Inside Madigan’s inner operations. Early voting opens in the mayor’s race. And so many cars on the Kennedy.
Stories by Alexandra Silets
Spotlight Politics: Chicago Mayoral Candidates Make Their Case
With less than two weeks before Election Day, the candidates for Chicago mayor are still making their case to voters. Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.
How Social Impact Giving is Shaking Up the World of Philanthropy
When it comes to philanthropy, it’s usually universities, museums and hospitals that get major donations. But there’s a Chicago organization shaking up that paradigm.
What Will Policing, Public Safety Look Like Under Chicago’s Next Mayor?
The voters of Chicago have spoken, and the message is loud and clear: The next mayor needs new strategies to reduce crime. The two contenders for Chicago’s mayoral runoff, Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson, have differing views on how to address crime and violence.
Week in Review: Barbs Fly Between Chicago Mayoral Candidates
Barbs fly between the would-be mayors. Chicago police mourn one of their own. And the NASCAR race leaves a bad taste in summer festival plans.
Week in Review: Mayoral Runoff Contenders Come Out Swinging
Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas steam ahead toward the April mayoral runoff, as Mayor Lori Lightfoot suffers historic defeat. CPD mourns the loss of one of its own. And Blackhawks fans get used to life without Patrick Kane.
Spotlight Politics: Vallas, Johnson Headed to April Runoff
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her bid for reelection Tuesday. Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas are now headed to an April 4 runoff election. Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.
Week in Review: Accusations, Big Spending in Chicago Mayoral Race
Mayor Lightfoot accuses Vallas of dog-whistle politics as Vallas and Johnson surge. Chicago teachers blast their union over big campaign spending. And Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis takes his anti-woke show to Elmhurst.
Explaining What Exactly Hospice Care Means After Former President Jimmy Carter’s Announcement
What is hospice care and what does it mean that the longest-living American president is foregoing medical intervention?
Week in Review: Dark Money, Attacks in Chicago Mayoral Race
Dark money flows along with the attacks in the mayor’s race. Florida Gov. DeSantis’ visit to the area draws rebuke. The Bears close on the Arlington Heights property. And Pritzker’s budget spends big on education.
Spotlight Politics: Mayoral Race Gets Pointed as Election Day Nears
Things got pointed at the final Chicago mayoral candidate debate. Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.
Week in Review: Chicago Mayoral Forums Get Tense
WTTW News probes Paul Vallas’ suburban residency as his campaign closes in on the final two weeks. Meanwhile, candidates get testy with each other and moderators at numerous debates this week. And tax breaks back on the table for the Bears.
Spotlight Politics: Reflecting on the WTTW Mayoral Forum, Where Candidates Stand Now
Things got heated between the candidates at the WTTW News mayoral forum this week. Our politics team weighs in on that story.
Week in Review: Tensions Arise in Chicago Mayoral Race
Gloves come off in the Chicago mayoral debate as Paul Vallas cleans up cash and endorsements. City Council puts the breaks on Mayor Lori Lightfoot's ComEd deal. Migrants arrive in Woodlawn. And the complicated legacy of Blackhawks legend Bobby Hull.
Spotlight Politics: Chicago Mayoral Race Heats Up as Election Day Nears
Tensions rose at this week's Chicago mayoral forum. Our politics team weighs in on that story and more.
Week in Review: Chicago Mayoral Race Tightens
The footage of a Memphis traffic stop that led to Tyre Nichols’ death has been released. Lightfoot turns up the heat on her mayoral opponents. Assault weapons lawsuits come fast and furious. And remembering a beloved local radio DJ.
Week in Review: Mayoral Candidates Define Their Visions
Mayoral candidates share their visions for the city. Lawsuits against the Illinois assault weapons ban come fast and furious. Peoples Gas and ComEd seek a bevy of rate hikes. And the Bears introduce their new president.
Week in Review: Lightfoot’s Response to Campaign Emails; Assault Weapons Ban
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s campaign under investigation for CPS student recruitment. Assault weapons now banned in Illinois as lawsuits await. And the new Hail Mary plans for Soldier Field as the Bears hire a bigwig as new president.
Week in Review: Holiday Travel Hit; Assault Weapons Ban Hearings
Brutal cold blasts Chicago during the busiest travel days of the year. Gun rights advocates protest assault weapons ban proposal. Two dead in a shooting outside Juarez High School. And Cubs and Sox sign big free agents.
Week in Review: Chicago Casino, Red Line Extension Move Forward
The long-awaited Red Line extension and Chicago casino take major leaps forward. Is the Jane Byrne interchange finally finished? And García and Lightfoot attacked for ties to Sam Bankman-Fried.
Week in Review: Mayoral Challenges Underway; Pritzker Signs SAFE-T Act Revisions
Let the games begin as mayoral candidates try to knock each other off the ballot. The governor quietly signs the revised SAFE-T Act. A landmark movie theater on the chopping block. And renewed calls to take down the Trump sign.
Chicago Architecture Critics Team Up to Highlight Inequities, Explore Solutions
What do you get when you put two of Chicago’s preeminent architecture critics together? A thought-provoking book about the city’s storied architecture.
Week In Review: Pat Quinn Opts Out; Mayoral Race Heats Up
Special counsel appointed to investigate Trump. A high profile, would-be candidate opts out of the mayoral race. Lightfoot institutes a full court press for the Red Line extension. And property tax mailings hit homeowners where it hurts.
Week in Review: Pritzker, Illinois Dems Have Big Election Day
Gov. J.B. Pritzker wins reelection handily as Democrats sweep the state. National predictions of a Republican wave fail to materialize. Chuy García enters the race for mayor. And the CTA chief gets an earful.
Week in Review: Biden In Town Ahead of Midterms
Major national figures are in town as local midterm races go down to the wire. Mayor Lightfoot is facing a budget revolt. The Bears pull off huge trades and hedge for the future while the White Sox name a new manager.
Candidate Forum: Open Secretary of State Office Has Democrat Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Dan Brady Squaring Off
It’s the first time since 1998 that Jesse White won’t be on the ballot for Illinois secretary of state. Running to fill the office is Republican Dan Brady and Democrat Alexi Giannoulias.
