Stories by WTTW News

Illinois’ reparations commission is set to begin public hearings — a look at what to expect. And a new book explores alternative ways to confront the issue of mass incarceration.

Are you traveling to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee next week? We want to hear from you.

The Chicago Police Department rejects a watchdog’s demand to reopen an investigation into officers with extremist ties. And transit leaders push back on a proposed merger.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is promising consequences after a violent holiday weekend. And critics say the entertainment value of NASCAR is not worth the damage. 

Mounting concerns over age in the race for president. An energy revolution in Bronzeville is paving the way to a sustainable future. And south suburban mayors push back on soaring property taxes.

The Supreme Court lets Illinois’ ban on assault weapons stand — for now. What the court’s decision on presidential immunity means for the upcoming election. And a new exhibit explores life along Route 66.

A new court ruling allows cities to ban homeless individuals from sleeping outside. What does it mean for Chicago? And the city’s piping plover family just got a bit bigger.

A preview of tonight’s presidential debate showdown between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Exploring the intersection of education and culture. And a new public art exhibit uncovers the history of an ancient civilization.

The death of a man incarcerated at Stateville prison has advocates asking questions. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s promises big advancements in mental health care access. And how even the slowest runners can embrace the sport. 

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates talks negotiations over a new contract. What exactly does an alderperson do? WTTW News explains. And Chicago’s queer country music is making a mark on the local music scene. 

Former Ald. Ed Burke is sentenced to two years in prison. We have the story live from the federal courthouse. Marking two years since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision on abortion. And the stories of asylum-seekers who made their way to Chicago.

The president touts new protections for undocumented spouses and faster work visas for “Dreamers.” And how extreme heat is impacting working conditions. 

A look at the Chicago’s efforts to launch a reparations program. And explore the racial disparities in building wealth.

Pushback on plans to close and rebuild two Illinois prisons. And documenting the reality of life along America’s famous Route 66.Pushback on plans to close and rebuild two Illinois prisons. And documenting the reality of life along America’s famous Route 66.

The leader of CPS on the district’s latest accomplishments and challenges. What’s behind an increase in animal euthanasia rates in Chicago. And looking at the city’s lofty place in the history of the skyscraper.

Mexico elected its first-ever woman president — how some Chicagoans helped make that possible. And a new photo exhibit captures a past life in Pilsen.

The mayor reacts to one of Chicago’s largest police misconduct settlements. And one on one with Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate.

Prosecutors push for prison time for Chicago’s longest-serving alderperson. One on one with the founder of the animal rights group PETA. And cruising the Chicago River on a kayak conservation tour.

A controversial push to make Chicago’s downtown curfew for teens even earlier. How updating identifying documents could become easier for transgender people. And a look at Illinois’ gun laws in our latest installment of WTTW News Explains. 

Officials say more than half of the migrants forced to leave city shelters immediately returned. How Latino communities are celebrating Pride. And meet the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space.

Evanston’s groundbreaking reparations program is facing a legal challenge. And Major League Baseball makes a historic move by adding Negro Leagues stats to its records.

CPD’s plans to handle mass protests ahead of the DNC. How will Chicago spend the millions in remaining COVID-19 relief dollars? And an uncommon path to law school.

One-on-one with Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. And upcoming deregulation for locksmiths has some consumer advocates worried. 

A historic Little Village Theater gets landmark status. A child tax credit passes as part of Illinois’ new budget. And meet a group of Latinos embracing the entrepreneurial spirit.

Residents push back on a proposed trucking hub in North Lawndale. A landmark study seeks to know more about cancer risks and outcomes in Black women. And remembering the founder of a pioneering Chicago theater company.

What the state’s $53 billion budget plan could mean for taxpayers. A push to establish a statewide public defender system. And the cicada invasion is here — what to know about our new neighbors.