Stories by WTTW News

Northwestern Memorial Hospital expands its downtown footprint; a rental home project is underway in the Chicago area; and could McDonald's be eyeing the metaverse?

The car market revs up despite challenges, preparing for the end of the state’s mask mandate in two weeks, and new legislation that would protect rape survivors from medical costs. Plus, dating during the pandemic and guaranteed basic income.

How a shortage of school counselors impacts students’ mental health. The status of the city’s guaranteed basic income program. And an urban historian remembers Vivian Harsh for Black History Month.

To keep or not to keep masks in schools, parents weigh in. A local anti-violence pioneer heads to D.C. Why now is the time to go all-in on tech. And an agave plant reaches for the stars.

Chicago police change their foot pursuit policy. College athletes blocked from playing in championships. Efforts to renew the Violence Against Women Act. And ancient artwork in a new setting. 

The governor announces a lifting of the mask mandate, but when, and what about schools? Two new grocery stores on the West Side. Debate over book bans. And the latest in aldermanic corruption cases.

Local congress members on the censure of Rep. Adam Kinzinger and more. One-on-one with outgoing CTU president Jesse Sharkey. Has Facebook jumped the shark? And an agave plant reaches for the stars.

Confusion at local schools following a recent court ruling on the statewide mask mandate. Plus, a political scion goes on trial, U. of C. is set to build a giant new cancer center, and the NFL faces explosive charges of discrimination.

Low-fare airlines Spirit and Frontier announce a multi-billion-dollar merger; the controversy over the Miami Dolphins may have an impact on the race for Chicago's casino; and three multi-million-dollar homes are now off the market for those searching for local luxury homes.

State’s Attorney Kim Foxx on vacating convictions and her relationship with the mayor’s office. Remembering the barrier-breaking 1963 Loyola men’s basketball team. And kicking off Black History Month.

Grading the president on his immigration policies. A Mexican ballet company returns. New songs to spice up your playlist. And a classic Mexican cocktail hits liquor store shelves.

Community reaction to Jason Van Dyke's release from prison. Laquan McDonald’s neighborhood of North Lawndale is our In Your Neighborhood stop. Plus, the city’s top cop and Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

A live report from Springfield after the governor’s state of the state and budget address. Reaction from lawmakers. This week’s snowy forecast. And a change at the top of the Chicago Teachers Union.

We hear from top Republicans ahead of the governor’s budget address. COVID-19 cases are falling in Chicago. Extreme winter weather is coming in. And we discuss upcoming plans to study Lake Michigan’s impact on the city’s shore.

A preview look as lawmakers head back to Springfield. A local doctor fights vaccine misinformation, activists react to Jason Van Dyke’s pending prison release, a ward remap stalemate and investing millions in Chicago neighborhoods.

Deerfield-based Walgreens Boots Alliance is taking bids for its international drugstore chain, Boots. Boeing makes a $450 million investment in Wisk, an autonomous air-taxi start up. And Chicago’s Loop Capital announces its acquiring BMO Asset Management. 

The former Chicago cop convicted of killing Laquan McDonald to be released from prison; activists react. Plus, a transformation in Bronzeville. And a new art exhibit explores anti-Black violence.

Gun violence shakes the Little Village community, what’s being done to curb it. Resources for those struggling with housing insecurity. And a Rogers Park business owner hopes for smashing success. 

The county’s chief judge weighs in on the city’s violence. The Bears may have a new head coach. A teacher shortage statewide. Live in Kenwood for “In Your Neighborhood” And, we go ski jumping.

A potential mayoral candidate sounds off on city crime. Our Spotlight team on that and the governor’s race. A supreme court justice may soon retire. And sending mental health providers to 911 calls.

City Council pushes back on the mayor’s gang asset forfeiture plan. Political tensions strain CTU. College enrollment lags pre-pandemic numbers. And the latest on Russia and Ukraine.

Chicago police step up their investigation into an 8-year-old’s killing. Plus, what the state is doing about COVID-19 sick days. A major Asian carp barrier moves forward with federal help, and what’s behind a state shortage of dental workers. 

McDonald’s faces a lawsuit that claims systemic racism in the company’s practices. Ann Dwyer has details on that story and more.

A look back, and ahead, as we enter year three of COVID-19. Renewed calls for action over the Little Village smokestack implosion. Helping seniors access resources. And La DePaulia turns two.

Reparations on the way for the first 16 Evanston residents selected in its program. Unresolved murder cases from the Civil Rights era get a fresh look. And a new brew for the beer industry.

Two milestones: President Biden's first year in office, and the second anniversary of COVID-19's arrival in Chicago. Harvey is our In Your Neighborhood stop tonight. And the International Puppet Fest.