Stories by WTTW News

Testimony gets underway in the historic corruption trial of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan. And we sit down with leaders from the Chicago area’s transit agencies as they face a fiscal cliff.

A push to lower Chicago’s default speed limit. Counting the cost of sports gambling. And a restaurant fights to lift a century-plus ban on selling booze.

Parents weigh in as seven charter schools are set to close at the end of the school year. And what's behind an uptick in HIV cases among young, gay Latino men.

The battle over Chicago Public Schools — CEO Pedro Martinez joins us to respond to critics. And a City Council meeting sees alderpeople fired up over CPS and ShotSpotter.

Our Spotlight Politics team on Donald Trump's Chicago visit. And a push to merge public transit agencies.  

Voters are casting their ballots for the city's Board of Education — what you should know. And we break down Cook County's nearly $10 billion budget proposal. 

Outrage and confusion over potential charter school closures. And we’re one on one with Johnson’s chief of staff on funding for Chicago Public Schools.

The battle over Chicago Public Schools — CEO Pedro Martinez joins us to respond to critics. And a City Council meeting sees alderpeople fired up over CPS and ShotSpotter.

One on one with Mayor Brandon Johnson on the shakeup at Chicago Public Schools. And efforts to improve the area’s public transportation systems.

A fiery news conference today as Mayor Brandon Johnson unveils his new Chicago Board of Education appointees. We’ll have reaction.

What you need to know as early voting kicks off. How parks — or a lack thereof — are affecting Chicago’s Latino communities. And a passion for collecting leads to a business venture.

Efforts to improve access to mental health services. We explore the Austin community’s green spaces. And a deep dive into the hidden history of Black civil rights.

What to expect as Tim Walz and J.D. Vance face off tonight on the debate stage. And Chicago’s mayor delays his budget address as the city faces a billion-dollar deficit.

The ballooning cost of police overtime — we’ll tell you just how much it’s costing. And Illinois’ latest efforts to stop organized retail theft.

What comes next for migrant care as three shelters are set to close next month. And some Pilsen residents are pushing back on a plan they say would further gentrify the area.

What data says about crime versus the public’s perception. And a jury awards a wrongfully convicted man $50 million. He shares his story.

Escalating tensions at Chicago Public Schools as the pressure on its CEO grows. And the latest on a scam targeting elderly residents around Chinatown.

What’s next for public safety after the ShotSpotter contract comes to a close. And the Chicago Teachers Union on the future of CPS leadership.

An extensive study on Chicago’s Mexican population. Is immigrant crime really on the rise? And as Chicagoans celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we hear who inspires you.

Alderpeople sound off on ShotSpotter just days before it’s set to turn off. And Illinois eliminated cash bail a year ago — a look at how it’s working.

Efforts to save a controversial law enforcement tool. And local reaction from the Haitian community on Donald Trump’s false claims.

Chicago’s plan on attacking a billion-dollar budget deficit. And last-ditch efforts at City Hall to keep a controversial police tool.

A little-known voting bloc may make a big splash in November: Latino evangelicals. Pushback over a Starbucks coming to Little Village. And celebrating Mexican Independence Day.

Advocates on the lack of funding for child care services. A vacant lot in Bronzeville transforms into a neighborhood space. And what you should know as Black Restaurant Week kicks off.

Harris and Trump face off for the first time on the debate stage — what to expect. Exploring the details of Illinois’ assault weapons ban. And looking at ways to stop the flow of illegal firearms.

What's at stake in tomorrow's presidential debate. And what Chicagoans want to hear from both candidates.