Stories by WTTW News

Efforts to redefine Chicago’s community boundaries. Meet a 17-year-old who just earned her doctorate degree. And we break down the history of Chicago’s alphabetically inclined street names.

Former Ald. Danny Solis takes the stand in the corruption trial of Ed Burke. The Civic Federation taps former city inspector general Joe Ferguson as its next president. And remembering TV pioneer Norman Lear.

Noisy, illegal and rarely punished — we dig into the data on early morning garbage pickups. And the debate over whether police should be able to have disciplinary hearings behind closed doors.

Tackling a huge drop in public transit funding. Reflecting on the work of Juanita Irizarry as she steps away from Friends of the Parks. And how a new initiative is driving holiday foot traffic to commercial corridors.

An effort to streamline federal financial aid. How a three-time MLB All-Star is giving back to local kids. And restorative practices instead of suspensions — a look at the impact on students.

Johnson reacts to the state pulling funding for a migrant camp in Brighton Park. Old-school video game arcade culture is getting an extra life. And building modular homes in Roseland.

Disagreement over whether or not Chicago should remain a sanctuary city. Geoffrey Baer shares the stories behind some of Chicago’s most beautiful places. And “The Wiz” hits town. 

The mayor drops plans to house migrants at Amundsen Park. How local organizations are aiding those facing homelessness. And a nonprofit that’s helping Chicago restaurants start up and scale up.

Over the years, Henry Kissinger joined John Callaway and Phil Ponce on “Chicago Tonight” three times where he discussed foreign policy news of the time.

Exploring why so many Black women go missing in Chicago. And how educator vacancies are disproportionately impacting children of color.

Construction on a migrant camp moves forward despite environmental concerns. How property tax bills are calculated. And secret recordings used in Ed Burke’s corruption trial.

Election season is officially underway as candidates begin filing. How retailers faired on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and what that means for the economy.  

Activist Dolores Huerta on her legacy fighting injustice. The pride and pressure that come with being first-generation. And a local biochemistry professor wants to get more Latinos in laboratories.

What local groups are doing to combat rising food insecurity. A push to enhance the Major Taylor Trail on the South Side. And the creator of the animated series “Young Love.”

Ryan Field is getting a revamp after a narrow Evanston City Council vote. What the city’s new 60-day shelter limit means for asylum seekers. And a historic day for Northwestern University’s newest graduates.

Safety officials investigate a CTA train crash that injured nearly 40 people. And celebrating 50 years on air with radio legend Terri Hemmert. 

Chicago is set to get more money from the state to care for migrants. What local Mexican restaurants are bringing to the table for vegans. And why Cicero has worse air quality than its neighbors.

City Council approves the mayor’s $16.6 billion budget. We’re one on one with the city’s budget director. And Chicago has a pension problem — WTTW News explains.

Mayor Johnson’s $16 billion budget is set for a final vote — what to expect. And Northwestern sweetens the deal to try to get approval for its Ryan Field renovations.

Evanston is set to decide the fate of Northwestern’s Ryan Field renovation. A statewide push to allow terminally ill people to decide when they die. And renaming North America’s birds. 

Get ready for fun with this guide to neighborhood street fests, art shows, outdoor concerts and cultural celebrations of all sizes across Chicago and the suburbs.

Lawmakers battle over the future of Chicago’s school board. DACA recipients push for action on federal health insurance coverage. And calls for work permits for longtime undocumented immigrants.

Students at private schools across Illinois are at risk of losing their scholarships. Why food insecurity is on the rise. And how the Grandyman is giving back to local kids.

City Council votes whether to censure one of its members. Why most paper is now banned from Cook County Jail. And former Ald. Ed Burke’s corruption trial begins.

The father of the alleged Highland Park gunman pleads guilty. Jury selection begins in the corruption trial of former Ald. Ed Burke. And debating the paid leave ordinance.

What migrants face as temperatures drop. The story of Chicago AIDS activist Danny Sotomayor. And Chicagoans mark Day of the Dead.