Stories by WTTW News

Questions about representation at this weekend’s Oscars. Meet the priest who could become the first Black saint in the U.S. And making art out of unexpected items.

Racial inequities in police traffic stops. A new all-affordable residence near Goose Island. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. And fossils millions of years old are rediscovered.

Remembering fallen officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso. Dissecting the COVID-19 lab leak theory now seen as possible by some federal agencies. And Englewood residents fight for a CTA Green Line stop on Racine.

A police officer with Proud Boy ties returns to the job. The likelihood of a deadly train derailment in Illinois. Highlights from tonight’s mayoral debate. And making art from unexpected items.

State lawmakers weigh new rideshare restrictions. Local doctors on their mission to Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquakes. And the latest on the battle between a Rockford airport and natural area.

A labor dispute at the United Center. The top environmental issues for the next Chicago mayor. A Waukegan airport’s push to expand gets pushback. And finding the most beautiful places in Chicago with Geoffrey Baer.

New research shows that childbirth is still much deadlier for Black women — even those with the highest incomes. A new podcast retells a Bridgeport hate crime. And the Green Book for Black motorists during the Jim Crow era.

Meet the 14th Ward’s new alderperson elect. An update on the Little Village Discount Mall. The end of emergency food stamp allotments. And a tasty taco tradition. 

The big changes coming to city bike lanes. What’s causing the spike in expressway shootings? On the eve of Chicago’s birthday, we explore how the city got its shape. And finding artistic inspiration on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The latest on the Chicago police officer shot and killed in the line of duty. Three of the city’s newest elected officials: police district council members. And Will County residents fighting a major distribution hub.

The day after election night: We’re one-on-one with Brandon Johnson and meeting four of the freshman City Council winners. David Brown resigns as police superintendent. And where the race between Johnson and Paul Vallas goes from here.

Election Day is here. We break down the key races as results flow in. And we’re live with reaction to the results from candidates for mayor. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.