Stories by Abena Bediako

What Comes Next for Police Reform Efforts in Chicago Amid COPA Leadership Changes

Andrea Kersten recently resigned as chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, known as COPA. The move happened after the city’s police oversight board issued a letter to Kersten saying it was planning to take a vote of no confidence in her leadership.

Georgia Man Sentenced to 1 Year in Theft of Arnold Palmer Green Jacket, Other Masters Memorabilia

The items, which were stolen between 2009 and 2022, included such historic memorabilia as tickets to Masters tournaments in the 1930s, as well as T-shirts, mugs and chairs, according to prosecutors. Among the stolen legendary green jackets were those won by Palmer, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

No Immediate Breakthrough on Teachers’ Contract After Johnson Calls CPS CEO, CTU President to City Hall

“None of these issues that they need to settle will be worth the consequence of six, seven days or how many ever days out of school,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.

Illinois House Panel Advances Bill to Strengthen Homeschooling Oversight

The measure, known as the Homeschool Act, would require families to notify their school districts when they decide to homeschool, and that parents or guardians who teach their kids at home have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Proposal Stalls to Strengthen Law Mandating Foster Kids Move Placements With Luggage, Not Trash Bags

“At the end of the day, DCFS is responsible for everything that happens to a child, for making sure the child is safe, for making sure the child has an appropriate placement, for making sure that the child isn’t treated like garbage by giving them garbage bags for their possessions,” said Cook County Public Guardian Charles Golbert.

Illinois Lawmakers Pursue Restrictions on Search Warrants After Botched Raid in Chicago

Chicago police executed a search warrant at the wrong address more than six years ago that left social worker Anjanette Young handcuffed and naked in her home as she was getting ready for bed.

Illinois’ Community Colleges See Nearly 9% Spike in Spring Enrollment

There was significant growth in several enrollment categories, including a nearly 20% increase in students enrolled in dual credit programs, which allow high school students to earn college credits.

Photos: A European Telescope Studying the Dark Universe Unveils New Images of Distant Galaxies

The images and other information released Wednesday by the European Space Agency’s Euclid observatory includes a preview of three cosmic areas that the mission will spy in finer detail, mapping the shapes and locations of galaxies billions of light years away.

Legal Showdown as Justice Department Resists Judge’s Demand for More Details on Deportation Flights to El Salvador

It’s the latest development in a showdown between the Trump administration and the judge who temporarily blocked deportations under an 18th century wartime declaration. President Donald Trump has called for the judge’s impeachment as the Republican escalates his conflict with a judiciary after a series of court setbacks over his executive actions.

Weather Whiplash With Rain, Thunderstorms, Snow and Dusty Skies on Wednesday and Thursday

On Wednesday and Thursday, the forecast for Chicago includes a chance of almost anything and everything: rain, thunderstorms, wind and even snow.

Local Live Music Recommendations for March 19-25

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

How the Proposed Ban on Cellphones in Illinois Classrooms Would Work

“More focus on learning will bring even greater success for kids across the state,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “Furthermore, cyberbullying has expanded at alarming rates, and it’s time for Illinois to take measures to protect our kids.”

March 18, 2025 - Full Show

Debate over a $175 million pension payment is heating up. And a local nonprofit is suing the Trump administration over its anti-DEI order.

Johnson Presses CPS Board to Make $175M Pension Payment, Reach Agreement With CTU

The new 21-member, partially elected CPS board is set to vote Thursday on whether to make that pension payment and figure out how to pay for new contracts with the unions representing teachers and principals.

Chicago Nonprofit Supporting Women in Trades Sues Trump Administration Over Anti-DEI Orders

The lawsuit challenges two of President Donald Trump’s executive orders ending government support of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The orders call DEI programs illegal and immoral discrimination.

Surgeon General’s Advisory Declaring Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis Removed From Website

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has removed the 2024 surgeon general’s advisory on gun violence from its website.

Lollapalooza 2025 Lineup Announced: Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, The Creator, Sabrina Carpenter and More

Lollapalooza will be held from July 31-Aug. 3 in Grant Park. The four-day music festival includes more than 170 artists on eight stages.

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin Spoke for More Than an Hour as US Seeks Russian Sign-Off on Plan to End Ukraine War

resident Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a lengthy phone conversation on Tuesday as the White House pushes for Russia to sign off on its 30-day ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Chief Justice John Roberts Rejects Trump’s Call for Impeaching Judge Who Ruled Against Deportation Plans

In an extraordinary display of conflict between the executive and judiciary branches, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts rejected calls for impeaching federal judges shortly after President Donald Trump demanded the removal of a judge who ruled against his deportation plans.

Yamamoto, Ohtani Deliver in Return to Japan, Dodgers Beat the Cubs 4-1 in Season Opener

Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw five strong innings, Shohei Ohtani had two hits and scored twice, and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Chicago Cubs 4-1 on Tuesday in Major League Baseball’s season opener at the Tokyo Dome.

What Are Pharmacy Benefit Managers? Illinois Lawmakers Target Industry They Say Drives Up Prescription Costs

A pharmacy benefit manager negotiates prices with wholesalers, sets reimbursement rates on drugs and compiles the lists of which medicines an insurer will cover. But critics describe the industry as focused on self-enrichment and in need of regulation.

March 17, 2025 - Full Show

What you should know about the Kennedy construction starting tonight. And how Illinois says it can save you money on prescriptions.

New Renderings Show Proposed Chicago Bears Stadium on Michael Reese Site

It’s one more Hail Mary attempt to keep the Chicago Bears in the city and have them ditch their suburban plans.

Measles Cases in US Have Surpassed 2024 Total. Here’s What You Should Know

Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne and spreads easily when an infected person breathes, sneezes or coughs. It is preventable through vaccines, and had been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000.

Prisoner Review Board Sued for Negligence a Year After Released Prisoner Killed Chicago Boy

Jayden Perkins, an accomplished young dancer, was stabbed to death last March while his mother, Laterria Smith, sustained “multiple life-threatening stab wounds to her neck, back, and chest while desperately trying to protect her children,” according to one of the lawsuits she filed last week.

On St. Patrick’s Day, ‘Riverdance’ Visits Chicago and Proves Irish Dance Isn’t for the Faint-Hearted

This morning, I took my first-ever Irish dance lesson and got my butt kicked from here to Killarney. At the Irish American Heritage Center, two “Riverdance” dancers led a workshop of 35 to 40 dancers of varying age and experience.
 

Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors