Stories by WTTW News

A ban on extremist police officers is set to go into effect in Chicago. The dangers facing American democracy in 2024. And the history of dibs, Chicago’s tradition of saving parking spots.

The push to create a permanent board to oversee the Chicago Police Department begins. An attorney trying to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the ballot in Illinois. And free expression on college campuses. 

The latest on the financial toll of the migrant crisis that’s gripping Chicago. How the city’s suburbs are trying to curb unannounced migrant drop-offs. And a look at what homebuyers and sellers can expect to see in 2024.

Michael Madigan’s corruption trial gets delayed. The state’s health department declares racism a public health crisis. And looking back at the war on poverty.

Hundreds of new laws are taking effect in Illinois. What are they and how could they impact your life? Two states kick former President Donald Trump off the ballot over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. And our Spotlight Politics on the year ahead.  

Over the last year, WTTW News introduced you to a variety of Chicago-area residents. Some accomplished extraordinary feats, while others made a difference in their communities through small acts of everyday work.

Chicago elected a new mayor, Illinois banned so-called assault weapons and the Boss played at Wrigley Field. Here’s what people were reading in 2023.

Pushback to a second waste facility in West Chicago. How educators and alumni are coming together to help migrant students. And what’s behind an unseasonably warm December.

How small business fared this holiday season. Exploring the great outdoors. And meet the founders behind a Black-owned brewery.

Singer, actress and television host Dionne Warwick can add another accomplishment to her legendary career. Warwick is one of the recipients of a Kennedy Center Honors.

One on one with actress and comedian Lisa Ann Walter. A rare Nativity set at the Art Institute. And a local man creates the Cinnamon Bear’s miniature world of Maybeland.

Former Ald. Ed Burke found guilty in landmark corruption trial. Discussing what needs to happen amid health concerns at migrant shelters. And efforts to combat crimes against street vendors.

We sit down with Mayor Brandon Johnson to talk community safety, migrants and more. And Chicago Public Schools’ plan to move away from school choice.

Day 2 of jury deliberations in the Ed Burke corruption trial. What trends in a changing labor landscape could mean for workers. And a local man creates the Cinnamon Bear’s miniature world of Maybeland.

Jury deliberations begin in the landmark corruption trial of former Ald. Ed Burke. A project upgrading Chicago’s aging gas pipelines is on hold. And remembering Chicago sculptor Richard Hunt. 

City Council rejects an effort to ask voters whether Chicago should stay a sanctuary city. And a new plan for community safety.

Efforts to redefine Chicago’s community boundaries. Meet a 17-year-old who just earned her doctorate degree. And we break down the history of Chicago’s alphabetically inclined street names.

Former Ald. Danny Solis takes the stand in the corruption trial of Ed Burke. The Civic Federation taps former city inspector general Joe Ferguson as its next president. And remembering TV pioneer Norman Lear.

Noisy, illegal and rarely punished — we dig into the data on early morning garbage pickups. And the debate over whether police should be able to have disciplinary hearings behind closed doors.

Tackling a huge drop in public transit funding. Reflecting on the work of Juanita Irizarry as she steps away from Friends of the Parks. And how a new initiative is driving holiday foot traffic to commercial corridors.

An effort to streamline federal financial aid. How a three-time MLB All-Star is giving back to local kids. And restorative practices instead of suspensions — a look at the impact on students.

Johnson reacts to the state pulling funding for a migrant camp in Brighton Park. Old-school video game arcade culture is getting an extra life. And building modular homes in Roseland.

Disagreement over whether or not Chicago should remain a sanctuary city. Geoffrey Baer shares the stories behind some of Chicago’s most beautiful places. And “The Wiz” hits town. 

The mayor drops plans to house migrants at Amundsen Park. How local organizations are aiding those facing homelessness. And a nonprofit that’s helping Chicago restaurants start up and scale up.

Over the years, Henry Kissinger joined John Callaway and Phil Ponce on “Chicago Tonight” three times where he discussed foreign policy news of the time.

Exploring why so many Black women go missing in Chicago. And how educator vacancies are disproportionately impacting children of color.