Stories by WTTW News

City Council blocks a vote to transform a vacant lot into a migrant shelter. Why it takes so long for wrongfully convicted people to get legal representation. And Cook County’s state’s attorney on the elimination of cash bail.

Why property taxes are way up this year in Cook County’s north and northwest suburbs. City Council votes whether to “Bring Chicago Home.” And a concert featuring songs written in concentration camps.

A $200 million bill to taxpayers — how the Chicago Police Department plans on cutting overtime spending. Illinois passed a law allowing the release of dying and severely disabled prisoners but most requests are denied. And WTTW News Explains on Chicago nicknames.

Chicago’s delegation to the border is back — what they learned. Inequities in the effects of climate change in Lake County. And Carrera de los Muertos kicks off this weekend.

The U.S. House has a new speaker after three weeks. Why Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer than White women. And reaction to the mayor’s proposed police budget.

Brighton Park residents protest a “winterized base camp” for migrants in their community. Controversy over the mayor’s deal with the police union. And if you’re hoping to get a CityKey ID card, you may have to wait a bit longer.

Local members of Congress on aid to Israel. What’s behind record opioid overdoses. And a city program that allows drug offenders to choose treatment over arrest.

An alderwoman is battered at a protest over a planned migrant camp. A local museum looks to acquire a vacant fire station. And an award-winning composer workshops with Northwestern music students.

We sit down with Chicago’s newly appointed police superintendent. A look at the impact of residents boycotting CPS’ segregationist policies — 60 years later. And a new musical on jazz legend Louis Armstrong.

City Council budget hearings kick off — our Spotlight Politics team on that and more. And efforts to address homelessness with a housing-first approach.

A hate crime investigation into the murder of a 6-year-old boy. And Chicago City Council members on a controversial resolution.

Mayor Brandon Johnson this week unveiled his $16.6 billion spending plan for 2024. Meanwhile, Illinois confirmed its first measles case since 2019, and Chicago’s theater community is facing multiple challenges.

How the mayor’s budget aims to fund migrant care. Student loan payments are resuming – what you should know. And some hip-hop tracks to round out your Hispanic Heritage Month playlist.

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveils his first budget proposal. A controversial scholarship program is set to expire — what it could mean. And efforts to rename a Chicago neighborhood with close ties to the history of slavery.

The battle for representation on Chicago’s elected school board. A local Palestinian reacts to the devastating attacks in Gaza and Israel. And a lesson in Indian history and culture, one sip at a time.

Hundreds are killed in Israel and Gaza after unprecedented attacks — we have local reaction. What’s behind a sense of crisis in Chicago’s theater scene. And take a look inside the heavily-secured Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

The escalating migrant crisis dominated political news in Chicago this week. Meanwhile, WTTW News investigated instances of Chicago Public Schools hiring fired Chicago police officers to work as security guards. Here are five stories you may have missed.

Chicago Public Schools suspends two security guards who were previously fired from CPD. The latest on Chicago's migrant crisis. And a look at U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela.

The Bring Chicago Home proposal raises tensions in a City Council hearing. Reaction to a plan to convert a Park District fieldhouse into a migrant shelter. And the Chicago native behind the new series “Young Love.”

Kevin McCarthy is ousted as speaker of the House — a look at what comes next. And an increase in hate crimes in Illinois.

Registration begins for Illinois residents who want to keep their so-called assault weapons. Abortion pills, guns and what to expect from the U.S. Supreme Court this term. 

Two major health issues in the Black community: treating prostate cancer and preventing suicide. The city’s new top cop on accountability. And taking the Major Taylor Trail to wellness.

We explore how the city approaches its cultural celebrations. A nonprofit organization helping local businesses. And a taste of Latin Restaurant Weeks.

Illinois members of Congress on avoiding the looming government shutdown. The history and purpose of Chicago’s water cribs. And reaction to how the city handles Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

Larry Snelling is sworn in as Chicago’s police superintendent. The city battles the infestation of a new invasive species. And we introduce you to a local champion of artists with disabilities.

The local impact of the auto worker strike. A judge says an alderman violated the First Amendment — the price he might have to pay. And the host of PBS’ “America Outdoors” on exploring nature.