Stories by WTTW News

Meet Chicago’s first chief homelessness officer. Birds are modern-day dinosaurs — the Field Museum says it now has a rare fossil to prove it.

In the latest in our “A Safer City” series, we explore the many challenges facing survivors of gun violence and what resources are available on their journeys toward healing.

Addressing homelessness in the Black community. And Chaz Ebert says it’s time to give a FECK — her new book tells us how.

Hundreds rally at local universities to support Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. And our Spotlight Politics team unpacks a plan that would merge the Chicago area’s public transit agencies.

Lawmakers pitch a bold plan to merge CTA, Metra and Pace. Pushback to the Bears’ new stadium plans. And Asian American organizers plan a political action day. 

Advocates say huge warehouses and constant truck traffic are hurting Black and Brown communities. And the “physician magician” is here with a new trick up his sleeve.

Plans for a new Bears stadium on the lakefront. What’s behind changes at Rainbow PUSH. And we look back at the very first “Chicago Tonight” — which aired 40 years ago tonight!

Forty years ago, John Callaway went on the air with the very first edition of “Chicago Tonight.” Watch him interview then Mayor Harold Washington on April 24, 1984.

In the latest in our “A Safer City” series, we meet teens working to change the narrative around gun violence and hear from local organizations empowering youth.

How much are taxpayers spending to settle lawsuits alleging police misconduct from the 2020 protests? Safety concerns over a swimming event in the Chicago River. And protesters blocking roadways could soon be charged with a felony.

Cook County suburbs have until tomorrow to apply for funds set aside for migrant assistance. Exploring the health impacts of food deserts. And why repairing Chicago sidewalks may not be as straightforward as you think.

The history of housing segregation. The latest from today’s Chicago City Council meeting. And a new book on the unraveling of America’s suburbs.

The divide widens between Chicago’s top cop and the agency investigating police misconduct. A new WTTW documentary explores “Chicago Mysteries.” And what you need to know about the upcoming cicada invasion.

The chief medical examiner on supporting the loved ones of missing persons. Navigating neuro-divergence and the path to a diagnosis. And exploring Chicago’s gospel music history. 

Johnson is preparing to call on City Council for additional funds for migrant care. What’s behind increasing suicide rates among Black and Latino Chicagoans. And grab your popcorn — the Chicago Latino Film Festival kicks off today.

A look at when Chicago police officers are allowed to use force. And community reaction to the police killing of Dexter Reed following the release of graphic body camera footage.

Police body camera footage is released in the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Dexter Reed. We hear from Reed’s family and the head of the police oversight agency.

Crowds gather across the country for the celestial show of the year. And how to have conversations across political divides.

Yarbrough was elected as clerk in 2018 and previously served as a state representative and Cook County’s recorder of deeds.

A total solar eclipse is set to move across the United States Monday afternoon with the path of totality sweeping from Texas up to Maine. Watch as it unfolds with NASA scientists. 

What Chicago is doing to combat a spike in measles cases. Everything you need to know about the solar eclipse that’s just days away. And a Venezuelan artist captures his journey to America.

Anti-violence programs could be seeing more federal dollars. Exploring country music’s roots in Black culture. And the ex-chair of the state Prisoner Review Board speaks out after a tragic death.

Johnson makes a change to his administration. A meeting of two WWII veterans more than 80 years in the making. And we explore the surge of interest in women’s basketball.

An alderman faces backlash for appearing at a rally where an American flag was burned. A look at the CTA’s reliance on overtime — and years of incorrect records. And a new book on the Lightfoot years. 

An effort to require the mayor’s office to publicly track how many migrants are evicted from Chicago shelters. A new poll shows Donald Trump’s support is growing among Latino voters. And exploring the role the Spanish language plays in Latino culture.

Gentrification concerns in South Shore as Obama Presidential Center construction continues. Efforts to increase access to sickle cell disease treatment. And a new book celebrates Black Chicago’s influence.