Stories by WTTW News

Whitfield Harrington Jr. on his bid for U.S. Senate. And actor John C. Reilly brings his vaudeville-style show to Chicago.

Actor John C. Reilly has had a storied career — from pulling at people’s heart strings in the film adaptation of the musical “Chicago” to making comedy classics like “Step Brothers.” Now, he’s touring with his own vaudeville show aptly named “Mister Romantic.”

Third-party candidate Whitfield Harrington Jr. is running as the nominee for the American Center Party, which he calls a middle ground for Illinoisans who are unsatisfied with polarizing politics.

Tom Skerritt, the Emmy-winning actor who embodied a solid, wry authority figure, whether as a flight instructor in “Top Gun,” a tough-but-fair sheriff on TV’s “Picket Fences” or the doomed captain of “Alien,” has died. He was 93.

Chicago steppin’ originated in the 1940s as a style of dancing called bopping, but evolved into steppin’ after Chatman noticed a friend breaking away from his partner and walking back toward her. Chatman then took to the mic and encouraged his friend to “step on.”

State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke is defending Cook County’s ban on assault weapons, saying it “passes constitutional muster” as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to take up a challenge to that law later this year.

Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has denounced a controversial ad featuring the estranged mother of Dr. Amy Acton, taking sides with the Democratic candidate for governor.

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveils his budget plan — taking another crack at a corporate head tax. We explain what else is in it.

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his proposed $17.6 billion 2027 spending plan Wednesday.

Este 3 de noviembre, los votantes de Illinois tendrán una decisión importante: elegir quién va a reemplazar al senador Dick Durbin, quien se retira después de 30 años en el cargo.

Track work is set to begin at 4 a.m. Saturday. Regular service is scheduled to resume at 4 a.m. Monday following completion of the work and required testing. Shuttle buses will operate around the affected area.

Pope Leo XIV got good news from his doctors: The pontiff will need no further treatment for lung cancer after follow-up tests confirmed the disease was localized, the Vatican said in a statement Wednesday.

Chicago Public Schools officials on Wednesday announced that the most recent class of seniors achieved an 83.4% graduation rate. That’s double the district’s graduation rate from 2001, CPS CEO Macquline King said.

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

U.S. Senate candidates talk affordability, immigration, healthcare and more in a WTTW News forum. Hear from Democratic Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Republican Don Tracy.

Juliana Stratton and Don Tracy are vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who will end his political career in January after 30 years in the Senate.

A new report examines 20 years of data to examine systemic economic barriers in North Lawndale and the role community-based reentry and work development programs can play in helping lower recidivism rates.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s resurrection of the so-called head tax — which was soundly rejected by the Chicago City Council a year ago — would impose a $25 per month per employee tax on all firms that have more than 125 employees, according to the proposal.

A preview of tonight’s U.S. Senate forum. And the history of one of Chicago’s most intimidating streets.

Lower Wacker Drive might be the bane of the uninitiated Chicago motorist. But the underground road has a history dating back to 1909.

Chicago’s progressive labor community will be split between Mayor Brandon Johnson and Alexi Giannoulias during the 2027 mayoral election.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is running for reelection, has been under intense pressure to replace ShotSpotter, the city’s controversial gunshot detection system, which he scrapped two years ago, by members of the Chicago City Council.

Election Day is just two weeks away, and WTTW News has one more live televised candidate forum for candidates on the ballot for the 2026 general election.

Another sign of progress: All six rescued belugas have now been consistently eating their full daily diet for nearly a month, according to Shedd officials.

One person is in custody after allegedly firing a gun in downtown Chicago near the Kluczynski Federal Building early Tuesday morning, authorities said.