The area includes part of the Bronzeville neighborhood. And it has a rich history, from its churches to its hospital. We spoke with community leaders about that and efforts to bring people together this holiday season.
Stories by Marissa Nelson
Chicago’s COVID Response Corps ‘Ready for The Next Challenge’ Ahead of Winter, Holiday Gatherings
Earlier in the pandemic, the program began by focusing on contact tracing. But it has since expanded to meet other needs – like scheduling vaccine appointments and working the city’s COVID-19 hotline.
Chicago Small Businesses Deal With Supply Chain Issues, COVID Economic Impact
The holiday shopping season is underway and U.S. sales are on track to surpass spending records. Some small business owners say they hope the season will provide a much-needed boost to revenue as retailers large and small face supply chain issues and inflation more than a year and a half into the pandemic.
Omicron Variant Raises Concerns of Vaccine Equity
A growing number of states and countries are detecting the omicron variant, though it has yet to be identified in Illinois. Some say the mutation raises concerns about vaccine equity across the globe.
‘Beyond Chicago from the Air’ Premieres on WTTW
Geoffrey Baer’s latest special, “Beyond Chicago from the Air,” explores Illinois’ landscape and landmarks from the air — using drone footage to take viewers across the state.
‘Black Voices’ Community Conversation: Black Small Businesses
Brandis Friedman and a panel of guests talk about how Black-owned small businesses are navigating the holiday shopping season amid supply chain issues and labor shortages. Watch the discussion now.
How Inflation, Supply Chain Issues Are Impacting Food Insecurity in Chicago
Food insecurity continues to be far above pre-pandemic levels. Advocates say supply chain issues and inflation are worsening this problem — higher grocery bills make it even harder for some to afford food.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Washington Park
Washington Park is nestled between Hyde Park, Woodlawn and Englewood. It’s home to the DuSable Museum of African American History and to the former Schultz Baking Company. Now closed, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places and there are plans to turn it into a data center.
Behind ‘The Great Resignation’ of Americans Quitting Their Jobs in Record Numbers
In September, 4.4 million people left their jobs, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some say workers have spent the pandemic reevaluating their priorities and values, leading them to leave their places of work or demand more from their employers.
Tribune Report Reveals Sexism in Chicago’s Radio Industry
The Chicago Tribune published a scathing 10-month investigation into what women face in the male-dominated industry. The reporters spoke with dozens of women in radio about their experiences. WTTW News spoke with three of those women to hear about what they have faced in the industry.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Washington Heights
The predominantly African American community on the Far South Side has high rates of homeownership but a relatively low COVID-19 vaccination rate.
West Side Grocery Store Closure Highlights Food Inequities in Chicago
The recent closure of an Aldi in West Garfield Park leaves residents with one less grocery store and points to a larger issue of food insecurity across the city, particularly in low-income and Black and brown communities that have faced decades of disinvestment, according to advocates.
FDA Proposes Plan to Make Hearing Aids Available Over the Counter
Hearing aids may soon be available over the counter. Last week the FDA issued a proposal to allow hearing aids to be sold directly to consumers, without a medical exam or fitting by an audiologist.
‘Latino Voices’ Community Conversation: Dia de los Muertos
Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday that honors dead relatives, remembering loved ones and celebrating ancestors. We talk about the holiday’s meaning, traditions and misconceptions with community leaders.
Ask Geoffrey: The Wrigley Building’s 100th Anniversary
The Wrigley Building celebrates its 100th anniversary. The latest edition of “Ask Geoffrey” explores how the Chicago icon transformed Michigan Avenue.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Joliet
The southwest suburb is home to several racetracks and is the birthplace of Dairy Queen. The area also has two prisons – one of which closed in 2002 and recently opened as a haunted house.
New Podcast Explores How Madigan Ruled Illinois Politics
Former House Speaker Michael Madigan ruled Illinois politics for decades. Amid the expanding ComEd bribery scheme investigation, Madigan stepped down from two powerful positions this year: the state speakership and chair of Illinois’ Democratic Party.
Lincoln Square Bakery With a Mission Revamps Space, Expand Hours
Dorothy’s Sweet Shoppe offers life skills and job training to adults with disabilities who help keep the shop running from baking to taking customers’ orders and cashing them out.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Uptown
Uptown is one of Chicago’s most diverse communities. It’s home to a few icons in Chicago’s music scene. But, like many neighborhoods, it also faces gentrification. We talk with community leaders about planned luxury apartments coming to the area and a nonprofit that provides housing for women.
A Nation in ‘Peril’: Woodward, Costa Chronicle Volatile Presidential Transition
A new book gives an insider, blow-by-blow account of one of the most tumultuous and dangerous presidential transitions in American history, from the chaos of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot to a secret six-point strategy to overturn the election results.
New Fund Aims to Address Inequitable Investment in Black, Brown-Led Nonprofits
Research shows Black and brown-led nonprofits receive less funding than their white counterparts. Now, a new program by the United Way of Metro Chicago is working to address this disparity.
‘Black Voices’ Community Conversation: Pullman
Brandis Friedman and a panel of guests talk about Pullman’s role in the Black labor movement and the Great Migration following the recent opening of the Pullman National Monument’s visitor center. Watch the discussion now.
The Week in Review: 2022 City Budget Hearings Begin
The mayor introduces a big spending plan and voices her frustration with CPS COVID-19 protocols. A rift between the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Park District emerges as a potential deal for Arlington Park looms. And the Sox clinch the division.
The Week in Review: FDA Panel Votes on COVID Booster Shots
An ethics investigation into a Chicago alderman. The county assessor's got election competition. The latest on the park district's lifeguard sex abuse scandal. And CPS gets a new CEO.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Oak Lawn
Oak Lawn is a southwest suburb bordering parts of Chicago. Along with surrounding suburbs, it has a strong Muslim community. And its fire and police departments sent members to support New York firefighters after the 9/11 attack.
Health Care Workers on Mental, Emotional Toll of Pandemic
Nearly a year and a half into the pandemic, some health care workers are reporting feelings of burnout. We talk with medical professionals about what they’re seeing during the latest surge of COVID-19.
