Stories by WTTW News

How the state is bracing for mass deportations. And he never holds back — one on one with Michael Eric Dyson.

Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president — a look at his priorities. And local reaction to his first day plans.

Local activists share plans to demonstrate on Inauguration Day. Two Chicago colleges are offering free tuition. And conservation efforts aimed at protecting monarch butterflies.

City Council votes on an effort to weaken protections for undocumented immigrants. Why Black Illinoisans are experiencing homelessness at a high rate. And a push to wipe medical debt from credit reports.

Chicago Public Schools chief Pedro Martinez joins us in his first sit-down interview since being fired. And former House Speaker Michael Madigan wraps up his testimony.

David W. Grainger, a longtime supporter of WTTW who led W.W. Grainger Inc. for almost three decades and ran a family foundation dedicated to making a “positive difference,” died Jan. 9 at age 97.

Michael Madigan faces questions from prosecutors in his corruption trial. One on one with the CTU president on contract negotiations. And Chicago’s history as a sanctuary city.

Some alderpeople push to weaken Chicago’s sanctuary city ordinance. And we explore why a Pilsen church is moving its masses online.

Illinois’ new legislative session begins. Making it easier for kids in foster care to live with relatives. And connecting pregnant patients with free doula services in Cook County.

In a bombshell move, Michael Madigan takes the stand in his corruption trial. The Bears end a disappointing season on a high. And recreating a beloved lunchroom cookie.

One on one with Mayor Brandon Johnson on the future of Chicago Public Schools and more.

In the Chicago area, the National Weather Service was predicting lake effect snow leading to hazardous road conditions throughout the day on Monday, including during the morning and evening commute.

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.

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.