Stories by WTTW News

The impact big data centers are having on the Great Lakes water supply. And Veterans Affairs staff speaks out after losing union protections — what it could mean for local veterans.

The head of the Chicago Teachers Union on the district’s budget deficit and more. And prison lockdowns are on the rise — we explore the reasons.

Local reaction to President Donald Trump’s effort to ban mail-in voting. And will a peace deal be reached between Russia and Ukraine?

The Adams County sheriff has been cooperating with ICE — does that violate Illinois law? WTTW News investigates. And CPS board members weigh in on the controversial budget proposal.

A new ICE detention center in Indiana could ramp up deportation efforts in Illinois. And how a new networking group aims to strengthen nonprofits.

Jim Lovell was the commander of the Apollo 13 mission. The dramatic story of those astronauts returning to earth after major mechanical problems in space was made into a hit movie starring Tom Hanks as Lovell.

A charging decision is made in the shooting death of Dexter Reed. And Chicago Public Schools’ latest effort to close its budget gap.

Chicago’s money problems are getting more complicated thanks to a new pension bill. And how the Trump administration’s mass deportation plans are impacting home care workers.

How to address Chicago Public Schools’ budget problem. And outrage over the closure of an Uptown hospital.

A wide-ranging one-on-one with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. And Illinois wildlife just got more interesting — we explain.

Democrats push back against Texas redistricting — despite a potential bomb threat. And an economic boost for a Far South Side community.

Texas Democrats are seeking refuge in Illinois — we hear from some of the lawmakers directly. And what a pension boost means for the city’s finances.

Texas Democrats flee to Illinois to block a Trump-backed redistricting plan. And what recent air quality alerts could mean for your health.

Longtime U.S. Rep. Danny Davis says he won’t be running for reelection. And how Pilsen is responding to ICE concerns ahead of its Fiesta del Sol event.

How a national civil rights organization is challenging the Trump administration. And meet the DJ sisters who are making their Lolla debut this weekend.

Mayor Brandon Johnson says new taxes on large companies are on the table. And a fire at a homeless encampment reignites safety concerns.

The 1984 season was a magical time for the Chicago Cubs. The team made the post-season for the first time in 39 years — eventually coming up one game short of the World Series.

Chicago’s persistent violent crime numbers finally take a downturn — we talk about why. Plus, a look at the city’s efforts to hold the Chicago Police Department accountable.

Consumer advocates push back over rising home insurance rates — what you should know. And is the city doing enough to protect birds from colliding into buildings?

Former Sen. Carol Mosely Braun on her life and career. And remembering actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner.

Actor and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner died this week in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica. Warner became everyone’s brother playing Theo Huxtable in the long-running television hit “The Cosby Show.”

One on one with Sen. Tammy Duckworth on the Epstein files, cuts to public media and more. Plus, new data on how much the city is spending on overtime.

The city’s watchdog on her decision not to seek a second term. And how new tariffs on Brazil could impact your morning caffeine fix.

The Justice Department is firing immigration court judges — we hear from some of them. And the city’s top attorney on Chicago’s legal battles with the Trump administration.

Details on an effort to override the mayor’s veto of snap curfews. And why unemployment is on the rise for Black women.

A showdown at City Hall over aldermanic prerogative. And lessons learned from the deadly 1995 heat wave.