Stories by Associated Press

The congressional joint session to count electoral votes is expected to be much less eventful than the certification four years ago that was interrupted by a violent mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump who tried to stop the count and overturn the results of an election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.

For the year, there were 573 homicides recorded throughout Chicago last year, down from 620 in 2023 and 714 in 2022.

Takeaways from the New Orleans terror attack. And sparring over a new contract for Chicago Public Schools teachers.

Six people were killed when an EF3 tornado with 150 mph winds struck an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville on Dec. 10, 2021. The incident raised questions about the safety of warehouses in severe weather, including if warehouses are designed to withstand extreme winds and if warehouse operators are properly prepared for severe weather.

Many Americans have faced the denial of mental health treatment by their insurance companies — at times despite vivid evidence of the risk such decisions pose. In a tiny percentage, patients and their families decide to fight the denials in federal court, setting up a David-versus-Goliath battle where insurers frequently have the upper hand.

A collection of hardline Republicans convened in the back of the House chamber during a tense roll call on the first day of the new Congress, one by one declining to vote or choosing another lawmaker. The standoff sparked fresh turmoil signaling trouble ahead under unified GOP control of Washington.

Alcohol is a leading cause of cancer, a risk that should be clearly labeled on drinks Americans consume, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy proposed on Friday.

Fans can expect game day food, a local DJ and meet-and-greets with Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze and other NFL players, according to Verizon.

How Illinois is tackling pay disparities. Tips for staying consistent with New Year’s resolutions. And the Chicago Astronomer breaks down what the stars are up to in 2025.

For many, a new year often means new beginnings. But keeping up with resolutions is not always easy.

In Chicago, the skyline can light up the night — but look a little higher and the stars will put on a show, too.

In addition to requiring the salary range being made public, the law also requires companies to internally post opportunities for advancement.

Hoping to generate new tips from the public, the FBI is releasing more information about its pipe bomb investigation, including an estimate that the unidentified suspect is about 5 feet 7 inches tall. The bureau also is posting previously unreleased video of the suspect placing one of the bombs.

WTTW News visited a few of the city’s bars and restaurants to see which NA, or non-alcoholic, options are being offered. Here’s some of what we found.

If you’ve made it to 2025, make a resolution to take a leap and dive deep into the cultural pool of Chicago. Here are a few ideas to start the year with a splash.

The Chicago Police Department has said that although it has received “no actionable intelligence” regarding any possible incidents near the downtown skyscraper, it will conduct additional patrols in the immediate area.

The virus is still with us, though humanity has built up immunity through vaccinations and infections. It’s less deadly than it was in the pandemic’s early days and it no longer tops the list of leading causes of death. But the virus is evolving, meaning scientists must track it closely.

The attack killed 14 people, including an 18-year-old woman who had ambitions of becoming a nurse. Authorities initially put the death toll at 15, which included Jabbar, who was fatally shot in a firefight with police.

Two law enforcement officials identified the man inside the futuristic-looking pickup truck as Matthew Livelsberger. The officials spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation.

WTTW News interviewed Steve Albini on Aug. 30, 2001, for the “Artbeat Chicago” series. He was 39 years old and already a legend. As a recording engineer, he had recorded Nirvana, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, the Breeders, the Pixies and PJ Harvey. As a musician, he made his mark with the bands Big Black and Shellac.

Which new state laws you should know about in the new year. Remembering President Jimmy Carter. And how avian flu is affecting local wildlife.

Former President Jimmy Carter appeared on “Chicago Tonight” a number of times. In this 2006 conversation with John Callaway, Carter talks about his relationship with Mayor Richard J. Daley, and how Daley helped him get the 1976 Democratic nomination for president.

While the flu poses minimal immediate risk to humans, experts warn that the virus’ rapid spread among birds and mammals could increase the likelihood of mutations, potentially creating a strain more transmissible to humans.

Buddy the cat had previously avoided capture from concerned residents for months. He was eventually captured and taken in by PAWS Chicago on Dec. 23.

Local public transit agencies are encouraging residents to celebrate the holiday responsibly by taking advantage of free late-night transit services. Here’s how to hitch a ride.