Stories by WTTW News

Twelve members of the Chicago City Council are not seeking reelection, which will mean nearly a quarter of the city will get new local political leadership in 2023.

Lori Lightfoot’s bid for a second term as Chicago mayor has come to an end, as former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson lead in the race for Chicago mayor, according to early returns.

Election Day eve — previewing the mayor’s race and other big contests tomorrow. An explainer on what happens to your ballot after you vote. And a recap of today’s wild weather in the suburbs.

With just days until Election Day, what’s on the minds of voters. Black hair care products popular with non-Black women. And an underground lottery that helped Black Chicago bet on itself.

What issues are driving Latino voters to the polls? One-on-one with labor activist Dolores Huerta. And supporting Los Toros with a new hat by a local fan. 

Police and faith leaders warn the community ahead of this weekend’s “Day of Hate.” How the top contenders in the race for mayor are faring. And the FOP zeroes in on City Council races with cash — and flyers.

R. Kelly is back in court for sentencing on federal child pornography charges. We’re live in Ukrainian Village as the war in Ukraine reaches one year. And Sister Jean is here with her new book.

Chicago Teachers Union spending in the mayor’s race raises questions. Digging for solutions to the country’s native seed shortage. And brewing beer with the most important local government agency that nobody knows about.

Politicians clash over benefits to cops disabled by COVID-19. With Election Day a week away, a look at the role of political funds in Chicago’s election. And remembering the Green Book for Black travelers.

Controversial Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visits Elmhurst amid the contentious Chicago mayor’s race. Another huge overtime haul for CTA workers. And breaking down what hospice care is in light of former President Jimmy Carter’s announcement.

A look back at former President Jimmy Carter’s 2006 appearance on “Chicago Tonight” with John Callaway. 

Efforts to support people reentering their communities after prison — and keeping them from going back. Preserving and sharing some of Chicago’s rich Black history. And Mardi Gras po’boys.

Roadblocks the formerly incarcerated face when looking for jobs. A new watchdog report on the smokestack implosion in La Villita. And it’s Carnivale season.

The Chicago-area connection to one of the balloons Biden shot down. Big changes proposed to help Cook County homeowners struggling with property tax debt. And an illegally built museum in Humboldt Park.

We're live in Evanston as neighbors fight back against a redevelopment plan for Ryan Field. Which guns would be affected by the state's proposed assault weapons ban. And artists fight back against AI technology.

The Bears’ major announcement about Arlington Heights. Mayoral candidates go after Brandon Johnson. Dissecting what’s in the governor’s proposed budget. And what city leaders can learn from the botched smokestack implosion.

A WTTW News exclusive: New details on how the city failed to heed warning signs on the Little Village smokestack implosion. Lawmakers return to Springfield. And how to find love while struggling with mental illness.

A special edition of “Chicago Tonight.” Life After Prison — WTTW’s latest FIRSTHAND series explores the challenges in finding basic necessities like food, heath care, housing and work after spending time behind bars.

A major ruling on guns and those accused of domestic violence. A push for a standalone library in Back of the Yards. And what Chef Carlos Garza is serving up On the Pass. 

Heat and displacement concerns in South Shore. Spiritual resistance in turbulent times. A coalition uplifting artists of color. And a sweet success story in this week's throwback.

Exclusive details on controversial new plans to house hundreds of migrants. Candidates for mayor on a Department of Environment. And we’re live from the Chicago Auto Show as we ponder why Illinoisans can't buy cars on Sunday.

Paul Vallas is a front-runner to be mayor of Chicago, but does he actually live in the city? We have exclusive new details. The fiscal crisis in Cook County's south suburbs. And a local reverend turned published author.

Recapping last night's WTTW News mayoral forum and assessing where the race stands now. The latest on an officer-involved shooting. And a south suburban forest preserve transformed into a bird sanctuary faces new threats.

The candidates for Chicago mayor take on critical issues facing the city in our WTTW News forum. And we're live from the community as residents pose questions to the candidates.

Why some former Lightfoot allies are backing other candidates. The latest on the deadly earthquake in Turkey. Previewing Tuesday’s WTTW News mayoral forum. And remembering a civic giant who died this weekend.

The controversy over an Advanced Placement African American studies course for high school students. Architecture writer Lee Bey gives us a South Side tour in his new documentary. And a woman hits a home run for the Negro Baseball Leagues.