Stories by WTTW News

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.

Seeking parole after 47 years in prison — a new documentary explores one man’s journey. And how different Latino cultures are celebrating the new year.

The Chicago Board of Education unanimously voted to fire CEO Pedro Martinez — we have reaction. Is it time for Illinois to wave a new flag? And celebrating Hanukkah. 

Community members weigh in on a proposal to demolish the Damen Silos. Local efforts to protect monarch butterflies. And how a local charity is working to increase donations this holiday season. 

The city’s budget director on what’s in the 2025 spending plan. We tour the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s new facility. And plans to improve health disparities on the South Side.

The mayor finally seals a budget deal — our Spotlight Politics team breaks it down. And asking the governor for grace after decades in prison.

We’re live from City Hall with the latest on the budget battle. Efforts to regulate the state’s hemp industry. And a look at Chicago food insecurity.

Calls for city officials to step aside and cooperate with federal mass deportations. And a state-of-the-art exhibit makes a dazzling debut at the Shedd Aquarium.

Jesse Jackson Jr. makes a public return — seeking forgiveness for himself and others. And the Red Line extension project begins in 2025. We look at residents’ hopes and concerns.

Pressure is mounting on Mayor Brandon Johnson as the city faces a looming budget deadline. And a new book on the transformative reign of Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Alderpeople on where the city’s 2025 budget stands. And why some people responded with indifference to a CEO’s death.

Concerns over plans to clear out Humboldt Park’s homeless encampment. And an investigation finds significant privacy violations in Chicago’s migrant shelter system.

Some neighbors are pushing back on a new quantum computing development on the Southeast Side. And how a basketball league is working to reduce violence one championship at a time.

Some counties are considering whether to call it quits with Illinois. Alderpeople are demanding reforms to the city’s do-not-hire list. And how new research about sucker fish can help guide conservation efforts.

The latest on city budget negotiations as the year-end deadline looms. How Trump’s tariff plan will affect Illinois. And what’s next for the Chicago Bears after firing their head coach.

The holiday shopping season is here — we visit some small businesses you can add to your next trip. And how local Native Americans are celebrating their heritage.

Misconduct allegations against one of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s former top staffers. And what’s on the menu this holiday season — the co-hosts of “America’s Test Kitchen” on that and their new cookbook.

Hundreds gather to remember slain CPD Officer Enrique Martinez. Many after-school programs say they’re at risk of losing funding. And meet some of the members of Chicago’s first elected school board.

A bombshell decision in the case of Jussie Smollett. What local organizations are doing to prepare for potential mass deportations. And renewed efforts to bring a new green space to Pilsen.

New reporting shows efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department are lagging. Celebrating 30 years of the landmark documentary “Hoop Dreams.” And a soaring exhibit about Black excellence in aviation.

The latest on Chicago budget negotiations. Hear from The Onion’s executive editor. And the Forest Preserve District of Cook County is reaching a major milestone.

Hundreds gather to remember slain CPD Officer Enrique Martinez. Many after-school programs say they’re at risk of losing funding. And meet some of the members of Chicago’s first elected school board.

City Council rejects the mayor’s $300 million property tax hike. Advocates push back against the city’s new shelter approach. And Kim Foxx reflects on her tenure as Cook County state’s attorney.

What residents on Chicago’s South Side think about reparations. An effort to document Illinois’ connections with the Underground Railroad. And a new opera explores a family’s grief and journey to healing.

Pushback to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to hike property taxes. And efforts in Illinois to “shore up” protections ahead of a second Trump presidency.