Stories by Associated Press

Already Under Financial Pressure, Midwest Soybean Farmers Squeezed Further by Tariffs, Iran War

The high cost of fuel, equipment, and fertilizer — compounded by the Iran war — and also tariffs, perceived “price gouging” by suppliers, and low soybean prices driven by a global supply glut.

Pope Leo Says He Does Not Fear Trump, Citing Gospel as He Pushes Back in Feud Over Iran War

U.S.-born Pope Leo XIV pushed back Monday on President Donald Trump’s broadside against him over the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.

Chicago Spent $58.8M on Police Overtime in 3 Months, 3% Less Than Last Year: Watchdog

CPD’s 2026 budget is $2.1 billion, including $200 million for overtime, records show.

Artemis II’s Record-Breaking Journey Around the Moon Ends With Dramatic Splashdown

It was a triumphant homecoming for the crew of four whose record-breaking lunar flyby revealed not only swaths of the moon’s far side — never seen before by human eyes — but a total solar eclipse.

Week in Review: Calls to Invoke 25th Amendment; Big Moves in Chicago Basketball

Illinois Democrats call for removing the president from office after he threatens to wipe out Iran. And planned May Day demonstrations have the Chicago Teachers Union and new CPS CEO at odds.

Wit, Deception and a Modern Spin: ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’ Reimagined on a Chicago Stage

The 400-year-old comedy “The Merry Wives of Windsor” is now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theater with a modern spin.

Make Spring Cleaning More Sustainable, Take Cast-Offs to a Cook County Trash Bash

Cook County’s Trash Bash series offers people a one-stop shop to unload items for donation or recycling.

Chicago Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening Donald Trump, Secret Service Agent

Federal prosecutors in Chicago charged Michael Kovco, 29, with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. He was arrested last week and is scheduled to appear in court for a hearing Friday.

A President and a Pope: The World’s Most Influential Americans at Odds Over Iran

Never before has the relationship between Washington and the Vatican revolved around two Americans — specifically, a 79-year-old politician from Queens and a 70-year-old pontiff from Chicago.

Candy Hall of Fame Building a Sweet New Home on Chicago’s Mag Mile

Something sweet is coming to Chicago in 2027: the Candy Hall of Fame Experience.

Cherry Trees in Jackson Park Beginning ‘Magical’ Bloom

Jackson Park’s cherry trees are beginning to blossom, a South Side rite of spring that’s as bewitching as it is unpredictable.

Vote Set on Push to Rid CPD of Officers With Ties to Extremist Groups

The proposal, authored by Ald. Matt Martin (47th Ward), would give the Civilian Office of Police Accountability the authority to probe officers accused of “actively participating” in extremist and anti-government groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers.

Coach House Ordinance Aimed at Housing Affordability Crisis Takes Effect in Chicago

An ordinance allowing 34 of Chicago’s 50 wards to build additional dwelling units, or ADUs, took effect April 1. The ordinance permits Chicagoans to build small homes in their backyards, basements and attics and rent them out.

Congressional Candidate Daniel Biss on Primary Win, State of the Democratic Party

After last month’s win in the Democratic primary, congressional candidate and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss is gearing up for the Nov. 3 general election, where he will face Republican John Elleson and independent Delila Barrera.

April 9, 2026 - Full Show

Congressional candidate Daniel Biss on his primary win and what comes next. And City Council lifts its ban on coach houses in most of Chicago — what it could mean for affordable housing.

Back of the Yards Coffeehouse Is Bringing Seniors Together With Free Coffee, Activities

Every Monday, Back of the Yards Coffeehouse hosts Senior Mondays, welcoming seniors to enjoy a free coffee and pastry while participating in activities designed to foster community and connection.

JB Pritzker, Other Democratic Presidential Prospects Court Activists at Al Sharpton’s Conference

As they deflected questions about their 2028 intentions, the high-profile Democrats pointed to what they described as an imminent threat from the Trump administration heading into the November midterm elections.

CPD Brass Inconsistently Stripped Officers of Police Powers, Failed to Document Actions: Watchdog

“The robustness and integrity of CPD’s disciplinary system is absolutely vital,” Inspector General Deborah Witzburg said. “If we are to take seriously the task of fostering trust in CPD, the city must build and run a police disciplinary system in which both members of the public and members of the department have reason to be confident.”

‘My Position Has Not Changed’: CPS CEO Remains in Favor of May 1 Classes Despite CTU Pressure

CPS CEO Macquline King on Thursday afternoon said her recommendation to the board has been, for weeks, to maintain May 1 as an instructional day for students despite a push from the Chicago Teachers Union.

Nurses at Rush University Medical Center Hold Rally, File Petition to Unionize

Rush nurses, in collaboration with National Nurses United and its affiliate National Nurses Organizing Committee, filed a petition Wednesday with the National Labor Relations Board for a union election, according to union organizers.

Pay $9.5M to Man Who Spent 19 Years in Prison After Being Wrongfully Convicted, City Lawyers Recommend

Since the start of the year, Chicago taxpayers have paid nearly $30 million to resolve four wrongful conviction lawsuits.

Michael Madigan Makes Appellate Case, Asking Court to Vacate Corruption Convictions

Attorneys for Madigan and the federal government presented their arguments before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals during a hearing Thursday inside a 27th-floor courtroom in the Dirksen Federal Building.

Brandon Johnson Picks Anjanette Young for CPD Oversight Board

Mayor Brandon Johnson nominated Anjanette Young, a social worker who was handcuffed while naked during a botched 2019 Chicago Police Department raid, on Thursday to serve on the city’s police oversight board.

Expo Chicago and Comedy From a ‘Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me!’ Writer: 4 Arts Picks for Your Week

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

April 8, 2026 - Full Show

Could President Donald Trump’s own Cabinet remove him from office? And meet two local chefs who are James Beard Award finalists.

Chicago James Beard Award Finalists on the Value of Challenging Yourself

“I’m a perfectionist that doesn’t believe you can reach perfection,” chef Norman Fenton said. “A dish is never finished. It’s always evolving. It’s always taking a new form, so it’s never perfect. Never perfect. Always working on it.”
 

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