Stories by Associated Press
FDA Plans Ultra-Fast Review of Three Psychedelic Drugs Following Trump Directive
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump signed an executive order last weekend directing the FDA and other federal agencies to speed research and loosen restrictions on psychedelics, a class of hallucinogenic drugs which remain illegal under federal law.
The City Nature Challenge Is Here, So Get Out There and Have a Wild Weekend
| Patty Wetli
The annual City Nature Challenge has rolled around again, and everyone's invited to join the effort to boost the Chicago region's standing in this friendly global competition.
Baby Rhino Will Make Her Debut at Lincoln Park Zoo Next Week, and She Has a Name
| Patty Wetli
Lincoln Park Zoo’s baby Eastern black rhino is ready to meet her adoring public.
April 23, 2026 - Full Show
| WTTW News
How a bill in Springfield could help the Bears move to Arlington Heights. And we examine the causes, impacts and solutions of flooding in Chicago.
Fighting Floods, From the Deep Tunnel to Neighborhood Infrastructure
| Andrew Montequin
Since March, multiple rounds of severe storms have caused flooding, plus hail damage and even tornadoes. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, and that moisture can turn into rainfall.
James ‘Big Cat’ Williams on the Bears’ Priorities Heading Into an Important Draft
| Shelby Hawkins
With seven total picks, including four in the top 89, a major roster shakeup, and quarterback Caleb Williams entering his third season, the front office is under pressure to deliver immediate impact talent.
CPS Outlines Plans for May Day Classes, Field Trips to Labor Rally
| Matt Masterson
A week ahead of May Day, Chicago Public Schools officials have outlined how classes will operate and what civic engagement students and staff can participate in on the annual labor holiday.
Illinois House Approves Megaprojects Bill, but the Bears Want Changes
| Ben Szalinski — Capitol News Illinois
After three years on the legislative backburner, the Illinois House approved a major economic development bill that would clear the path for the Chicago Bears to build a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights.
Trump Reclassifies State-Licensed Medical Marijuana as a Less-Dangerous Drug in a Historic Shift
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump’s acting attorney general on Thursday signed an order reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, a major policy shift long sought by advocates.
Adam Bianchi Used to Manage Forests in the Rockies. Now, He’s Leading the Cook County Forest Preserves. Here’s Why
| Patty Wetli
What kind of outdoorsman leaves Colorado for Illinois? Six months into his tenure as general superintendent with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Adam Bianchi still gets asked that question.
A Music Box Premiere and a Talk Show: 4 Arts Picks for Your Week
| Josh Terry
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
Chicago Nonprofit Hosts Epstein Survivors Who Say They’re Finding Ways to Heal Through Advocacy
| Eunice Alpasan
Jess Michaels and Jena-Lisa Jones, survivors of abuse by late sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, said that while Epstein survivors are still far from getting justice, they hope the increased attention on the Epstein Files — and the stories of survivors – will help others stand up to abuse happening in their own communities.
April 22, 2026 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Chicago police are using force more often. Now, the Illinois attorney general is calling for a full-scale review. And Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo Parade is canceled — a look at the impact.
CPD’s Increasing Use of Force Requires a ‘Full-Scale Review’: Illinois Attorney General
| Heather Cherone
Between 2023, when Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling took office, and 2025, the number of times police officers used force against a member of the public increased approximately 35.8%, according to CPD data.
Chicago-Area Live Music Recommendations for April 22-28
| Josh Terry
Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.
April 21, 2026 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Meet the new leader of Chicago City Council’s powerful Zoning Committee. And after Artemis II, what does NASA have planned next?
After Artemis II, NASA Charts Path to the Moon and Beyond
| Andrew Montequin
NASA’s 10-day Artemis II mission showed off the rigor and precision that has made the agency a household name.
Chicago’s New Zoning Chair on Top Priorities, Megaprojects: ‘Chicago Is Open for Business’
| Shelby Hawkins
Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th Ward) was recently chosen to lead the City Council’s Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards, putting him at the center of decisions that shape everything from residential housing to billion-dollar developments.
Pritzker Issues Executive Order Barring State Employees From Using Insider Info on Prediction Markets
| Matt Masterson
The order seeks to prevent insider trading by strengthening guardrails amid the rapid growth of online prediction markets and event-based gambling contracts, the governor’s office said.
Chicago Bulls Coach Billy Donovan Resigns After 6 Seasons as Team Revamps Front Office
| Associated Press
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan has resigned after six seasons, opting to step aside rather than work with a new front office, the team announced Tuesday.
FBI Announces $50K Reward for Information in 2021 Killing of National Guardsman in Chicago
| Matt Masterson
The Chicago branch of the FBI on Tuesday said it is still seeking to arrest Joseph Matos, who is wanted for his alleged involvement in the 2021 killing of 19-year-old Chrys Carvajal.
April 20, 2026 - Full Show
| WTTW News
President Donald Trump faces backlash from religious leaders. And a local activist on his plans to live in every Chicago community.
Trump Faces Pushback From Religious Communities Following AI Post, Feud With Pope
| Blake Thor
Religion is taking center stage in the Trump administration following a public dispute between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV.
Jahmal Cole on His Plan to Live in All 77 Chicago Community Areas: ‘I Want to Build Real Connections’
| Joel Ortiz
Not many Chicagoans can say they’ve lived in each of the city’s 77 community areas. But Jahmal Cole, CEO and founder of the nonprofit My Block, My Hood, My City, is looking to do just that.
New CEO Takes Over Chicago Housing Agency Despite Mayor’s Objections
| Heather Cherone
The agency that provides more than 65,000 low-income households with public housing, rental vouchers and homeownership programs remains mired in uncertainty and at odds with Mayor Brandon Johnson.
New Bird-Friendly Building Ordinance Stuck in City Council Purgatory, But Lead Sponsor Says Measure Still Has Wings
| Patty Wetli
A bird-friendly building ordinance has once again been introduced to the Chicago City Council — the second time such legislation has been brought before City Council since 2019 — but advocates fear the measure was dead on arrival.
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