Friday. Recovery from last night's storm continues as thousands in the area are still without power and trees are down across the city and suburbs. In the meantime, we've got a heartwarming story on an ambitious Chicago teen doling out free makeovers to classmates, plus a costly update on everyone's favorite parking meter deal. (Patty Wetli / WTTW News) Patty Wetli: At this week’s meeting of the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners, the majority of the agenda was dispatched in roughly 30 to 45 minutes.

If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, now might be the time. PAWS Chicago is hosting a big adoption event this weekend. In the meantime, today’s offerings range from fiery political intrigue to opera performed in a historic cemetery. So, the usual. Ald. David Moore (17th Ward) returns to his seat after addressing the Chicago Transit Authority board of directors on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

Last night, Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared on “Chicago Tonight” to talk about his first two years in office. That and more stories from WTTW News.  U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly appears on the May 12, 2025, episode of "Chicago Tonight." (WTTW News) When Mayor Brandon Johnson took office two years ago, Chicago was in crisis. As Johnson celebrates his second anniversary and marks what he hopes is the midpoint of his first term in office, Chicago remains in crisis. A different crisis.

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.