Stories by WTTW News

A local team works to get a 15-minute express train from the Loop to O’Hare off the ground. And we get to know Chicago mayoral candidate Toni Brooks.

Chicago’s next mayoral election is less than a year away and the list of candidates — and those considering a run — is growing ever larger. Here’s who is in so far.

Illinois sues the U.S. Postal Service in the latest fight over mail-in voting. And what’s being done about a smell on Chicago’s Southeast Side.

The new leader of the Chicago Department of Public Health on his vision for a healthy city. And as kids head back to school, President Donald Trump recommends changes to childhood vaccines.

It’s the first day of school for CPS students — how a new grant program is working to keep them in class. And power outages in Gary approach two weeks. A look at the impact they’re having on residents.

How a toll increase could impact your commute and your wallet. And why Illinois lags behind almost every other state in building new housing.

Your commutes are going to get more expensive next year as officials OK a toll increase. And invasive carp are closing in on Lake Michigan — what kind of damage could they do?

A new front in the political battle over video gambling in Chicago as Bally’s halts construction. And you’ve likely seen them weaving all over the city — how to stay safe on and around e-scooters.

A one-on-one with Chicago mayoral candidate John Kelly. And we preview a highly anticipated Crosstown Classic between the Cubs and White Sox.

An update on the Chicago Bears stadium project. And what’s behind a recent string of water system malfunctions.

Progressives notch another win in Minnesota — but come up short in Wisconsin. A look at the Democratic Party and its future.

A new push to pause the development of data centers in Chicago. And how a historically strong El Nino could impact our fall and winter.

Cook County works to identify dozens of decomposing bodies at a Chicago funeral home. And the FDA approves a new flu shot using mRNA technology.

What does Mayor Brandon Johnson want to see in the city’s next top cop? And an organization investing in Chicago teens.

Can Chicago Public Schools count on more state funding? Lawmakers weigh in. And another step toward more nuclear power in Illinois.

Advocates push for two shuttered hospitals to reopen. And a new report says Chicago can’t keep trying to poison its way out of its rat problem.

Chicago school board members join us to discuss their recently passed budget. And how the Shedd Aquarium’s new residents are doing.

Chicago Board of Education members weigh a budget vote. And what’s behind dozens of fires at a suburban prison facility.

Chicago Public Schools leader Macquline King on Thursday's anticipated budget vote. And mayoral candidate Lisa Nee joins us to talk about her campaign as ballot petitions begin.

Cleanup is underway after damaging storms hit the Chicago area. And a contentious budget battle at Chicago Public Schools. The head of the Chicago Teachers Union joins us.

Illinois tolls could be going up. We tell you what you need to know. And no more changing clocks? How a new daylight-saving proposal could impact your daily life.

A new documentary explores the American Dream and what’s happened to it. And a major pickleball tournament comes to the Chicago area.

Chicago Public Schools is facing a massive budget gap — two board members on the path ahead. And two independent congressional candidates are removed from the ballot.

How two proposed ordinances could affect renters in Chicago. And four beluga whales went on quite an adventure — how they were relocated to the Shedd.

Finger pointing as officials say Chicago is facing a budget deficit. And are the country’s voting systems secure?

A disappearing skyline and air quality alerts as wildfire smoke blankets Chicago. Plus, layoffs and a spending freeze — we unpack how Chicago Public Schools plans to close its massive deficit.